Name:
A.1043
Reference:
EcoArt 2002
Description:
This shrubland alliance occurs in the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts. Sites include sandy plains, mesas, bajadas, drainage terraces and channels, floodplains and rocky slopes. Although ~Prosopis velutina$ is deep rooted, it typically occurs on sites with shallow water tables, especially along arroyos. Sites are generally flat or on gentle to moderate south-facing slopes. Substrates are generally coarse-textured, but may include gravelly clay loams. Some sites are moderately saline. Shrublands included in this alliance are dominated by the shrub/small tree ~Prosopis velutina$. ~Acacia greggii$ and~Celtis laevigata var. reticulata$ are frequent riparian scrub codominants. These shrublands often have high shrub diversity and may include ~Acacia constricta, Chilopsis linearis, Ericameria laricifolia, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Hymenoclea salsola, Isocoma tenuisecta, Juniperus monosperma, Larrea tridentata, Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera (= Mimosa biuncifera)$, and ~Rhus$ spp. The herbaceous layer has sparse to moderate cover of medium-tall and short perennial grasses. Characteristic perennial grasses include ~Aristida$ spp., ~Bouteloua curtipendula, Bouteloua eriopoda, Dasyochloa pulchella (= Erioneuron pulchellum), Elymus elymoides, Hilaria belangeri, Muhlenbergia porteri$, and ~Sporobolus$ spp. Annual grasses are present, but have sparse cover. Forbs are also sparse, but may include species of ~Datura, Mentzelia, Polanisia$, and ~Rumex$. Succulents are often present and may include ~Agave$ spp., ~Ferocactus wislizeni, Opuntia$ spp., ~Yucca baccata$, or ~Yucca elata$ depending on geography. Diagnostic of this alliance is the dominance of ~Prosopis velutina$ in the shrub layer.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.814.A1043
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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