Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R028AY230UT
Semidesert Shallow Hardpan (Black Sagebrush)
Accessed: 12/22/2024
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.
Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
Ecological site concept
This 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 remnants at elevations between 4600 and 6500 feet. Average annual precipitation typically ranges between 9 and 13 inches, with March to May as the wettest months and June to September as the driest months during the growing season. The soils of this site are characterized as loamy and shallow to a root-limiting calcic horizon. These soils are typically high in carbonates, and sometimes have up to 40% gravels in the profile. Water-holding capacity is low, ranging from 1.2 to 2.4 inches of water in in the plant rooting zone. The plant community is historically dominated by black sagebrush, which thrives on soils high in carbonates, and diverse perennial bunchgrasses, including bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, squirreltail, and needleandthread. 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 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.
Associated sites
| R028AY220UT |
Semidesert Loam (Wyoming Big Sagebrush) R028AY234UT (Utah Juniper-Salina wildrye) is also an associated site. |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
(1) Artemisia nova |
| Herbaceous |
Not specified |
Physiographic features
This site most commonly occurs on alluvial fans and fan remnants at elevations from 4600-6500 feet. It occurs less frequently on lake terraces, hillslopes and ridges. Slopes are typically 2 to 15 percent, but can be slightly steeper. Flooding and ponding do not normally occur on this site.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Fan remnant
(2) Alluvial fan (3) Lake terrace |
|---|---|
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 4,600 – 6,500 ft |
| Slope | 2 – 15% |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
This site has a semiarid climate that is characterized by spring moisture, hot summers and cold winters. Average annual precipitation is 9 to 13 inches, with March through May as the wettest months and June through September as the driest months during the growning season. Plant growth usually begins in mid-March and continues until mid-June. Snow melt also contributes to high soil moisture in the spring. In June, as temperatures increase and precipitation decreases, the lack of soil moisture becomes limiting to plant growth. By July, most herbaceous plants mature and/or go dormant due to hot and dry conditions. Cooler temperatures and increased moisture in October can provide conditions for a fall green up for some plants in some years. December through February are the coldest months, usually with small to moderate accumulations of snowpack.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (average) | 119 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | 145 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 13 in |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Influencing water features
Due to its landscape position, this site is not typically influenced by streams or wetlands.
Soil features
The soils of this site are characterized by a root-limiting petrocalcic layer within 20 inches of the soil surface. These soils formed primarily in alluvim derived from limestone, sandstone and/or igneous rock. Surface and subsurface textures are usually gravelly loams or 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 1.2 to 2.4 inches of water within the plant rooting zone. These soils are well-drained. Soil pH ranges from 7.4 to 9.0.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Alluvium
–
limestone
(2) Lacustrine deposits – sandstone (3) Residuum – quartzite |
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Gravelly loam (2) Gravelly sandy loam (3) Very fine sandy loam |
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Well drained to somewhat excessively drained |
| Permeability class | Moderately slow to moderately rapid |
| Soil depth | 10 – 20 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 5 – 30% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 5% |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
1.2 – 2.4 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
1 – 40% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
2 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
13 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
7.4 – 9 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
5 – 40% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
5% |
Ecological dynamics
The historic plant community dynamics of this 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 timeframe 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.
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 yet been documented.
Juniper can become dominant on this site at the exculsion 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).
State and transition model
Figure 4. State-and-Transition Model
More interactive model formats are also available.
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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 timeframe 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
Figure 5. Phase 1.1
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. Sandbergs bluegrass is also very common, but less productive. Warm-season grasses, such as 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 15-50% grasses, 2-10% forbs, and 55-80% shrubs.
Figure 6. 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrub/Vine | 200 | 350 | 500 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 90 | 200 | 300 |
| Forb | 10 | 50 | 75 |
| Total | 300 | 600 | 875 |
Figure 7. 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 50-90% grasses, 5-15% forbs, and 5-35% shrubs.
Figure 8. 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Figure 9. Phase 1.3
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 10-25% grasses, 2-5% forbs, 60-80% shrubs, and 5-15% Utah juniper.
Figure 10. 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 | 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 150-250 years for stand-replacing fire, and 75-100 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 10-20 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 150-250 years for stand-replacing fire, and 75-100 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
Figure 11. Phase 2.1
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. Sandbergs bluegrass is also very common, but less productive. Warm-season grasses, such as 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 15-50% grasses, 2-10% forbs, and 55-80% 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrub/Vine | 200 | 350 | 500 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 90 | 200 | 300 |
| Forb | 10 | 50 | 75 |
| Total | 300 | 600 | 875 |
Community 2.2
Perennial Grassland
Figure 13. Phase 2.2
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 50-90% grasses, 5-15% forbs, and 5-35% shrubs.
