Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R028AB230UT
Semidesert Shallow Hardpan (Black Sagebrush) South
Last updated: 6/12/2025
Accessed: 12/06/2025
General information
Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 028A–Ancient Lake Bonneville
MLRA 28A occurs in Utah (82 percent), Nevada (16 percent), and Idaho (2 percent). It encompasses approximately 36,775 square miles (95,246 square kilometers). A large area west and southwest of Great Salt Lake is a salty playa. This area is the farthest eastern extent of the Great Basin Section of the Basin and Range Province of the Intermontane Plateaus. It is an area of nearly level basins between widely separated mountain ranges trending north to south. The basins are bordered by long, gently sloping alluvial fans. The mountains are uplifted fault blocks with steep side slopes. Most of the valleys are closed basins containing sinks or playa lakes. Elevation ranges from 3,950 to 6,560 feet (1,204 to 2000 meters) in the basins and from 6,560 to 11,150 feet (1996 to 3398 meters) in the mountains. Much of the MLRA has alluvial valley fill and playa lakebed deposits at the surface from pluvial Lake Bonneville, which dominated this MLRA 13,000 years ago. A level line of remnant lake terraces on some mountain slopes indicates the former extent of this glacial lake. The Great Salt Lake is what remains of the pluvial lake.
Mountains in the interior of this MLRA consist of tilted blocks of marine sediments from Cambrian to Mississippian age with scattered outcrops of Tertiary continental sediments and volcanic rocks. The average annual precipitation is 5 to 12 inches (13 to 30 cm) in the valleys and ranges up to 49 inches (124 cm) in the mountains. Most of the rainfall in the southern LRU occurs as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms during the growing season (April through September). The driest period is from midsummer to early autumn in the northern LRU. Precipitation in winter typically occurs as snow. The average annual temperature is 39 to 53 °F (4 to 12 °C). The freeze-free period averages 165 days and ranges from 110 to 215 days, decreasing in length with increasing elevation. The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Aridisols, Entisols, and Mollisols. Soils are dominantly in the mesic or frigid soil temperature regime, aridic or xeric soil moisture regime, and mixed mineralogy. The soils are generally well drained, loamy or loamy-skeletal, and very deep.
LRU notes
The Basin and Range South LRU has mountain ranges that are about 40 percent sedimentary/metasedimentary (limestone/quartzite dominant) and about 40 percent Tertiary volcanics. The basin floors are generally higher in the southern LRU than in the north LRU between 4,900 and 6,100 feet (1493 to 1859 meters) in elevation. The Basin and Range South LRU also exhibits patterns of summers with a greater relative amount of precipitation in July and August coming from convective storms (ustic trending pattern). Pinyon and juniper ecological sites have a great percentage of pinyon pine (Pinus edulis or monophylla) than Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma), with pinyon pine up to 50 percent of the tree composition in the semidesert zones and more than 50 percent in upland zones. Warm season grasses, such as James’ galleta (Pleuraphis jamesii) or blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), are present within the plant community, and can make up a large portion of the subdominant grass composition. Bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) and cliffrose (Purshia sp.) are also present and dominant on some ecological sites in the southern LRU, while they are sparse or absent in the northern LRU.
Ecological site concept
The Semidesert Shallow Hardpan (Black Sagebrush) South site occurs in the semidesert zone of the Great Salt Lake Area (MLRA D28A). It is most commonly found on gently sloping alluvial fans and fan terraces at elevations between 4,800 and 6,500 feet (1463 to 1980 meters). Average annual precipitation typically ranges between 8 and 12 inches (203 to 305 millimeters), with March to May as the wettest months, with additional peaks of precipitation July through October and June as the driest month during the growing season. The soils of this site are characterized as loamy and shallow to a root-limiting petrocalcic horizon. These soils are typically high in carbonates, and sometimes have up to 30 percent gravels in the profile. The plant community is historically dominated by black sagebrush (Artemisia nova), which thrives on soils high in carbonates, and diverse perennial bunchgrasses, including bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides), squirreltail (Elymus elymoides), and needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata). Because this site receives additional moisture during the growing season from summer convective stores, this site also has warm season grasses like James’ galleta and blue grama in the understory. Utah juniper can establish on this site, but was historically removed by fire every 150-250 years. Perennial grasses dominated the site for several years following fire, while black sagebrush slowly increased in the community and eventually co-dominated the site with perennial grasses.
Modern disturbances, such as road development, livestock grazing, recreation, fire suppression, and invasive species, have altered the plant community dynamics of this site from historic conditions. Under modern disturbance regimes, this site is susceptible to cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) dominance, Juniper dominance, introduced perennial grass dominance, and black sagebrush dominance (i.e. black sagebrush without the perennial grass understory). Modern and historic plant community dynamics are further explained in the state-and-transition diagram and associated narratives.
This site occurs across the proposed LRU boundary. The similar site in the north LRU is R028AY230UT. There are currently no soils correlated to this site, but soils located in the southern LRU boundary have been used to develop the site concept. These soils will need to be evaluated in the field to determine site correlation.
Similar sites
| R028AY230UT |
Semidesert Shallow Hardpan (Black Sagebrush) North This site occurs in the northern Basin and Range LRU and will not have as much influence from summer convective storms and will have little to no warm season grasses in the community. |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
Not specified |
Physiographic features
The Semidesert Shallow Hardpan (Black Sagebrush) South site most commonly occurs on alluvial fans, fan terraces, and mountain slopes at elevations from 4,800 to 6,500 feet (1463 to 1980 meters). It occurs less frequently on stream terraces and fan remnants. Slopes are typically 2 to 15 percent. Flooding and ponding do not normally occur on this site.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Alluvial fan
(2) Fan terrace (3) Mountain slope |
|---|---|
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 4,800 – 6,500 ft |
| Slope | 2 – 15% |
Climatic features
The Semidesert Shallow Hardpan (Black Sagebrush) South site has a semiarid climate that is characterized by both spring moisture and late summer moisture, hot summers and cold winters. Average annual precipitation is 11 inches, with March through May and July through October as the wettest months and June as the driest month during the growing season. Plant growth usually begins in mid-March and continues until mid-June for cool-season plants and warm season grasses begin as the summer precipitation increases. Snow melt also contributes to high soil moisture in the spring. December through February are the coldest months, usually with small to moderate accumulations of snowpack.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 42-78 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 94-120 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 11 in |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 33-87 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 88-126 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 11 in |
| Frost-free period (average) | 60 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 107 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 11 in |
Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range
Figure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range
Figure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 6. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) IBAPAH [USC00424174], Wendover, UT
-
(2) MILFORD MUNI AP [USW00023176], Milford, UT
Influencing water features
Due to its landscape position, the Semidesert Shallow Hardpan (Black Sagebrush) South site is not typically influenced by streams or wetlands.
Soil features
The soils are characterized by a root-limiting petrocalcic or duripan layer within 20 inches of the soil surface. These soils formed primarily in alluvium derived from limestone, sandstone and/or igneous rock. Surface and subsurface textures are usually gravelly sandy loams, but may also be loams or sandy loams without many gravels. The soil moisture regime is xeric and the soil temperature regime is mesic. Total water holding capacity ranges from 1 to 2 inches of water within the plant rooting zone. These soils are well-drained. Soil pH ranges from 7.9 to 9.0.
The following soils are currently correlated to R028AY230UT, but occur in the southern LRU and have been used to develop the site concept. They will need to be evaluated in the field for correlation to this site.
UT617: Spager (19, 72)
UT626: Petrocalcids (105, 106, 111, 114, 116, 119, 127, 133, 134, 137, 144, 167, 173)
UT629: Pibler (140)
UT634: Beron (324), Denmark (365, 366), Pelgomir (324, 451, 452)
Ecological dynamics
The historic plant community dynamics of the Semidesert Shallow Hardpan (Black Sagebrush) South site are driven primarily by climate and fire. Black sagebrush dominates the overstory and perennial cool-season grasses dominate the understory for most of the time on this site. However, periodic fires remove black sagebrush and increase perennial grasses, which dominate the site for several years before black sagebrush slowly establishes and increases in the community.
The fire return interval for this site is expected to be 150-250 years for stand-replacing fires, and 75-100 years for mixed severity fires. Wet years followed by an average or dry year increases the likelihood of fire on this site due to increased fuel loads and dry conditions. The sparse vegetation on this site contributes to the relatively long fire return interval, as compared to big sagebrush sites (Artemisia tridentata) in the Great Basin that have a much shorter fire return interval.
