Comm #8693
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Eleocharis palustris - Carex praegracilis - Berula erecta Herbaceous Vegetation
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accession code: VB.CC.20858.ELEOCHARISPALUS
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Western Ecology Working Group of... |
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This association is restricted to southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and northern Sonora, Mexico. It is found along perennial streams in valleys and mountain foothills, from 1060-1700 m elevation. The habitats supporting cienega marshes are associated with perennial springs and headwater streams, with permanent, scarcely fluctuating sources of water. The valleys where they occur are typically wide and gently sloping, where flood velocities are readily dissipated. The soils consist of layers of organic peats and fine-textured silts, and can build to depths of several meters. These sponge-like soils store water and provide a base flow during drought periods. As described here, this association is composed of the emergent, herbaceous vegetation found in the areas of shallower water between pools rather than the deeper zones of these cienegas. This association is composed of a highly diverse mixture of perennial and annual forb and graminoid species. Structurally these herbaceous species form a dense mat of growth, typically around 0.5 m in height. Perennial, semi-aquatic sedges and rushes are typically dominant. Some of the more constant and abundant species include Eleocharis palustris, Juncus balticus, Schoenoplectus americanus (= Scirpus americanus), Carex praegracilis, Carex pellita (= Carex lanuginosa), and Cyperus spp. Some of the more common grasses include Panicum bulbosum, Polypogon monspeliensis, Muhlenbergia asperifolia, and Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus. Forbs can be locally common and include such species as Berula erecta, Bidens aurea, Bidens ferulifolia, Bidens laevis, Hydrocotyle spp., Ranunculus macranthus, Oenothera speciosa, and Mimulus guttatus. There are occasionally woody species occurring within the herbaceous matrix, primarily from nearby sites supporting riparian woodlands. |
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