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COLORADO PLATEAU PINYON-JUNIPER SHRUBLAND (S052)
Division 304, Shrubland, CES304.766
Spatial Scale & Pattern: Matrix Classification Confidence: low
Required Classifiers: Natural/Semi-natural, Vegetated (>10% vasc.), Upland
Diagnostic Classifiers: Lowland [Foothill], Mesa, Ridge/Summit/Upper Slope, Sedimentary Rock, Temperate [Temperate Xeric], Aridic, Pinus edulis, Juniperus osteosperma
Non-Diagnostic Classifiers: Shrubland (Shrub-dominated), Foothill(s), Sideslope, Alkaline Soil, Long Disturbance Interval, F-Patch/Medium Intensity
Concept Summary: This ecological system is characteristic of the rocky mesa tops and slopes on the Colorado Plateau and western slope of Colorado, but these stunted tree shrublands may extend further upslope along the low-elevation margins of taller pinyon-juniper woodlands. Sites are drier than Colorado Plateau Pinyon-Juniper Woodland (CES304.767). Substrates are shallow/rocky and shaley soils at lower elevations (1200-2000 m). Sparse examples of the system grade into Colorado Plateau Mixed Bedrock Canyon and Tableland (CES304.765). The vegetation is dominated by dwarfed (usually <3 m tall) Pinus edulis and/or Juniperus osteosperma trees forming extensive tall shrublands in the region along low-elevation margins of pinyon-juniper woodlands. Other shrubs, if present, may include Artemisia nova, Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, orColeogyne ramosissima. Herbaceous layers are sparse to moderately dense and typically composed of xeric graminoids.
DISTRIBUTION
Range: Rocky mesa tops and slopes on the Colorado Plateau.
Ecological Divisions: 304, 306?
TNC Ecoregions: 18:C, 19:C, 20:?
Subnations/Nations: AZ:c, CO:c, NM:c, UT:c
CONCEPT
Alliances and Associations:
• JUNIPERUS OSTEOSPERMA WOODLAND ALLIANCE (A.536) Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus intricatus Woodland (CEGL000733)
• PINUS EDULIS - (JUNIPERUS SPP.) WOODLAND ALLIANCE (A.516) Pinus edulis - Juniperus osteosperma / Arctostaphylos patula Woodland (CEGL002939) Pinus edulis - Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus intricatus Woodland (CEGL000779) Pinus edulis - Juniperus osteosperma / Coleogyne ramosissima Woodland (CEGL000781) Pinus edulis - Juniperus osteosperma / Purshia stansburiana Woodland (CEGL000782) Pinus edulis - Juniperus spp. / Cercocarpus montanus Woodland (CEGL000780) Pinus edulis / Arctostaphylos pungens Woodland (CEGL000775) Pinus edulis / Purshia tridentata Woodland (CEGL000789) Pinus edulis / Rockland Woodland (CEGL000794)
SOURCES
References: Tuhy et al. 2002, West et al. 1998
Last updated: 20 Feb 2003
Stakeholders: WCS
Concept Author: NatureServe Western Ecology Team
LeadResp: WCS |
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