In the absence of fire, Utah juniper can establish and increase on this site, usually after a period of about 75 years following fire. Adjacency to juniper stands and extended wet periods increase the likelihood and shorten the time frame of juniper encroachment onto this site. As juniper increases in the plant community, black sagebrush and perennial grasses are expected to decrease somewhat. However, the presence of juniper in the community increases the likelihood of stand-replacing fire, which results in a perennial grass dominated community under historic conditions.
Juniper can become dominant on this site at the exclusion of the shrubs and herbaceous species that historically occupied this site. Similarly, black sagebrush can dominate this site when herbaceous species are removed by livestock grazing or other disturbance.
Invasive species such as cheatgrass, Russian thistle, and Halogeton, occur on this site. Cheatgrass can become dominant on this site if not properly contained, and can result in an ecological state that may not be possible to restore.
Under the right conditions, this site is capable of successful rangeland seedings. Seeded species on this site are most commonly introduced perennial grasses such as crested wheatgrass or Russian wildrye. Seeding success is variable and depends primarily on climate conditions during the germination and establishment periods of the seeded species (i.e. prolonged spring moisture).
The presence of modern disturbances (e.g. invasive species, livestock grazing, fire suppression, recreation, etc.) has resulted in altered plant community dynamics, represented by new states that differ from the historical reference conditions in plant community structure and ecological processes. The following State-and-Transition Model and associated narratives describe the modern the plant community dynamics that have been documented to occur on this ecological site. Additional plant communities may occur on this site, but have not been documented.
State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
States 2 and 5 (additional transitions)
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 5 submodel, plant communities
State 6 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
The plant community dynamics of the Reference State are driven primarily by climate and fire. Black sagebrush dominates the overstory and perennial cool-season grasses dominate the understory for most of the time on this site. However, periodic fires remove black sagebrush and increase perennial grasses, which dominate the site for several years before black sagebrush slowly establishes and increases in the community. The fire return interval for this site is expected to be 150-250 years for stand-replacing fires, and 75-100 years for mixed severity fires. Wet years followed by an average or dry year increases the likelihood of fire on this site due to increased fuel loads and dry conditions. The sparse vegetation on this site contributes to the relatively long fire return interval, as compared to big sagebrush sites (Artemisia tridentata) in the Great Basin that have a much shorter fire return interval. In the absence of fire, Utah juniper can establish and increase on this site, usually after a period of about 75 years following fire. Adjacency to juniper stands and extended wet periods increase the likelihood and shorten the time frame of juniper encroachment onto this site. As juniper increases in the plant community, black sagebrush and perennial grasses are expected to decrease somewhat. However, the presence of juniper in the community increases the likelihood of stand-replacing fire, which results in a perennial grass dominated community.
Community 1.1
Black Sagebrush/Perennial Grass
This community phase is dominated by black sagebrush in the overstory and perennial cool-season grasses in the understory. Douglas rabbitbrush is a common shrub, with shadscale, ephedra, winterfat, and many other shrub species less common on the site. The dominant perennial grasses are Indian ricegrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, needle and thread, and squirreltail. Usually one or two of these species is very productive in this phase and constitutes the bulk of the herbaceous production. Sandberg bluegrass is also very common, but less productive. Warm-season grasses, such as James' galleta and blue grama, can occur on this site but are are not dominant. Forbs species vary greatly across the site extent, and usually constitute a small portion of the plant community. Percent composition by air-dry weight is 15 to 50 percent grasses, 2 to 10 percent forbs, and 55 to 80 percent shrubs.
Figure 7. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 4. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrub/Vine | 200 | 350 | 500 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 90 | 200 | 300 |
| Forb | 10 | 50 | 75 |
| Total | 300 | 600 | 875 |
Figure 8. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). UT2301, PNC. Excellent Condition.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 5 | 15 | 40 | 30 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Community 1.2
Perennial Grassland
This community occurs following a fire event that greatly reduces shrubs in the community. Perennial grasses increase and dominate the community for several years before black sagebrush begins to establish and increase. Black sagebrush may be present but not dominant in this community as it increases following fire. Other shrubs that re-sprout following fire, such as Douglas rabbitbrush and winterfat, may be present in this community but not dominant. Composition by air-dry weight is 50 to 90 percent grasses, 5 to 15 percent forbs, and 5 to 35 percent shrubs.
Figure 9. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 250 | 350 | 450 |
| Shrub/Vine | 25 | 100 | 200 |
| Forb | 25 | 75 | 100 |
| Total | 300 | 525 | 750 |
Community 1.3
Black Sagebrush/Juniper Encroachment
This community phase occurs when Utah juniper establishes and slowly increases on the site. Shrubs and grasses are expected to decrease somewhat as juniper increases. However, the presence of juniper tends to increase the likelihood of a stand-replacing fire, and this phase is expected to burn before the juniper forms a closed canopy. Composition by air-dry weight is 10 to 25 percent grasses, 2 to 5 percent forbs, 60 to 80 percent shrubs, and 5 to 15 percent Utah juniper.
Figure 10. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 6. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrub/Vine | 150 | 275 | 400 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 75 | 125 | 200 |
| Tree | 15 | 75 | 150 |
| Forb | 10 | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 250 | 500 | 800 |
Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2
This pathway occurs when stand-replacing fire or mixed-severity fire decreases the shrubs and increases the perennial grass in the community. The fire-return interval is expected to be 150 to 250 years for stand-replacing fire, and 75 to 100 years for mixed-severity fire. This pathway is more likely to occur when several wet years are followed by a dry period that results in large amounts of dry fine fuels to carry the fire.
Pathway 1.1b
Community 1.1 to 1.3
This pathway occurs slowly over several decades without fire. Juniper establishes and increases in the plant community, while shrubs and grasses decrease gradually. This pathway may be facilitated by wet periods in which juniper seeds germinate and establish. The distance to juniper seed source may affect the probaility or time requirements of this pathway, but in general it is expected to occur about 75 years following a fire event.
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1
This pathway occurs gradually over time following fire, as black sagebrush and other shrubs increase in the plant community and co-dominate with perennial grasses. Black sagebrush is expected to establish in the plant community after about 10 to 20 years, and increase slowly until it begins to co-dominate. Wet periods may facilitate this pathway in favor of shrub germination and establishment.
Pathway 1.3a
Community 1.3 to 1.2
This pathway occurs when stand-replacing fire or mixed-severity fire decreases the shrubs and Utah juniper, and increases the perennial grass in the community. The fire-return interval is expected to be 150 to 250 years for stand-replacing fire, and 75 to 100 years for mixed-severity fire. This pathway is more likely to occur when several wet years are followed by a dry period that results in large amounts of dry fine fuels to carry the fire.
State 2
Invaded State
The Invaded State is similar to the Reference State in species composition and in the fundamental ecological processes, but allows for non-native species to be present. During wet periods, non-native invasive annuals, particularly cheatgrass, may increase temporarily in the community, but they decrease in abundance during dry periods. The addition of non-native species and modern disturbance regimes reduces the overall resillience of State 2 compared to State 1, so State 2 also includes two at-risk plant communities. Phase 2.3 is at-risk of transitioning to a Juniper State (State 4) as shrubs and grasses lose their ability to propogate themselves in the community. Phase 2.3 includes Utah juniper as a component of the plant community, but fire suppression and removal of fine fuels by livestock reduce the likelihood of fire (pathway 2.3a). When the lack of fire extends beyond the 150-250 year fire return interval, juniper begins to dominate the ecological processes and can cross the threshold out of State 2 and into State 4. Phase 2.4 is at-risk of transitioning to a Sagebrush/Depleted Understory State (State 3)because, although it still has some perennial grasses in the understory, they are losing vigor and decreasing in the community. When perennial grasses lose their ability to propagate themselves in the community, Phase 2.4 will transition to a sagebrush-dominated state without the co-dominant herbaceous understory.
