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Atriplex spp. Desert Pavement Sparse Vegetation | NatureServe Biotics 2019
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Name: Atriplex spp. Desert Pavement Sparse Vegetation
Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description: This association is known from Arches National Park but likely is widespread in the canyonlands of the Colorado Plateau in eastern Utah. Stands are restricted to flats and low hills of the Morrison Formation (Brushy Basin Member) armored by a nearly solid veneer of pebbles and small rocks polished and stained to form a desert pavement. Elevations range from 1396 to 1451 m, and slopes do not exceed 5°. The silty or sandy clay soils are exposed only where drainages cross the pavement or fossorial rodents have churned it. Some sites have a hardpan only a few inches below the surface, preventing the penetration of roots and dwarfing the vegetation. The vegetation is sparse and does not exceed 5% total cover and often is as low as 1 or 2%. Stands consist of scattered shrubs of <i>Atriplex gardneri</i> or <i>Atriplex confertifolia</i> separated by broad expanses of dark, wind-polished desert pavement. Herbaceous species are variable but never exceed 1% cover. Common species include <i>Encelia nutans, Sphaeralcea</i> spp., <i>Calochortus nuttallii</i>, and <i>Platyschkuhria integrifolia</i>. 
Accession Code: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:32627-{AB85CC57-26D3-4890-9D57-6B194D14B3AA}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 05-Jul-2006 to: ongoing
      Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.792225 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: CEGL003767
  Translated: Saltbush species Desert Pavement Sparse Vegetation
  Scientific: Atriplex spp. Desert Pavement Sparse Vegetation
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(similar) Atriplex spp. Desert Pavement Sparse Vegetation