Login | Datasets | Logout
 

View Community Concepts - Detail

Robinia neomexicana / Carex inops ssp. heliophila Shrubland | NatureServe Biotics 2019
  click to update datacart
Name: Robinia neomexicana / Carex inops ssp. heliophila Shrubland
Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description: This association is only known to occur at Bandelier National Monument in north-central New Mexico. The current description is based on data received from there and will be updated when additional inventory data are available. This mid-elevation association occurs on sites with moderate to high solar exposure that increases with elevation. Stands occur on gentle to moderate slopes (5-20%) including rolling mesatops and mountain shoulder slopes, and occasionally on steep canyon or mountain slopes (&gt;40%). Soils are primarily well-developed Mollisols derived from pumice, or occasionally fine-textured Alfisols derived from eolian deposits over rhyolitic tuff residuum. The ground surface is typically characterized by scattered bunchgrasses amid litter, pumice gravel, or exposed soil. Elevation ranges between 2020 and 2550 m (6640-8370 feet). This montane shrubland typically occurs in burned areas that once supported pine and mixed conifer forests. Shrub cover can exceed 80% and is dominated by deciduous broadleaf <i>Robinia neomexicana</i>. <i>Quercus gambelii</i> is absent or accidental, and other shrubs such as <i>Ceanothus fendleri</i> and <i>Rosa woodsii</i> are uncommon. Tree seedlings and saplings (<i>Abies concolor, Pinus ponderosa</i>, and <i>Pseudotsuga menziesii</i>) can be present. The herbaceous layer richness is moderate, but variable in cover (5-80%). Diagnostic and often abundant graminoids include <i>Carex inops ssp. heliophila</i> and other deer sedges (<i>Carex geophila, Carex occidentalis</i>, and <i>Carex rossii</i>). Common associates include <i>Koeleria macrantha</i> and <i>Poa fendleriana</i>. On sites that have been seeded following fire, common to abundant species may include <i>Agropyron cristatum, Bromus inermis, Elymus trachycaulus</i>, and <i>Pascopyrum smithii</i>, among others. While forbs are diverse, composition is variable from stand to stand, and cover is usually less than 10%. 
Accession Code: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:34135-{E890C177-30EB-4B11-B47A-772A0B650012}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 30-Mar-2009 to: ongoing
      Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.821379 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: CEGL005375
  Translated: New Mexico Locust / Sun Sedge Shrubland
  Scientific: Robinia neomexicana / Carex inops ssp. heliophila Shrubland
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(similar) Robinia neomexicana / Carex inops ssp. heliophila Shrubland