Community 2.1
Black Sagebrush/Perennial Grass
This community phase is dominated by black sagebrush in the overstory and perennial cool-season grasses in the understory. Invasive species are present but not dominant. Douglas rabbitbrush is a common shrub, with shadscale, ephedra, winterfat, and many other shrub species less common on the site. The dominant perennial grasses are Indian ricegrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, needle and thread, and squirreltail. Usually one or two of these species is very productive in this phase and constitutes the bulk of the herbaceous production. Sandberg bluegrass is also very common, but less productive. Warm-season grasses, such as James' galleta and blue grama, can occur on this site but are are not dominant. Forbs species vary greatly across the site extent, and usually constitute a small portion of the plant community. Percent composition by air-dry weight is 15 to 50 percent grasses, 2 to 10 percent forbs, and 55 to 80 percent shrubs.
Figure 11. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 7. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrub/Vine | 200 | 350 | 500 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 90 | 200 | 300 |
| Forb | 10 | 50 | 75 |
| Total | 300 | 600 | 875 |
Community 2.2
Perennial Grassland
This community occurs following a fire event that greatly reduces shrubs in the community. Perennial grasses increase and dominate the community for several years before black sagebrush begins to establish and increase. Black sagebrush may be present but not dominant in this community as it increases following fire. Other shrubs that re-sprout following fire, such as Douglas rabbitbrush and winterfat, may be present in this community but not dominant. Invasive species are also present but not dominant. Composition by air-dry weight is 50 to 90 percent grasses, 5 to 15 percent forbs, and 5 to 35 percent shrubs.
Figure 12. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 8. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 250 | 350 | 450 |
| Shrub/Vine | 25 | 100 | 200 |
| Forb | 25 | 75 | 100 |
| Total | 300 | 525 | 750 |
Community 2.3
Black Sagebrush/Juniper Encroachment
This community phase occurs when Utah juniper establishes and slowly increases on the site. Invasive species are present but not dominant. Shrubs and grasses are expected to decrease somewhat as juniper increases. However, the presence of juniper tends to increase the likelihood of a stand-replacing fire in this phase, and this phase is expected to burn before the juniper forms a closed canopy. Composition by air-dry weight is 10 to 25 percent grasses, 2 to 5 percent forbs, 35 to 80 percent shrubs, and 5 to 50 percent Utah juniper. As juniper increases at the expense of shrubs and grasses, this phase becomes at-risk of transitioning to a Juniper Dominated State (State 4).
Figure 13. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 9. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrub/Vine | 150 | 275 | 400 |
| Tree | 15 | 100 | 250 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 75 | 125 | 200 |
| Forb | 10 | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 250 | 525 | 900 |
Community 2.4
Decreased Perennial Grass
This community phase is characterized by a decrease in perennial grass vigor and abundance. Forbs also decrease slightly in the community. Black sagebrush dominates the overstory and perennial cool-season grasses are mostly found under shrubs and other areas protected from livestock grazing. Sandberg bluegrass may increase in the shrub interspaces as other perennial grasses are reduced. Invasive species are present but not dominant. Douglas rabbitbrush is a common shrub, and shadscale, ephedra, winterfat, and many other shrub species are less common but may occur on the site. Percent composition by air-dry weight is 15 to 50 percent grasses, 1 to 8 percent forbs, and 55 to 80 percent shrubs.
Figure 14. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 10. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrub/Vine | 200 | 350 | 500 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 45 | 65 | 90 |
| Forb | 5 | 35 | 60 |
| Total | 250 | 450 | 650 |
Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2
This pathway occurs when stand-replacing fire or mixed-severity fire decreases the shrubs and increases the perennial grass in the community. The fire-return interval is expected to be 150 to 250 years for stand-replacing fire and 75 to 100 years for mixed-severity fire. This pathway is more likely to occur when several wet years are followed by a dry period that results in large amounts of dry fine fuels to carry the fire.
Pathway 2.1b
Community 2.1 to 2.3
This pathway occurs slowly over several decades without fire. Juniper establishes and increases in the plant community, while shrubs and grasses decrease gradually. This pathway may be facilitated by fire suppression, wet periods in which juniper seeds germinate and establish, and by livestock grazing that removes fine fuel loads. The distance to juniper seed source may affect the probaility or time requirements of this pathway, but in general it is expected to occur about 75 years following a fire event.
Pathway 2.1c
Community 2.1 to 2.4
This pathway occurs when perennial grasses lose vigor and decrease in the community. The most common driver of this pathway is excessive livestock grazing during the growing season, such that the apical meristems of perennial grasses are repeatedly removed. As a result, plant vigor and reproductive capability are significantly reduced. These effects can be exacerbated by drought.
Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.1
This pathway occurs gradually over time following fire, as black sagebrush and other shrubs increase in the plant community and co-dominate with perennial grasses. Black sagebrush is expected to establish in the plant community after about 10 to 20 years, and increase slowly until it begins to co-dominate. Wet periods may facilitate this pathway in favor of shrub germination and establishment.
Pathway 2.3a
Community 2.3 to 2.2
This pathway occurs slowly over several decades without fire. Juniper establishes and increases in the plant community, while shrubs and grasses decrease gradually. This pathway may be facilitated by fire suppression, wet periods in which juniper seeds germinate and establish, and livestock grazing that removes fine fuel loads. The distance to juniper seed source may affect the probaility or time requirements of this pathway, but in general it is expected to occur about 75 years following a fire event.
Pathway 2.4a
Community 2.4 to 2.2
This pathway occurs when perennial grasses regain vigor and increase their ability to propagate themselves in the community. Prescribed livestock grazing that provides perennial grasses rest during several growing seasons (when cool season grasses elevate their apical meristems in May to June) improves the likelihood of this pathway, especially when coupled with extended wet periods. Drought may inhibit this pathway even when livestock do not graze perennial grasses excessively during the growing season.
Pathway 2.4b
Community 2.4 to 2.3
This pathway occurs as juniper establishes and increases in the plant community, while shrubs decrease gradually. Perennial grasses continue to decrease in the community as well. This pathway may be facilitated by fire suppression, wet periods in which juniper seeds germinate and establish, and by livestock grazing that removes fine fuel loads. The distance to juniper seed source may affect the probaility or time requirements of this pathway, but in general it is expected to occur about 75 years following a fire event.
State 3
Depleted Understory State
The depleted understory state is characterized by an overstory dominated by black sagebrush, and an understory that is either very sparse or dominated by Sandberg bluegrass. Few formerly-dominant perennial grasses may still be present under shrubs, but they are so few that they are unable to increase in the community. Invasive annuals, such as cheatgrass, may be present, but are also sparse. The Depleted Understory State is susceptible to an increase in Utah juniper and/or cheatgrass, especially during wet periods. The removal of livestock from this state will not result in a natural increase in perennial grass production due to the lack of perennial grass seed in the seed bank.
Community 3.1
Black SagebrushSandberg Bluegrass
This community phase is dominated by black sagebrush in the overstory and Sandberg bluegrass in the understory. The most common driver of this phase is excessive livestock grazing during the growing season, such that the apical meristems of perennial grasses are repeatedly eaten. Since Sandberg bluegrass is more grazing tolerant than other perennial grasses, it increases in the community and dominates the understory. Production in this phase is 5 to 20 percent grasses, 0 to 5 percent forbs, and 75 to 95 percent shrubs.
Figure 15. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 11. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrub/Vine | 250 | 400 | 550 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 30 | 60 | 90 |
| Forb | 0 | 15 | 30 |
| Total | 280 | 475 | 670 |
Community 3.2
Black Sagebrush/Sparse Understory
This community phase is dominated by black sagebrush with little or no understory, that is, less than 5 percent herbaceous species by air-dry weight. The most common driver of this phase is excessive livestock grazing during the growing season, such that the apical meristems of perennial grasses are repeatedly eaten. This phase differs from phase 3.1 due to the lack of Sandberg bluegrass in the understory, which may be due to the general lack of Sandberg bluegrass in the area, or to some combination of drought, excessesive grazing and/or soil erosion that results in pedestalling and desiccation of Sandberg bluegrass. Production by air-dry weight is 0 to 5 percent grasses, 0 to 5 percent forbs, and 90 to 99 percent shrubs.
Figure 16. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 12. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrub/Vine | 250 | 400 | 550 |
| Forb | 0 | 15 | 30 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 0 | 15 | 30 |
| Total | 250 | 430 | 610 |
Pathway 3.1a
Community 3.1 to 3.2
This pathway occurs when Sandberg bluegrass is reduced in the community and total herbaceous production is less than 5 percent by air-dry weight. This pathway may result from a combination of drought, livestock grazing or trampling and/or soil surface erosion that results in pedestalling and desiccation of Sandberg bluegrass plants.
