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MADREAN JUNIPER SAVANNA (S115)
Division 301, Steppe/Savanna, CES301.730
Spatial Scale & Pattern: Large Patch Classification Confidence: medium
Required Classifiers: Natural/Semi-natural, Vegetated (>10% vasc.), Upland
Diagnostic Classifiers: Montane [Lower Montane], Woody-Herbaceous, Tropical/Subtropical [Tropical Xeric], Evergreen Sclerophyllous Tree, Succulent Shrub, Juniperus coahuilensis, J. deppeana, J. pinchotii
Non-Diagnostic Classifiers: Alluvial flat, Alluvial plain, Alluvial terrace, Sideslope, Toeslope/Valley Bottom, Sand Soil Texture, F-Patch/Low Intensity, Graminoid
Concept Summary: This Madrean ecological system occurs in lower foothills and plains of southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico extending into west Texas and Mexico. These savannas have widely spaced mature juniper trees and moderate to high cover of graminoids (>25% cover). The presence of Madrean Juniperus spp. such as Juniperus coahuilensis, Juniperus pinchotii, and/or Juniperus deppeana is diagnostic. Juniperus monosperma may be present in some stands and Juniperus deppeana has a broader range than this Madrean system and extends north of into southern stands of the Southern Rocky Mountain Juniper Woodland and Savanna (CES306.834). Stands of Juniperus pinchotii may be short and resemble a shrubland. Graminoid species are a mix of those found in Western Great Plains Shortgrass Prairie (CES303.672) and Apachierian - Chihuahuan Piedmont Semi-Desert Grassland and Steppe (CES302.735), with Bouteloua gracilis and Pleuraphis jamesii being most common. In addition, these areas include succulents such as species of Yucca, Opuntia, and Agave. Juniper savanna expansion into grasslands has been documented in the last century.
DISTRIBUTION
Range: Southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico extending into west Texas and Mexico.
Ecological Divisions: 301
TNC Ecoregions: 22:C, 24:C, 30:P
Subnations/Nations: AZ:c, NM:c, nMX:c, TX:c
CONCEPT
Alliances and Associations:
• JUNIPERUS DEPPEANA WOODLAND ALLIANCE (A.534) Juniperus deppeana / Bouteloua gracilis Woodland (CEGL000693) Juniperus deppeana / Bouteloua hirsuta Woodland (CEGL000694) Juniperus deppeana / Muhlenbergia emersleyi Woodland (CEGL000697) Juniperus deppeana / Panicum obtusum Woodland (CEGL000698) Juniperus deppeana / Schizachyrium cirratum Woodland (CEGL000699)
• JUNIPERUS MONOSPERMA WOODLAND ALLIANCE (A.504) Juniperus monosperma / Bouteloua eriopoda Woodland (CEGL000709)
• QUERCUS MOHRIANA SHRUBLAND ALLIANCE (A.782) Quercus mohriana - Juniperus pinchotii / Bouteloua curtipendula Shrubland (CEGL002173)
SOURCES
References: Barbour and Billings 2000, Brown et al. 1979, Brown et al. 1998, Dick-Peddie 1993
Last updated: 20 Feb 2003
Stakeholders: WCS, SCS
Concept Author: NatureServe Western Ecology Team
LeadResp: WCS |
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