Name:
Coleogyne ramosissima - Ephedra cutleri - Ephedra torreyana Colorado Plateau Shrubland Group
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
This semi-arid Colorado Plateau shrubland group is characterized by extensive, typically open shrublands dominated by <i>Coleogyne ramosissima</i> or one of three species of <i>Ephedra</i>: <i>Ephedra cutleri, Ephedra torreyana</i>, or <i>Ephedra viridis</i>. <i>Ephedra cutleri</i> and <i>Ephedra viridis</i> often assume a distinctive matty growth form. Other dominant /diagnostic shrubs that occur either singly or in mixed stands include <i>Artemisia filifolia</i> (often on deep-sand sites), <i>Poliomintha incana, Quercus havardii var. tuckeri</i>, and <i>Vanclevea stylosa</i>. Other more widespread shrubs, such as <i>Ericameria nauseosa</i> and <i>Grayia spinosa</i>, may be present to dominant locally. The herbaceous layer is sparse and composed of graminoids such as <i>Achnatherum hymenoides, Hesperostipa comata, Pleuraphis jamesii</i>, or <i>Sporobolus cryptandrus</i>. The general aspect of occurrences is an open low shrubland but may include small blowouts and dunes. Occasionally grasses may be moderately abundant locally and form a distinct layer. Stands occur on windswept mesas, benchlands, colluvial slopes, pediments, alluvial fans, broad basins and plains. Elevation ranges from 560-1800 m. Substrates are shallow, typically calcareous, non-saline and gravelly or sandy soils over sandstone bedrock or limestone bedrock (less common), caliche or limestone alluvium. It also occurs in deeper soils on sandy plains and stabilized sandsheets and may form small hummocks or small coppice dunes. Disturbance may be important in maintaining the woody component. Eolian processes are evident, such as pediceled plants, occasional blowouts or small dunes, but the generally higher vegetative cover and less prominent geomorphic features distinguish this group from active and stabilized dune complexes.
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:40069-{B201001A-2C74-4597-BAF2-7CD9982C3F14}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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