Pathway 3.2a
Community 3.2 to 3.1
This pathway can only occur during wet periods when there is either Sandbergs bluegrass seed in the seedbank, or desicated Sandbergs bluegrass plants on the soil surface. With sufficient cool-season moisture, desicated Sandbergs bluegrass plants can be revived and become re-established on a site, despite not producing during previous dry periods.
State 4
Juniper State
The Juniper State is dominated by Utah juniper. Shrubs and perennial grasses, if present, are decreasing in the plant community with very little or no recruitment of young plants. The lack of fine fuels in this state greatly reduce the likelihood of fire, thus perpetuating juniper dominance on the site. The Juniper State occurs in areas where the 75 to 150 year fire return interval is greatly exceeded due to fire suppression and or fine fuel removal by livestock. The likelihood of transitioning to this state is increased when a juniper stand is nearby. In some areas far from a juniper seed source, this state may not occur within the time frames referenced in this document.
Community 4.1
Juniper/Black Sagebrush
This community phase occurs when Utah juniper has slowly increased to a point of dominating the site. Shrubs and grasses are old and dying, decreasing due to a lack of new recruitment. Some forb species may benefit from the changing plant community composition and increase on the site. Juniper dominates the ecological processes of the site by shading, competition for water and soil nutrients, and/or allelopathy. The lack of fine fuels greatly decreases the likelihood of fire on the site. Composition by air-dry weight is 0to 5 percent grasses, 2 to 10 percent forbs, 10 to 35 percent shrubs, and 55 to 75 percent Utah juniper.
Figure 17. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 13. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tree | 150 | 250 | 350 |
| Shrub/Vine | 40 | 90 | 140 |
| Forb | 10 | 35 | 50 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 0 | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 200 | 400 | 590 |
Community 4.2
Juniper Woodland
This community phase occurs when Utah juniper dominates the site at the exclusion of most other species. Juniper dominates the ecological processes of the site by shading, competition for water and soil nutrients, and/or allelopathy. The lack of fine fuels greatly decreases the likelihood of fire on the site well beyond the 150to 250 year return interval. Composition by air-dry weight is 0 to 2 percent grasses, 2 to 10 percent forbs, 0 to 10 percent shrubs, and 80 to 95 percent Utah juniper.
Figure 18. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 14. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tree | 200 | 300 | 400 |
| Forb | 10 | 35 | 50 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 0 | 25 | 50 |
| Shrub/Vine | 0 | 35 | 50 |
| Total | 210 | 395 | 550 |
Pathway 4.1a
Community 4.1 to 4.2
This pathway occurs as Utah juniper continues to increase in the absence of fire. Other species are unable to reproduce from seed due to increased juniper dominance.
State 5
Seeded Range State
The Seeded Range State is characterized by the abundance of non-native perennial grass species. Successful seedings result in productive stands of crested wheatgrass, Russian wildrye, or similar species. Native plants, particularly shrubs, can re-establish in these seedings after several decades. Unsuccessful seedings often result in a mixed plant community with diverse proportions of sprouting shrubs (e.g. rabbitbrush), perennial grasses, and annual forbs and grasses. Unsuccessful seedings are at-risk of transitioning to an Annual State (State 6), but may also self-repair to some extent if shrubs and perennial grasses increase.
Community 5.1
Perennial Introduced Grasses
This community phase is dominated by perennial introduced grasses. Desert wheatgrass, crested wheatgrass, and Russian wildrye have been documented on this site (although Russian wildrye has only been documented to establish with irrigation on this site). Mechanical shrub removal followed by range seeding under favorable moisture conditions has resulted in the germination and establishment of non-native, perennial, long-lived, cool-season bunchgrasses. Some native and non-native grasses, forbs, and shrubs may persist on the site or re-establish on the site over time after seeding. Composition by air-dry weight is 70 to 99 percent grasses, 0 to 10 percent forbs, and 0 to 30 percent shrubs.
Figure 19. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 15. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 250 | 400 | 550 |
| Shrub/Vine | 0 | 50 | 150 |
| Forb | 0 | 35 | 50 |
| Total | 250 | 485 | 750 |
Community 5.2
Black Sagebrush/Perennial Grass
This community phase is dominated by perennial introduced grasses, with an overstory dominated by black sagebrush. Native plants have re-established several decades following Desert wheatgrass, crested wheatgrass, and/or Russian wildrye seedings. Composition by air-dry weight is 35 to 65 percent grasses, 0 to 5 percent forbs, and 35 to 65 percent shrubs.
Figure 20. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 16. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 150 | 250 | 350 |
| Shrub/Vine | 150 | 250 | 350 |
| Forb | 0 | 20 | 40 |
| Total | 300 | 520 | 740 |
Community 5.3
Poor seeding, mixed annual and perennial species
This community phase is the result of a rangeland seeding that did not recieve sufficient spring moisture during for seed germination and establishment. Sprouting shrubs, early seral species, and perhaps some seeded species form an unusual mix of plant species. If subsequent precipitation is favorable to seeded species and/or natives, this phase can move to a more stable community type in phase 5.2. If subsequent precipitation is unfavorable to seeded species and/or natives, then the likelihood of invasion and establishment of non-native invasive species increases. Many factors contribute to the trajectory of the plant community following a failed seeding attempt, but the primary drivers are seedbank composition, timing and amount of precipitation, and further disturbance (e.g. premature livestock grazing, wind erosion, etc.)
Figure 21. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 17. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 50 | 150 | 250 |
| Shrub/Vine | 0 | 100 | 250 |
| Forb | 50 | 100 | 75 |
| Total | 100 | 350 | 575 |
Pathway 5.1a
Community 5.1 to 5.2
This pathway occurs gradually over time as native shrubs re-establish on the site. This pathway may be facilitated in wet periods, given a nearby shrub seed source, in conjunction with livestock grazing of perennial grasses.
Pathway 5.2a
Community 5.2 to 5.1
This pathway is the result of shrub-removing disturbance, most commonly fire. Perennial grasses respond by increasing dominance. Sprouting shrubs may increase in the community as well.
Pathway 5.3a
Community 5.3 to 5.2
This pathway occurs gradually over time as native shrubs re-establish on the site. This pathway may be facilitated in wet periods, given a nearby shrub seed source.
State 6
Annual Dominated State
The Annual Dominated State is characterized by the abundance of cheatgrass. Other invasive annual species may be present, but cheatgrass is the species that alters the ecological processes of this site by increasing the fire frequency. The plant community may have some shrubs, but the fine fuels associated with cheatgrass increase the fire frequency such that shrubs do not regain dominance. Over time, the nutrient pools of the site, which were once deep and patchy under shrubs, become homogenized near the soil surface. These changes in disturbance regime and nutrient dynamics facilitate increasing cheatgrass dominance, and contribute to the improbability of transitioning out of this state.
Community 6.1
Shrubs with Annual Understory
This community phase is most commonly dominated by black sagebrush or rabbitbrush in the overstory with cheatgrass dominating the understory. In some cases, cheatgrass dominates in patches within a matrix of shrubs. This is a transitory phase that cannot sustain itself for long before cheatgrass completely dominates the site following a shrub removal event. Extended dry periods can prolong the existence of this phase by reducing the likelihood of fire. Once a shrub removal event occurs (fire or otherwise), this phase will move to a cheatgrass dominated phase with greatly reduced shrubs. Composition by air-dry weight is 10 to 25 percent grasses, 0 to 10 percent forbs, and 65 to 85 percent shrubs.
Figure 22. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 18. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrub/Vine | 200 | 350 | 500 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 50 | 100 | 150 |
| Forb | 0 | 35 | 50 |
| Total | 250 | 485 | 700 |
Community 6.2
Annual Dominated
This community phase is dominated by cheatgrass. Other annual grasses and forbs are commonly present. A few native species may persist, but the increased likelihood of fire perpetuates cheatgrass, which is well-adapted to fire in the Great Basin. Over time, the soil nutrient pools on the site become homogenized near the soil surface, further benefiting cheatgrass dominance of the ecological processes. On this ecological site, the cheatgrass dominated phase has not been documented to change to any other phase, regardless of the magnitude of human effort.
