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Juniperus osteosperma Grassy Open Woodland Alliance | NatureServe Biotics 2019
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Name: Juniperus osteosperma Grassy Open Woodland Alliance
Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description: Stands have a typically open to moderately dense tree canopy with an understory characterized by herbaceous vegetation. Tree canopy is dominated by <i>Juniperus osteosperma</i> with <i>Juniperus scopulorum</i> becoming important at higher elevations and along drainages. <i>Pinus</i> species are absent or accidental. Perennial grasses typically dominate the herbaceous layer although forbs are present and can be diverse. Characteristic species include <i>Achnatherum hymenoides, Bouteloua gracilis, Hesperostipa comata, Hesperostipa neomexicana, Leymus salinus, Pleuraphis jamesii, Pleuraphis mutica</i>, and <i>Pseudoroegneria spicata</i>. The non-native, invasive annual grass <i>Bromus tectorum</i> may be abundant in disturbed stands and dominate the herbaceous layer of highly disturbed stands. The core distribution of this juniper alliance is the Colorado Plateau, but it extends out into adjacent ecoregions primarily west into the Great Basin and north and east into the foothills of the central and southern Rocky Mountains. Stands occur on level to moderately steep alluvial fans and terraces, colluvial slopes, benches, hills, and badlands. Elevation of most stands ranges from 1423 to 1880 m (4670-6165 feet) but may occur as high as 2200 m (7215 feet) on warmer southwest-facing slopes. Sites may be oriented to any aspect. Stands have been observed on north-facing steep slopes along bluffs of the Snake River in southeastern Idaho. Soils are well-drained sands, sandy clays, or clay loams derived from shales, sandstones, or a mix of the two. Less frequently substrates are derived from eolian sands. 
Accession Code: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:38782-{9C39D5B6-C2C4-4C14-B199-35A4F50257F6}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 14-Mar-2014 to: ongoing
      Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.899620 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: A3497
  Translated: Utah Juniper Grassy Open Woodland Alliance
  Common: Utah Juniper Grassy Open Woodland
  Scientific: Juniperus osteosperma Grassy Open Woodland Alliance