Name:
Artemisia filifolia Colorado Plateau Shrubland Alliance
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
The vegetation is characterized by an open shrub canopy dominated by <i>Artemisia filifolia</i> that is usually mixed with other shrubs. Total vegetation cover ranges broadly from sparsely vegetated disturbed sites with less than 5% total cover to stable, well-developed communities with more than 50% cover. Other shrub associates may include <i>Atriplex canescens, Coleogyne ramosissima, Ephedra torreyana, Ephedra viridis, Ericameria nauseosa, Eriogonum leptocladon, Opuntia</i> spp., <i>Sarcobatus vermiculatus</i>, and <i>Vanclevea stylosa</i>. The herbaceous layer is moderate in terms of species composition and provides sparse to moderate cover. Graminoids that may be present include <i>Achnatherum hymenoides, Hesperostipa comata, Pleuraphis jamesii, Sporobolus cryptandrus</i>, and <i>Vulpia octoflora</i>. The non-native <i>Bromus tectorum</i> may be prominent on disturbed sites. Forbs vary among sites but are typical of sandy habitats, including <i>Abronia fragrans, Lepidium montanum, Oenothera pallida, Salsola tragus</i>, and <i>Sphaeralcea parvifolia</i>. Cryptogams may be absent or may provide up to 40% cover. These shrublands are known from the Colorado Plateau and occur on sandy, often somewhat disturbed sites on valley floors, stream terraces, stabilized dunes and sandsheets, benches, floodplains and alluvial fans. Most sites are level to gently sloping, with a few on moderate slopes (up to 21%), and may be oriented to any aspect, although there is a slight tendency toward warmer southerly aspects. Elevations range from 1122 to 1769 m.
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:38469-{95067FA2-BDFE-4A12-8FAF-F4325D962008}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
|
