Name:
Pinus edulis - Juniperus osteosperma / Quercus gambelii Woodland
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
This widespread woodland association is known from the Colorado Plateau and western slope of the southern Rocky Mountains, occurring in northern New Mexico, the Mogollon Rim of Arizona, in the Grand Canyon, and north into Utah and western Colorado. The vegetation is characterized by an open tree canopy (10-60% cover) codominated by <i>Pinus edulis</i> and <i>Juniperus osteosperma</i>. The species of <i>Juniperus</i> can vary with geography and elevation. <i>Juniperus monosperma</i> or <i>Juniperus deppeana</i> are sometimes present in northern Arizona and <i>Juniperus scopulorum</i> is more common in higher elevation stands. <i>Quercus gambelii</i> dominates the often patchy, moderately dense tall-shrub layer with at least 5% cover, but often over 25% cover. <i>Amelanchier utahensis, Cercocarpus montanus, Symphoricarpos oreophilus</i>, or species of <i>Yucca</i> and <i>Opuntia</i> are common shrub associates. Herbaceous cover is variable, ranging from sparse to moderately dense, but generally dominated by graminoids (>5% cover) with scattered forbs. Associated graminoids include <i>Achnatherum hymenoides, Bouteloua gracilis, Carex geyeri, Carex rossii, Elymus elymoides, Festuca arizonica, Koeleria macrantha, Muhlenbergia montana, Poa fendleriana</i>, and <i>Schizachyrium scoparium</i>. Elevations range from 1509-2665 m. Sites are variable but generally are relatively mesic. Stands occur on flat to moderate slopes along drainages and on mesatops, and on moderate to steep, rocky slopes of foothills, mountains and canyons, especially in draws where soil moisture is concentrated, or on northern aspects or where shaded by upper canyon walls. The soils are variable and range from deep to shallow, silty clay to sandy loam, and often gravelly. Litter from <i>Quercus gambelii</i> and other shrubs is often extensive (over 50% cover).
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:34405-{F222E69D-681D-4AD2-8F8A-462B8F7C952C}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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