Figure 23. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 19. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 150 | 250 | 350 |
| Forb | 25 | 75 | 125 |
| Shrub/Vine | 0 | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 175 | 350 | 525 |
Pathway 6.1a
Community 6.1 to 6.2
This pathway occurs during a shrub removal event, most commonly fire. As an annual with abundant seed in the seedbank, cheatgrass takes advantage of newly exposed germination sites and available nutrients freed up by disturbance. Some sprouting shrubs, such as winterfat and rabbitbrush, may increase slightly, but cheatgrass dominates the site. Non-sprouting shrubs do not re-establish in the community following this pathway.
Transition T1a
State 1 to 2
This transition results from establishment by invasive species, usually in combination with other modern disturbances such as recreation and livestock grazing, which may provide seed sources and germination sites for non-native species. However, the two primary invaders on this site, cheatgrass and Russian thistle, can establish on this site in the absence of major disturbance.
Transition T2a
State 2 to 3
This transition occurs as the dominant perennial grass species are lost from the plant community. Sandberg bluegrass may increase in the understory and become the dominant herbaceous species if present. Black sagebrush also increases and dominates the site, while annual invasive species, like cheatgrass, are present but not abundant. This transition is most commonly the result of excessive livestock grazing during the growing season such that the apical meristems of perennial grasses are repeatedly removed, killing the plants.
Transition T2b
State 2 to 4
This transition occurs as Utah juniper increases in the community and dominates the ecological processes of the site. Perennial grasses and shrubs decrease in the community as older plants die out and new shrub and grass seedlings, if present, are inhibited by juniper dominance. Juniper may dominate the site by a combination of shading, competition for water and nutrients, and/or allelopathy. This transition is facilitated by fire suppression and/or a combination of livestock grazing and drought that removes the fine fuels necessary to carry fire. The fire return interval is extended well beyond 150 years.
Transition T2c
State 2 to 5
This transition occurs when perennial non-native grass seed is introduced to the site, usually by mechanical seeding directly into the soil. Under favorable seeding conditions, when spring soil moisture is sufficient for germination and establishment of seeded species, this site is capable of supporting productive stands of crested or desert wheatgrass. Russian wildrye has been established on this site under irrigated conditions. Unfavorable seeding conditions, where spring soil moisture is insufficient for germination and establishment of seeded species, often result in an unusual mix of perennial and annual grasses and forbs along with sprouting shrubs. This transition is facilitated by human intervention with mixed, unpredictable rates of success.
Transition T3a
State 3 to 4
This transition occurs as Utah juniper increases in the community and dominates the ecological processes of the site. Shrubs decrease in the community as older plants die out and new shrub and seedlings, if present, are inhibited by juniper dominance. Juniper dominates the site by a combination of shading, competition for water and nutrients, and/or allelopathy. This transition is facilitated by fire suppression and/or a combination of livestock grazing and drought that removes the fine fuels necessary to carry fire. The fire return interval is extended well beyond 150 years.
Transition T3b
State 3 to 5
This transition occurs when perennial non-native grass seed is introduced to the site, usually by mechanical seeding directly into the soil. Under favorable seeding conditions, when spring soil moisture is sufficient for germination and establishment of seeded species, this site is capable of supporting productive stands of crested or desert wheatgrass. Russian wildrye has been established on this site under irrigated conditions. Unfavorable seeding conditions, where spring soil moisture is insufficient for germination and establishment of seeded species, often result in an unusual mix of perennial and annual grasses and forbs along with sprouting shrubs. This transition is facilitated by human intervention with mixed, unpredictable rates of success.
Transition T3c
State 3 to 6
This transition occurs as cheatgrass increases on the site in one of two ways. Cheatgrass may establish in the understory during wet periods and gradually increase in abundance and seed production to the point of becoming a dominant understory species, or, cheatgrass may establish on the site following fire or other disturbance that removes shrubs. Fire size can range from small to large, and fire intensity can range from low intensity to stand-replacing. Mechanical removal or other shrub removal events also facilitate cheatgrass establishment by opening up germination sites for annual seeds, particularly in areas where soil is disturbed. Even small patches of cheatgrass dominance are indicators of this transition, since they can produce enough seed to ensure the spread and eventual dominance of cheatgrass on the site.
Transition T4a
State 4 to 6
This transition is expected to occur in the event of a stand-replacing fire that removes Utah juniper. It assumes that a mix of early seral species, including cheatgrass, will establish on the site initially until cheatgrass eventually gains dominance of the site.
Transition T5a
State 5 to 3
This transition occurs when perennial grasses are decreased in the community, while black sagebrush increases.
Transition T5b
State 5 to 6
This transition occurs when cheatgrass becomes dominant in the plant community.
Additional community tables
Table 20. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 1 | Dominant Shrubs | 200–500 | ||||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 150–450 | 10–25 | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 5–120 | 1–8 | ||
| 3 | Secondary Shrubs | 0–60 | ||||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| mormon tea | EPVI | Ephedra viridis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Nuttall's horsebrush | TENU2 | Tetradymia nuttallii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 2 | Dominant Grasses | 90–200 | ||||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–180 | 0–12 | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 0–180 | 0–12 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–120 | 0–8 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–120 | 0–8 | ||
| 1 | Secondary Grasses | 0–120 | ||||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–90 | 0–6 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 10–75 | ||||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 0–60 | 0–1 | ||
| juniper globemallow | SPDI3 | Sphaeralcea digitata | 0–30 | 0–1 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| gilia | GILIA | Gilia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Torrey's milkvetch | ASCA9 | Astragalus calycosus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| quill cryptantha | CRAF | Cryptantha affinis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| freckled milkvetch | ASLE8 | Astragalus lentiginosus | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| Lewis flax | LILE3 | Linum lewisii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| stemless mock goldenweed | STAC | Stenotus acaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desert princesplume | STPI | Stanleya pinnata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Pacific aster | SYCHC | Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| foothill deathcamas | ZIPA2 | Zigadenus paniculatus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| thickstem wild cabbage | CACR11 | Caulanthus crassicaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Columbian windflower | ANDE3 | Anemone deltoidea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| littleleaf pussytoes | ANMI3 | Antennaria microphylla | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| beautiful rockcress | ARPU2 | Arabis pulchra | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cicada milkvetch | ASCH4 | Astragalus chamaeleuce | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
Table 21. Community 1.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 0 | Dominant Grasses | 200–350 | ||||
| 1 | Secondary Grasses | 0–120 | ||||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–90 | 0–6 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 25–100 | ||||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 0–60 | 0–1 | ||
| juniper globemallow | SPDI3 | Sphaeralcea digitata | 0–30 | 0–1 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| gilia | GILIA | Gilia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Torrey's milkvetch | ASCA9 | Astragalus calycosus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| quill cryptantha | CRAF | Cryptantha affinis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| freckled milkvetch | ASLE8 | Astragalus lentiginosus | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| Lewis flax | LILE3 | Linum lewisii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| stemless mock goldenweed | STAC | Stenotus acaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desert princesplume | STPI | Stanleya pinnata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Pacific aster | SYCHC | Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| foothill deathcamas | ZIPA2 | Zigadenus paniculatus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| thickstem wild cabbage | CACR11 | Caulanthus crassicaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Columbian windflower | ANDE3 | Anemone deltoidea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| littleleaf pussytoes | ANMI3 | Antennaria microphylla | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| beautiful rockcress | ARPU2 | Arabis pulchra | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cicada milkvetch | ASCH4 | Astragalus chamaeleuce | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 3 | Shrubs | 25–200 | ||||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 0–100 | 0–7 | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 0–100 | 0–3 | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–35 | 0–1 | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| mormon tea | EPVI | Ephedra viridis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Nuttall's horsebrush | TENU2 | Tetradymia nuttallii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
Table 22. Community 1.3 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 1 | Trees | 15–150 | ||||
| Utah juniper | JUOS | Juniperus osteosperma | 15–150 | 1–10 | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 2 | Dominant Shrubs | 150–400 | ||||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 150–350 | 10–25 | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 5–120 | 1–8 | ||
| 3 | Secondary Shrubs | 0–60 | ||||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| mormon tea | EPVI | Ephedra viridis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Nuttall's horsebrush | TENU2 | Tetradymia nuttallii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 3 | Dominant Grasses | 30–200 | ||||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–180 | 0–12 | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 0–180 | 0–12 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–120 | 0–8 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–120 | 0–8 | ||
| 1 | Secondary Grasses | 0–120 | ||||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–90 | 0–6 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 10–50 | ||||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 0–50 | 0–1 | ||