Figure 14. 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Figure 15. Phase 2.3
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 10-25% grasses, 2-5% forbs, 35-80% shrubs, and 5-50% 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 16. 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 | 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. Sandbergs 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 15-50% grasses, 1-8% forbs, and 55-80% shrubs.
Figure 17. 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 | 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 150-250 years for stand-replacing fire, and 75-100 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 10-20 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-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 Sandbergs 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. This 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 seedbank.
Community 3.1
Black Sagebrush / Sandbergs Bluegrass
Figure 18. Phase 3.1
This community phase is dominated by black sagebrush in the overstory and Sandbergs 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 Sandbergs bluegrass is more grazing tolerant than other perennial grasses, it increases in the community and dominates the understory. Production in this phase is 5-20% grasses, 0-5% forbs, and 75-95% shrubs.
Figure 19. 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 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 30 | 60 | 90 |
| Forb | 0 | 15 | 30 |
| Total | 280 | 475 | 670 |
Community 3.2
Black Sagebrush / Sparse Understory
Figure 20. Phase 3.2
This community phase is dominated by black sagebrush with little or no understory, that is, less than 5% 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 Sandbergs bluegrass in the understory, which may be due to the general lack of Sandbergs bluegrass in the area, or to some combination of drought, excessesive grazing and/or soil erosion that results in pedestalling and desication of Sandbergs bluegrass. Production by air-dry weight is 0-5% grasses, 0-5% forbs, and 90-99% shrubs.
Figure 21. 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Sandbergs bluegrass is reduced in the community and total herbaceous production is less than 5% 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 desication of Sandbergs 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
This state is dominated by Utah junipers. 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. This state occurs in areas where the 75-150 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 timeframes referenced in this document.
Community 4.1
Juniper / Black Sagebrush
Figure 22. Phase 4.1
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 0-5% grasses, 2-10% forbs, 10-35% shrubs, and 55-75% Utah juniper.
Figure 23. 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 | 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 150-250 year return interval. Composition by air-dry weight is 0-2% grasses, 2-10% forbs, 0-10% shrubs, and 80-95% Utah juniper.
Figure 24. 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Figure 25. Phase 5.1
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 70-99% grasses, 0-10% forbs, and 0-30% shrubs.
Figure 26. 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 | 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 35-65% grasses, 0-5% forbs, and 35-65% shrubs.
Figure 27. 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 | 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
Figure 28. Phase 5.3
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 29. 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Figure 30. Phase 6.1
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 10-25% grasses, 0-10% forbs, and 65-85% shrubs.
Figure 31. 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrub/Vine | 200 | 350 | 500 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 50 | 100 | 150 |
| Forb | 0 | 35 | 50 |
| Total | 250 | 485 | 700 |
Community 6.2
Annual Dominated
Figure 32. Phase 6.2
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 33. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 20. 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. Sandbergs 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 supression 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 supression 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 21. 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 22. 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 | ||||
| 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 | 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 23. 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 24. 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 25. 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 | ||||
| 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 | 0–120 | 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 26. 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 27. 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 28. 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 29. 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 | ||||
| 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
|
||||||
| 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 30. 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 31. 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 32. 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 33. 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 34. 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 35. 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 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 150–350 | 12–25 | ||
| 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
Animal community
This site provides grazing for cattle and sheep in the fall, winter, and spring.
Wildlife using this site include rabbit, coyote, fox, badger, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and dove.
This is a short list of the more common species found. Many other species are present as well and migratory birds are present at times.
Hydrological functions
The soil series are in hydrologic group D. The hydrologic curve number is 80 when the vegetation is in good condition.
Recreational uses
Wildflowers provide natural beauty. Hunting and hiking are recreation uses
Wood products
None
Other information
Threatened and endangered species include plants and animals.
Supporting information
Type locality
| Location 1: Box Elder County, UT | |
|---|---|
| Township/Range/Section | T11N R15W S3 |
| General legal description | NE ¼, NE ¼, Section 3, Township 11N, Range 15W West Box Elder SCD Area Immediately West of E Ray Morris Headquarters West of Rosette. |
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
David J. Somorville
DJS
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) |
Jack Alexander, Range Specialist, Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc. Julia Kluck, Soil Scientist, Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc. Shane Green, State Range Specialist, Utah NRCS |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | Shane Green, Shane.Green@ut.usda.gov |
| Date | 02/08/2010 |
| Approved by | Shane A. Green |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
No rills present. Very minor rill development may occur in sparsely vegetated areas. If rills are present, they should be widely spaced and not connected. Rill development may increase following large storm events, but should begin to heal during the following growing season. Frost heaving will accelerate recovery. Rill development may increase when run inflow enters site from adjacent sites that produce large amounts of runoff (i.e. steeper sites, slickrock, rock outcrop). Site is essentially level and rills do not form. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Water flow patterns will be short (2-5’), narrow (<1’), and meandering; interrupted by plants and exposed rocks. Slight to no evidence of erosion or deposition associated with flow patterns. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Plants may have small pedestals (1-3”) where they are adjacent to water flow patterns, but without exposed roots. Terracettes should be few and stable. Terracettes should be small (1-3”) and show little sign of active erosion. Some plants may appear to have a pedestal but rather than be formed by erosion, the only place litter accumulates and soil collects is at plant bases forming the appearance of a pedestal.
