Name:
Fouquieria splendens - Nolina spp. - Atriplex hymenelytra Rock Vegetation Group
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
This group consists of barren and sparsely vegetated substrates from a variety of landscapes across the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico in the Chihuahuan, Sonoran, and Mojave deserts, extending south along coastal areas around the Gulf of California. Vegetation is variable depending on environmental factors of the sites, which range from sea level to subalpine elevations. Lower elevation sites often have herbaceous or shrub species present, whereas foothill, montane and subalpine sites may also include trees. Most of the species also occur in non-sparse vegetation groups. Common coastal species include <i>Amaranthus watsonii, Eucnide rupestris, Ficus</i> spp., <i>Hofmeisteria</i> spp., <i>Nicotiana obtusifolia, Maytenus phyllanthoides</i>, and <i>Pleurocoronis laphamioides</i>. In the foothills and low mountains, <i>Bursera microphylla, Fouquieria splendens, Juniperus deppeana, Nolina bigelovii, Cylindropuntia bigelovii</i>, and <i>Pinus discolor</i> are often present. On harsh shaly substrates, <i>Atriplex hymenelytra</i> is common. The nearly ubiquitous <i>Eriogonum fasciculatum</i> and <i>Larrea tridentata</i> are often present. High mountain cliffs and outcrops will often have scattered <i>Abies concolor</i> and <i>Pseudotsuga menziesii</i> trees growing. Nonvascular (lichens) plants are the predominant lifeform in some areas. Sites occur on a variety of landforms, including cliffs, narrow canyons, and smaller rock outcrops in desert mountains; pebbly pavement in xeric basins and alluvial fans; and upland areas around playas and washes. Geology is variable and includes igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock types. Sparse vegetation also occurs on special substrates such as shale or mudstone outcrops in badlands and volcanic deposits such as tuff and basal lava. Rock substrates include bedrock and unstable talus and scree slopes in mountains. Some substrates, such as marine shales, are strongly alkaline and/or saline which chemically limits plant growth. Active substrates such as scree slopes are difficult sites for plants to grow. Physical properties of substrates may also limit plant growth. Badland sites often have heavy clay soils that reduce water infiltration increasing erosion rates and reducing soil moisture for plants.
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:40238-{59E5050C-2DB2-463E-8BFB-5710F7878830}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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