| juniper globemallow | SPDI3 | Sphaeralcea digitata | 0–30 | 0–1 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| gilia | GILIA | Gilia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Torrey's milkvetch | ASCA9 | Astragalus calycosus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| quill cryptantha | CRAF | Cryptantha affinis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| freckled milkvetch | ASLE8 | Astragalus lentiginosus | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| thickstem wild cabbage | CACR11 | Caulanthus crassicaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cicada milkvetch | ASCH4 | Astragalus chamaeleuce | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Lewis flax | LILE3 | Linum lewisii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| stemless mock goldenweed | STAC | Stenotus acaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desert princesplume | STPI | Stanleya pinnata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Pacific aster | SYCHC | Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| foothill deathcamas | ZIPA2 | Zigadenus paniculatus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Columbian windflower | ANDE3 | Anemone deltoidea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| littleleaf pussytoes | ANMI3 | Antennaria microphylla | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| beautiful rockcress | ARPU2 | Arabis pulchra | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
Table 23. Community 2.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 1 | Dominant Shrubs | 200–500 | ||||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 150–450 | 10–25 | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 5–120 | 1–8 | ||
| 3 | Secondary Shrubs | 0–60 | ||||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| mormon tea | EPVI | Ephedra viridis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Nuttall's horsebrush | TENU2 | Tetradymia nuttallii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 2 | Dominant Grasses | 90–200 | ||||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–180 | 0–12 | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 0–180 | 0–12 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–120 | 0–8 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–120 | 0–8 | ||
| 1 | Secondary Grasses | 0–150 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–100 | 0–8 | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–90 | 0–6 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 10–75 | ||||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 0–60 | 0–1 | ||
| juniper globemallow | SPDI3 | Sphaeralcea digitata | 0–30 | 0–1 | ||
| tall tumblemustard | SIAL2 | Sisymbrium altissimum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| gilia | GILIA | Gilia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| saltlover | HAGL | Halogeton glomeratus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Torrey's milkvetch | ASCA9 | Astragalus calycosus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| quill cryptantha | CRAF | Cryptantha affinis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| freckled milkvetch | ASLE8 | Astragalus lentiginosus | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| thickstem wild cabbage | CACR11 | Caulanthus crassicaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| lambsquarters | CHAL7 | Chenopodium album | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Columbian windflower | ANDE3 | Anemone deltoidea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| littleleaf pussytoes | ANMI3 | Antennaria microphylla | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| beautiful rockcress | ARPU2 | Arabis pulchra | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cicada milkvetch | ASCH4 | Astragalus chamaeleuce | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| clasping pepperweed | LEPE2 | Lepidium perfoliatum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Lewis flax | LILE3 | Linum lewisii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| African mustard | MAAF | Malcolmia africana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| lanceleaf sage | SARE3 | Salvia reflexa | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| prickly Russian thistle | SATR12 | Salsola tragus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| stemless mock goldenweed | STAC | Stenotus acaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desert princesplume | STPI | Stanleya pinnata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Pacific aster | SYCHC | Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| foothill deathcamas | ZIPA2 | Zigadenus paniculatus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
Table 24. Community 2.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 0 | Dominant Grasses | 200–350 | ||||
| 1 | Secondary Grasses | 0–150 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–120 | 0–8 | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–90 | 0–6 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 25–100 | ||||
| lanceleaf sage | SARE3 | Salvia reflexa | 0–80 | 0–5 | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 0–60 | 0–1 | ||
| juniper globemallow | SPDI3 | Sphaeralcea digitata | 0–30 | 0–1 | ||
| African mustard | MAAF | Malcolmia africana | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| prickly Russian thistle | SATR12 | Salsola tragus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| tall tumblemustard | SIAL2 | Sisymbrium altissimum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| gilia | GILIA | Gilia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| saltlover | HAGL | Halogeton glomeratus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Torrey's milkvetch | ASCA9 | Astragalus calycosus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| quill cryptantha | CRAF | Cryptantha affinis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| freckled milkvetch | ASLE8 | Astragalus lentiginosus | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| stemless mock goldenweed | STAC | Stenotus acaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desert princesplume | STPI | Stanleya pinnata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Pacific aster | SYCHC | Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| foothill deathcamas | ZIPA2 | Zigadenus paniculatus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Lewis flax | LILE3 | Linum lewisii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| thickstem wild cabbage | CACR11 | Caulanthus crassicaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Columbian windflower | ANDE3 | Anemone deltoidea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| littleleaf pussytoes | ANMI3 | Antennaria microphylla | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| beautiful rockcress | ARPU2 | Arabis pulchra | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cicada milkvetch | ASCH4 | Astragalus chamaeleuce | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 3 | Shrubs | 25–200 | ||||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 0–100 | 0–7 | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 0–100 | 0–3 | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–35 | 0–1 | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| mormon tea | EPVI | Ephedra viridis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Nuttall's horsebrush | TENU2 | Tetradymia nuttallii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
Table 25. Community 2.3 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 1 | Trees | 15–250 | ||||
| Utah juniper | JUOS | Juniperus osteosperma | 15–150 | 1–10 | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 2 | Dominant Shrubs | 150–400 | ||||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 150–350 | 10–25 | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 5–120 | 1–8 | ||
| 3 | Secondary Shrubs | 0–60 | ||||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| mormon tea | EPVI | Ephedra viridis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Nuttall's horsebrush | TENU2 | Tetradymia nuttallii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 3 | Dominant Grasses | 30–200 | ||||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 0–180 | 0–12 | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–180 | 0–12 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–120 | 0–8 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–120 | 0–8 | ||
| 1 | Secondary Grasses | 0–120 | ||||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–90 | 0–6 | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 10–50 | ||||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 0–50 | 0–1 | ||
| juniper globemallow | SPDI3 | Sphaeralcea digitata | 0–30 | 0–1 | ||
| African mustard | MAAF | Malcolmia africana | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| lanceleaf sage | SARE3 | Salvia reflexa | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| prickly Russian thistle | SATR12 | Salsola tragus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| tall tumblemustard | SIAL2 | Sisymbrium altissimum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| gilia | GILIA | Gilia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| saltlover | HAGL | Halogeton glomeratus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Torrey's milkvetch | ASCA9 | Astragalus calycosus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| quill cryptantha | CRAF | Cryptantha affinis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| freckled milkvetch | ASLE8 | Astragalus lentiginosus | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| stemless mock goldenweed | STAC | Stenotus acaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desert princesplume | STPI | Stanleya pinnata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Pacific aster | SYCHC | Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| foothill deathcamas | ZIPA2 | Zigadenus paniculatus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Lewis flax | LILE3 | Linum lewisii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| thickstem wild cabbage | CACR11 | Caulanthus crassicaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Columbian windflower | ANDE3 | Anemone deltoidea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| littleleaf pussytoes | ANMI3 | Antennaria microphylla | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| beautiful rockcress | ARPU2 | Arabis pulchra | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cicada milkvetch | ASCH4 | Astragalus chamaeleuce | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
Table 26. Community 2.4 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 1 | Dominant Shrubs | 200–500 | ||||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 150–450 | 10–25 | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 5–120 | 1–8 | ||
| 3 | Secondary Shrubs | 0–60 | ||||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| mormon tea | EPVI | Ephedra viridis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Nuttall's horsebrush | TENU2 | Tetradymia nuttallii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 2 | Dominant Grasses | 30–90 | ||||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 0–55 | 0–3 | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–55 | 0–3 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–55 | 0–3 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–55 | 0–3 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–45 | 0–3 | ||
| 1 | Secondary Grasses | 0–60 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 10–75 | ||||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 0–60 | 0–1 | ||
| juniper globemallow | SPDI3 | Sphaeralcea digitata | 0–30 | 0–1 | ||
| tall tumblemustard | SIAL2 | Sisymbrium altissimum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| gilia | GILIA | Gilia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| saltlover | HAGL | Halogeton glomeratus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Torrey's milkvetch | ASCA9 | Astragalus calycosus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| quill cryptantha | CRAF | Cryptantha affinis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| freckled milkvetch | ASLE8 | Astragalus lentiginosus | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| thickstem wild cabbage | CACR11 | Caulanthus crassicaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| lambsquarters | CHAL7 | Chenopodium album | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Columbian windflower | ANDE3 | Anemone deltoidea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| littleleaf pussytoes | ANMI3 | Antennaria microphylla | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| beautiful rockcress | ARPU2 | Arabis pulchra | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cicada milkvetch | ASCH4 | Astragalus chamaeleuce | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| clasping pepperweed | LEPE2 | Lepidium perfoliatum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Lewis flax | LILE3 | Linum lewisii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| African mustard | MAAF | Malcolmia africana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| lanceleaf sage | SARE3 | Salvia reflexa | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| prickly Russian thistle | SATR12 | Salsola tragus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| stemless mock goldenweed | STAC | Stenotus acaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desert princesplume | STPI | Stanleya pinnata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Pacific aster | SYCHC | Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| foothill deathcamas | ZIPA2 | Zigadenus paniculatus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
