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Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Sparse Understory Shrubland | NatureServe Biotics 2019
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Name: Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Sparse Understory Shrubland
Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description: This association is intended to represent sagebrush shrublands where the sparse understory is the result of edaphic conditions, not grazing or other disturbance. Total vegetation cover is somewhat sparse in these sagebrush communities, rarely exceeding 40% and usually closer to 25%. The shrub layer consists of dwarfed <i>Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis</i> shrubs, sometimes accompanied by <i>Purshia tridentata, Atriplex confertifolia, Ephedra viridis</i>, or <i>Ericameria nauseosa</i>. The understory of dwarf-shrubs and herbaceous species has less than 5% cover, and usually much less. Common species include <i>Gutierrezia sarothrae, Achnatherum hymenoides, Pleuraphis jamesii</i>, and <i>Bouteloua gracilis</i>. Cryptobiotic crusts may be well-developed in sandy sites. It occurs in scattered patches throughout the sagebrush zone of the Colorado Plateau and western Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Utah. Elevations range from 1590 to 2390 m (5215-7840 feet), and sites occur on level to moderately steep slopes. There is a slight tendency toward hot western and southern exposures. Soils may be thin over bedrock, or loose, unstable sands, or tight clays, or extremely well-drained gravels; all of these situations tend to discourage herbaceous growth. 
Accession Code: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:31673-{9DEC88DF-A976-45B9-BF03-52B6B18EA87F}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 12-Jul-2016 to: ongoing
      Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.770580 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: CEGL002768
  Translated: Wyoming Big Sagebrush / Sparse Understory Shrubland
  Scientific: Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Sparse Understory Shrubland
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(similar) Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Sparse Understory Shrubland