Name:
Salsola spp. Ruderal Grassland
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
This herbaceous association is widespread on disturbed areas in semi-arid regions of the interior western U.S. Vegetation is dominated by exotic annual weedy species, especially <i>Salsola tragus</i> and, less frequently, other species such as <i>Salsola collina, Salsola kali</i>, or <i>Salsola paulsenii</i>. Scattered native shrubs may be present, including <i>Atriplex canescens, Atriplex confertifolia, Ephedra torreyana, Krascheninnikovia lanata, Ericameria nauseosa, Opuntia polyacantha, Opuntia phaeacantha, Sarcobatus vermiculatus</i>, and <i>Sclerocactus whipplei</i>. Remnant native herbaceous species contribute little cover but are usually present; <i>Sporobolus cryptandrus, Achnatherum hymenoides, Pleuraphis jamesii, Sporobolus airoides, Cryptantha</i> sp., <i>Sphaeralcea coccinea, Plantago patagonica, Cleome lutea, Ambrosia acanthicarpa, Eriogonum inflatum</i>, and <i>Lappula occidentalis</i> were recorded in sampled plots. <i>Bromus tectorum</i> generally has significant cover. Some areas with fine-textured soils lack biological soil crusts, but sandy sites can have as much as 60% cover. This herbaceous association occurs on floodplains, canyon bottoms, playas, and on active sand dunes. Sites are on flat to steep slopes. Sand or bare soil covers most of the unvegetated surface, although some sites have moderate cover of litter representing the previous crop of annual weeds. Biological soil crusts provide sparse to moderate cover depending on whether the site is being grazed or otherwise disturbed. Soils are moderately well-drained to rapidly drained sands, silt loams, or clays derived from alluvium.
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:32853-{EAA4084A-98BB-4032-B8DD-AC04C9A57640}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
1
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