Name:
Eriogonum wrightii - Eriogonum heermannii - Buddleja utahensis Scrub Alliance
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
This alliance forms an open shrub layer. The emergent tree layer, when present, is typically sparse, and the herbaceous layer is sparse to open. The stands have diagnostic presence of <i>Eriogonum wrightii, Eriogonum heermannii</i>, and/or <i>Buddleja utahensis</i> in the shrub layer; other characteristic shrubs at lower cover may include <i>Eriogonum fasciculatum</i> and <i>Prunus fasciculata</i>. Shrubs that are often present include <i>Brickellia microphylla, Echinocactus polycephalus, Echinocereus mojavensis, Ericameria linearifolia, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Escobaria vivipara, Gutierrezia microcephala, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea, Quercus turbinella, Scopulophila rixfordii</i>, and <i>Yucca schidigera</i>. <i>Juniperus osteosperma</i> is a commonly emergent tree at sparse cover. Dominant and characteristic herbs may include <i>Achnatherum speciosum, Arabis</i> spp., <i>Aristida purpurea, Bouteloua gracilis, Bromus rubens, Bromus tectorum, Descurainia pinnata, Elymus elymoides, Erigeron</i> spp., <i>Erodium cicutarium, Gilia</i> spp., <i>Hymenoxys cooperi, Lesquerella kingii, Lomatium nevadense, Poa secunda, Sphaeralcea ambigua</i>, and <i>Streptanthus cordatus</i>. Cryptogamic crust and moss are often present. The alliance is found in California and Arizona. In desert areas it is found primarily on bedrock outcrops at various aspects and high slopes at east to southeast aspects. It may also occur on flats, ridgetops, and stony slopes on granitic, sedimentary, or serpentine substrates. Elevations range from approximately 950 to 1900 m. Soils are derived from calcareous substrates, including limestone, sandstone with dolostone (dolomite), alluvium, and granodiorite. Textures include clay loam, sandy loam, and silty clay, as well as sandy and gravelly alluvium.
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:39366-{B2942AC2-B0FD-418B-91E8-6FC2E49BC862}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
4
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