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SOUTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN JUNIPER WOODLAND AND SAVANNA (S074)
Division 306, Steppe/Savanna, CES306.834
Spatial Scale & Pattern: Large Patch Classification Confidence: medium
Required Classifiers: Natural/Semi-natural, Vegetated (>10% vasc.), Upland
Diagnostic Classifiers: Lowland [Foothill], Woody-Herbaceous, Shallow Soil, Mineral: W/ A-Horizon <10 cm, Aridic, Needle-Leaved Tree, Graminoid, Juniperus monosperma & grasses
Non-Diagnostic Classifiers: Lowland [Lowland], Temperate [Temperate Continental], Unglaciated, Intermediate Disturbance Interval, Moderate (100-500 yrs) Persistence
Concept Summary: This ecological system occupies the lower and warmest elevations growing from 1370 to 1830 m in a semi-arid climate, primarily along the east and south slopes of the southern Rockies and Arizona-New Mexico mountains. It is best represented just below the lower elevational range of ponderosa pine and often intermingles with grasslands and shrublands. This system is best described as a savanna that has widely spaced mature (>150 years old) juniper trees and occasionally Pinus edulis. Juniperus monosperma and Juniperus scopulorum (at higher elevation)are the dominant tall shrubs or short trees. These savannas may have inclusions of more dense juniper woodlands and have expanded into adjacent grasslands during in the last century. Graminoid species are similar to those found in Western Great Plains Shortgrass Prairie (CES303.672), with Bouteloua gracilis and Pleuraphis jamesii being most common. In addition, succulents such as species of Yucca and Opuntia are typically present.
DISTRIBUTION
Range: Occupies the lower and warmest elevations growing from 1370 to 1830 m in a semi-arid climate, primarily along the east and south slopes of the southern Rockies and Arizona-New Mexico mountains.
Ecological Divisions: 303, 304, 306
TNC Ecoregions: 19:C, 20:C, 21:C, 27:C
Subnations/Nations: AZ:c, CO:c, NM:c, UT:c
CONCEPT
Alliances and Associations:
• JUNIPERUS MONOSPERMA WOODLAND ALLIANCE (A.504) Juniperus monosperma / Andropogon hallii Woodland (CEGL000704) Juniperus monosperma / Bouteloua curtipendula Woodland (CEGL000708) Juniperus monosperma / Bouteloua eriopoda Woodland (CEGL000709) Juniperus monosperma / Bouteloua gracilis Woodland (CEGL000710) Juniperus monosperma / Cercocarpus montanus - Ribes cereum Woodland (CEGL000714) Juniperus monosperma / Cercocarpus montanus Woodland (CEGL000713) Juniperus monosperma / Hesperostipa neomexicana Woodland (CEGL000722)
SOURCES
References: Anderson et al. 1985, Barnes 1987, Bassett et al. 1987, Blackburn and Tueller 1970, Commons et al. 1999, Dick-Peddie 1993, Dwyer and Pieper 1967, Eager 1999, Fitzhugh et al. 1987, Francis 1986, Gehlbach 1967, Ladyman and Muldavin 1996, Larson and Moir 1986, Larson and Moir 1987, Mehl 1992, Neely et al. 2001, Rogers 1950, West 1999b, West and Young 2000, Wright and Bailey 1982
Last updated: 20 Feb 2003
Stakeholders: WCS
Concept Author: NatureServe Western Ecology Team
LeadResp: WCS |
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