Table 27. Community 3.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 1 | Dominant Shrubs | 250–550 | ||||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 200–500 | 10–25 | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 5–120 | 1–8 | ||
| 3 | Secondary Shrubs | 0–60 | ||||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| mormon tea | EPVI | Ephedra viridis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Nuttall's horsebrush | TENU2 | Tetradymia nuttallii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 2 | Dominant Grasses | 30–90 | ||||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 10–90 | 1–6 | ||
| 1 | Secondary Grasses | 0–40 | ||||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–25 | 0–1 | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 0–30 | ||||
| Torrey's milkvetch | ASCA9 | Astragalus calycosus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| tall tumblemustard | SIAL2 | Sisymbrium altissimum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| juniper globemallow | SPDI3 | Sphaeralcea digitata | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| quill cryptantha | CRAF | Cryptantha affinis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| gilia | GILIA | Gilia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| saltlover | HAGL | Halogeton glomeratus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| freckled milkvetch | ASLE8 | Astragalus lentiginosus | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| thickstem wild cabbage | CACR11 | Caulanthus crassicaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| lambsquarters | CHAL7 | Chenopodium album | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Columbian windflower | ANDE3 | Anemone deltoidea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| littleleaf pussytoes | ANMI3 | Antennaria microphylla | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| beautiful rockcress | ARPU2 | Arabis pulchra | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| clasping pepperweed | LEPE2 | Lepidium perfoliatum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Lewis flax | LILE3 | Linum lewisii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| African mustard | MAAF | Malcolmia africana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| stemless mock goldenweed | STAC | Stenotus acaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desert princesplume | STPI | Stanleya pinnata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Pacific aster | SYCHC | Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| foothill deathcamas | ZIPA2 | Zigadenus paniculatus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| lanceleaf sage | SARE3 | Salvia reflexa | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| prickly Russian thistle | SATR12 | Salsola tragus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cicada milkvetch | ASCH4 | Astragalus chamaeleuce | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
Table 28. Community 3.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 0 | Dominant Shrubs | 250–550 | ||||
| 3 | Secondary Shrubs | 0–60 | ||||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| mormon tea | EPVI | Ephedra viridis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Nuttall's horsebrush | TENU2 | Tetradymia nuttallii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Grasses | 0–30 | ||||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 0–30 | ||||
| Torrey's milkvetch | ASCA9 | Astragalus calycosus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| tall tumblemustard | SIAL2 | Sisymbrium altissimum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| juniper globemallow | SPDI3 | Sphaeralcea digitata | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| quill cryptantha | CRAF | Cryptantha affinis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| gilia | GILIA | Gilia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| saltlover | HAGL | Halogeton glomeratus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| freckled milkvetch | ASLE8 | Astragalus lentiginosus | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| thickstem wild cabbage | CACR11 | Caulanthus crassicaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| lambsquarters | CHAL7 | Chenopodium album | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Columbian windflower | ANDE3 | Anemone deltoidea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| littleleaf pussytoes | ANMI3 | Antennaria microphylla | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| beautiful rockcress | ARPU2 | Arabis pulchra | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| clasping pepperweed | LEPE2 | Lepidium perfoliatum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Lewis flax | LILE3 | Linum lewisii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| African mustard | MAAF | Malcolmia africana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| stemless mock goldenweed | STAC | Stenotus acaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desert princesplume | STPI | Stanleya pinnata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Pacific aster | SYCHC | Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| foothill deathcamas | ZIPA2 | Zigadenus paniculatus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| lanceleaf sage | SARE3 | Salvia reflexa | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| prickly Russian thistle | SATR12 | Salsola tragus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cicada milkvetch | ASCH4 | Astragalus chamaeleuce | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
Table 29. Community 4.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 1 | Trees | 150–350 | ||||
| Utah juniper | JUOS | Juniperus osteosperma | 150–350 | 10–20 | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 1 | Shrubs | 40–140 | ||||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 40–140 | 2–8 | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| mormon tea | EPVI | Ephedra viridis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Nuttall's horsebrush | TENU2 | Tetradymia nuttallii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Grasses | 0–50 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 10–50 | ||||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 0–50 | 0–1 | ||
| juniper globemallow | SPDI3 | Sphaeralcea digitata | 0–30 | 0–1 | ||
| African mustard | MAAF | Malcolmia africana | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| lanceleaf sage | SARE3 | Salvia reflexa | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| prickly Russian thistle | SATR12 | Salsola tragus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| tall tumblemustard | SIAL2 | Sisymbrium altissimum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| gilia | GILIA | Gilia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| saltlover | HAGL | Halogeton glomeratus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Torrey's milkvetch | ASCA9 | Astragalus calycosus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| quill cryptantha | CRAF | Cryptantha affinis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| freckled milkvetch | ASLE8 | Astragalus lentiginosus | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| stemless mock goldenweed | STAC | Stenotus acaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desert princesplume | STPI | Stanleya pinnata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Pacific aster | SYCHC | Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| foothill deathcamas | ZIPA2 | Zigadenus paniculatus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Lewis flax | LILE3 | Linum lewisii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| thickstem wild cabbage | CACR11 | Caulanthus crassicaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Columbian windflower | ANDE3 | Anemone deltoidea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| littleleaf pussytoes | ANMI3 | Antennaria microphylla | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| beautiful rockcress | ARPU2 | Arabis pulchra | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cicada milkvetch | ASCH4 | Astragalus chamaeleuce | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
Table 30. Community 4.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 1 | Trees | 200–400 | ||||
| Utah juniper | JUOS | Juniperus osteosperma | 200–400 | 12–24 | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 1 | Shrubs | 0–50 | ||||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–20 | 0–2 | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Nuttall's horsebrush | TENU2 | Tetradymia nuttallii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| mormon tea | EPVI | Ephedra viridis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Grasses | 0–50 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 10–50 | ||||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 0–50 | 0–1 | ||
| juniper globemallow | SPDI3 | Sphaeralcea digitata | 0–30 | 0–1 | ||
| African mustard | MAAF | Malcolmia africana | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| lanceleaf sage | SARE3 | Salvia reflexa | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| prickly Russian thistle | SATR12 | Salsola tragus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| tall tumblemustard | SIAL2 | Sisymbrium altissimum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| gilia | GILIA | Gilia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| saltlover | HAGL | Halogeton glomeratus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Torrey's milkvetch | ASCA9 | Astragalus calycosus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| quill cryptantha | CRAF | Cryptantha affinis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| freckled milkvetch | ASLE8 | Astragalus lentiginosus | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| stemless mock goldenweed | STAC | Stenotus acaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desert princesplume | STPI | Stanleya pinnata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Pacific aster | SYCHC | Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| foothill deathcamas | ZIPA2 | Zigadenus paniculatus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Lewis flax | LILE3 | Linum lewisii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| thickstem wild cabbage | CACR11 | Caulanthus crassicaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Columbian windflower | ANDE3 | Anemone deltoidea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| littleleaf pussytoes | ANMI3 | Antennaria microphylla | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| beautiful rockcress | ARPU2 | Arabis pulchra | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cicada milkvetch | ASCH4 | Astragalus chamaeleuce | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
Table 31. Community 5.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Dominant Grasses | 250–550 | ||||
| crested wheatgrass | AGCR | Agropyron cristatum | 0–550 | 0–35 | ||
| desert wheatgrass | AGDE2 | Agropyron desertorum | 0–550 | 0–35 | ||
| Russian wildrye | PSJU3 | Psathyrostachys juncea | 0–450 | 0–30 | ||
| 1 | Secondary Grasses | 0–80 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 2 | Shrubs | 0–150 | ||||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 0–150 | 0–12 | ||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 0–100 | 0–8 | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Nuttall's horsebrush | TENU2 | Tetradymia nuttallii | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–40 | 0–1 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–35 | 0–1 | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| mormon tea | EPVI | Ephedra viridis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 0–50 | ||||
