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A.1106 | EcoArt 2002
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Name: A.1106
Reference: EcoArt 2002
Description: These communities occur in relatively dry areas of the sagebrush desert of Nevada (and probably Utah), from 1200-1800 m in elevation. Precipitation averages 15-20 cm annually, with a significant proportion arriving as snow. Growing-season drought is characteristic. Soils are usually shallow and often unique, including Green River Shale, heavy clays, or calcareous outcrops or gravels. These communities often harbor regionally rare plant species. This alliance is characterized by a sparse dwarf-shrub layer of ~Artemisia pygmaea$, with other shrubs scattered through the stands. Only one association is presently described for this alliance, from central Nevada. In addition to ~Artemisia pygmaea$, that association included ~Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Atriplex confertifolia, Ephedra nevadensis$, and ~Artemisia nova$ in the shrub layer. According to the authors, none of these associated shrubs are constant or characteristic of these communities. A sparse graminoid layer was usually present, including ~Elymus elymoides$ and ~Achnatherum hymenoides (= Oryzopsis hymenoides)$. Forbs include ~Sphaeralcea coccinea, Eriogonum caespitosum$, and ~Astragalus$ spp. Adjacent vegetation types are most often dominated by ~Artemisia nova$, which often forms the vegetation matrix surrounding these unique communities. Other contiguous vegetation types include ~Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus$ or ~Atriplex confertifolia$ shrublands. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.879.A1106
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 26-Nov-1997 to: 17-Mar-2005
     
  • status: accepted
  • Community's Parent: III.A.5.N.a
  • This Community's Level: Alliance
  • This Community's Children: [none]
Names:   Scientific: ARTEMISIA PYGMAEA SHRUBLAND ALLIANCE
  Code: A.1106
  Common: Pygmy Sagebrush Shrubland Alliance
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(undetermined) Artemisia pygmaea Shrubland Alliance