| saltlover | HAGL | Halogeton glomeratus | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| tall tumblemustard | SIAL2 | Sisymbrium altissimum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| juniper globemallow | SPDI3 | Sphaeralcea digitata | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| quill cryptantha | CRAF | Cryptantha affinis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Torrey's milkvetch | ASCA9 | Astragalus calycosus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| gilia | GILIA | Gilia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| freckled milkvetch | ASLE8 | Astragalus lentiginosus | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| thickstem wild cabbage | CACR11 | Caulanthus crassicaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| lambsquarters | CHAL7 | Chenopodium album | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Columbian windflower | ANDE3 | Anemone deltoidea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| littleleaf pussytoes | ANMI3 | Antennaria microphylla | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| beautiful rockcress | ARPU2 | Arabis pulchra | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cicada milkvetch | ASCH4 | Astragalus chamaeleuce | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| stemless mock goldenweed | STAC | Stenotus acaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desert princesplume | STPI | Stanleya pinnata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Pacific aster | SYCHC | Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| foothill deathcamas | ZIPA2 | Zigadenus paniculatus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| clasping pepperweed | LEPE2 | Lepidium perfoliatum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Lewis flax | LILE3 | Linum lewisii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| African mustard | MAAF | Malcolmia africana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| lanceleaf sage | SARE3 | Salvia reflexa | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| prickly Russian thistle | SATR12 | Salsola tragus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
Table 32. Community 5.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 1 | Dominant Shrubs | 150–350 | ||||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 120–300 | 8–16 | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 30–120 | 2–8 | ||
| 2 | Secondary Shrubs | 0–60 | ||||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Nuttall's horsebrush | TENU2 | Tetradymia nuttallii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| mormon tea | EPVI | Ephedra viridis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 2 | Dominant Grasses | 150–350 | ||||
| crested wheatgrass | AGCR | Agropyron cristatum | 0–350 | 0–20 | ||
| desert wheatgrass | AGDE2 | Agropyron desertorum | 0–350 | 0–20 | ||
| Russian wildrye | PSJU3 | Psathyrostachys juncea | 0–350 | 0–20 | ||
| 1 | Secondary Grasses | 0–80 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 0–50 | ||||
| saltlover | HAGL | Halogeton glomeratus | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| tall tumblemustard | SIAL2 | Sisymbrium altissimum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| juniper globemallow | SPDI3 | Sphaeralcea digitata | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| quill cryptantha | CRAF | Cryptantha affinis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Torrey's milkvetch | ASCA9 | Astragalus calycosus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| gilia | GILIA | Gilia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| freckled milkvetch | ASLE8 | Astragalus lentiginosus | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| thickstem wild cabbage | CACR11 | Caulanthus crassicaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| lambsquarters | CHAL7 | Chenopodium album | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Columbian windflower | ANDE3 | Anemone deltoidea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| littleleaf pussytoes | ANMI3 | Antennaria microphylla | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| beautiful rockcress | ARPU2 | Arabis pulchra | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cicada milkvetch | ASCH4 | Astragalus chamaeleuce | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| stemless mock goldenweed | STAC | Stenotus acaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desert princesplume | STPI | Stanleya pinnata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Pacific aster | SYCHC | Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| foothill deathcamas | ZIPA2 | Zigadenus paniculatus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| clasping pepperweed | LEPE2 | Lepidium perfoliatum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Lewis flax | LILE3 | Linum lewisii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| African mustard | MAAF | Malcolmia africana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| lanceleaf sage | SARE3 | Salvia reflexa | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| prickly Russian thistle | SATR12 | Salsola tragus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
Table 33. Community 6.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 1 | Dominant Shrubs | 150–450 | ||||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 150–450 | 10–25 | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 5–120 | 1–8 | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| 3 | Secondary Shrubs | 0–60 | ||||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–40 | 0–2 | ||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| mormon tea | EPVI | Ephedra viridis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Nuttall's horsebrush | TENU2 | Tetradymia nuttallii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 2 | Dominant Grasses | 50–150 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 50–150 | 3–15 | ||
| 1 | Secondary Grasses | 0–30 | ||||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 0–50 | ||||
| Torrey's milkvetch | ASCA9 | Astragalus calycosus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| tall tumblemustard | SIAL2 | Sisymbrium altissimum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| juniper globemallow | SPDI3 | Sphaeralcea digitata | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| quill cryptantha | CRAF | Cryptantha affinis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| gilia | GILIA | Gilia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| saltlover | HAGL | Halogeton glomeratus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| freckled milkvetch | ASLE8 | Astragalus lentiginosus | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| thickstem wild cabbage | CACR11 | Caulanthus crassicaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| lambsquarters | CHAL7 | Chenopodium album | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Columbian windflower | ANDE3 | Anemone deltoidea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| littleleaf pussytoes | ANMI3 | Antennaria microphylla | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| beautiful rockcress | ARPU2 | Arabis pulchra | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| clasping pepperweed | LEPE2 | Lepidium perfoliatum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Lewis flax | LILE3 | Linum lewisii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| African mustard | MAAF | Malcolmia africana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| stemless mock goldenweed | STAC | Stenotus acaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desert princesplume | STPI | Stanleya pinnata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Pacific aster | SYCHC | Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| foothill deathcamas | ZIPA2 | Zigadenus paniculatus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| lanceleaf sage | SARE3 | Salvia reflexa | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| prickly Russian thistle | SATR12 | Salsola tragus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cicada milkvetch | ASCH4 | Astragalus chamaeleuce | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
Table 34. Community 6.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 0 | Dominant Grasses | 150–350 | ||||
| 1 | Secondary Grasses | 0–30 | ||||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 25–125 | ||||
| saltlover | HAGL | Halogeton glomeratus | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| prickly Russian thistle | SATR12 | Salsola tragus | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| tall tumblemustard | SIAL2 | Sisymbrium altissimum | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| juniper globemallow | SPDI3 | Sphaeralcea digitata | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| quill cryptantha | CRAF | Cryptantha affinis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Torrey's milkvetch | ASCA9 | Astragalus calycosus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| gilia | GILIA | Gilia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| freckled milkvetch | ASLE8 | Astragalus lentiginosus | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| thickstem wild cabbage | CACR11 | Caulanthus crassicaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| lambsquarters | CHAL7 | Chenopodium album | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Columbian windflower | ANDE3 | Anemone deltoidea | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| littleleaf pussytoes | ANMI3 | Antennaria microphylla | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| beautiful rockcress | ARPU2 | Arabis pulchra | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cicada milkvetch | ASCH4 | Astragalus chamaeleuce | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| stemless mock goldenweed | STAC | Stenotus acaulis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desert princesplume | STPI | Stanleya pinnata | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Pacific aster | SYCHC | Symphyotrichum chilense var. chilense | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| foothill deathcamas | ZIPA2 | Zigadenus paniculatus | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| clasping pepperweed | LEPE2 | Lepidium perfoliatum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| Lewis flax | LILE3 | Linum lewisii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| African mustard | MAAF | Malcolmia africana | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| lanceleaf sage | SARE3 | Salvia reflexa | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 3 | Shrubs | 0–50 | ||||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–40 | 0–1 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–35 | 0–1 | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Nuttall's horsebrush | TENU2 | Tetradymia nuttallii | 0–30 | 0–1 | ||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| mormon tea | EPVI | Ephedra viridis | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 0–10 | 0–1 | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–5 | 0–1 | ||
Interpretations
Supporting information
Other references
Fryer, Janet L. 2009. Artemisia nova. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2013, November 20].
LANDFIRE Rapid Assessment. 2007. Rapid assessment reference condition models, [Online]. In: LANDFIRE. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Lab; U.S. Geological Survey; The Nature Conservancy (Producers). Available: http://www.landfire.gov/models_EW.php [2008, April 18] [66533]
Contributors
Jamin Johanson
Sarah Quistberg
Approval
Kendra Moseley, 6/12/2025
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
| Author(s)/participant(s) | |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | |
| Date | 06/16/2025 |
| Approved by | Kendra Moseley |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
-
Presence of water flow patterns:
-
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
-
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
-
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
-
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
-
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
-
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
-
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
-
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
-
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
-
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
-
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
-
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
-
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
Print Options
Sections
Font
Other
The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.