Well-developed biological crusts may appear pedestalled, but are actually a characteristic of the crust formation. Some plants may appear to have a pedestal but rather than be formed by erosion, the only place litter accumulates and soil collects is at plant bases forming the appearance of a pedestal. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
25-40% bare ground (soil with no protection from raindrop impact). Herbaceous communities are most likely to have lower values. As species composition by shrubs increases, bare ground is likely to increase. Poorly developed biological soil crust that is susceptible to raindrop splash erosion should be recorded as bare ground. Very few if any bare spaces of greater than 1 square foot. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
No gullies present. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Very minor evidence of active wind-generated soil movement. Wind scoured (blowouts) and depositional areas are rarely present. If present they have muted features and are mostly stabilized with vegetation and/or biological crust. Gravel or desert pavement protects the site from wind scour. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Most litter resides in place with some redistribution caused by water and wind movement. Very minor litter removal may occur in flow patterns and rills with deposition occurring at points of obstruction. The majority of litter accumulates at the base of plants. Some leaves, stems, and small twigs may accumulate in soil depressions adjacent to plants. Woody stems are not likely to move. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
This site should have an erosion rating of 5 or 6 under plant canopies and a rating of 4 to 5 in the interspaces with an average rating of 5 using the soil stability kit test. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
This description is based on the modal soil (Plegomir GR-L, soil survey area: 601, West Box Elder). This site has 4 correlated soils, resulting in variation of each of these attributes. Unless working on a location with the modal soil, it is critical to supplement this description with the soil-specific information from the published soil survey.
Soil surface horizon is typically 5 inches deep. Structure is typically fine and medium granular. Color is typically brown (10YR 5/3), dark brown (10YR 3/3) moist.
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Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Bunchgrasses and shrubs equally important for increasing infiltration and reducing runoff. Litter plays a role in increasing infiltration and decreasing runoff. Plants provide microhabitat for seedlings, catch litter and soil, and slow raindrops and runoff. Vascular plants and/or well-developed biological soil crusts (where present) will break raindrop impact and splash erosion. Spatial distribution of vascular plants and interspaces between well-developed biological soil crusts (where present) provide detention storage and surface roughness that slows runoff allowing time for infiltration. Interspaces between plants and any well-developed biological soil crusts (where present) may serve as water flow patterns during episodic runoff events, with natural erosion expected in severe storms. When perennial grasses decrease, reducing ground cover and increasing bare ground, runoff is expected to increase and any associated infiltration reduced. Shrubs catch snow, slow wind evaporation, and provide microhabitat for seedling establishment. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None. Naturally occurring soil horizons may be harder than the surface because of an accumulation of calcium carbonate and should not be considered as compaction layers. A duripan (indurated layer of illuvial silica and lime) may be present at a depth of about 13”. -
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:
black sagebrushSub-dominant:
Indian ricegrass, bluebunch wheatgrassOther:
other shrubs > other grasses > forbsAdditional:
In the northern portion of the MLRA cool-season perennial grasses (Indian ricegrass, needle and thread) dominate. In the southernmost portion of the MLRA warm-season perennial grasses (galleta, sand dropseed) dominate. The two groups share dominance in the middle portion of the MLRA. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
During years with average to above average precipitation, there should be very little recent mortality or decadence apparent in either the shrubs or grasses. Some bunchgrass and shrub mortality may occur during severe droughts, particularly on the shallower and coarser soils associated with this site. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter cover includes litter under plants. Most litter will be fine litter. Depth should be 1-2 leaf thickness in the interspaces and up to 1/2” under canopies. Litter cover may increase to 15-25% following years with favorable growing conditions. Excess litter may accumulate in absence of disturbance. Vegetative production may be reduced if litter cover exceeds 40%. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
550#/acre.
Even the most stable communities exhibit a range of production values. Production will vary between communities and across the MRLA. Refer to the community descriptions in the ESD. Production will differ across the MLRA due to the naturally occurring variability in weather, soils, and aspect. The biological processes on this site are complex; therefore, representative values are presented in a land management context. -
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:
Cheatgrass and annual forbs -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All perennial plants should have the ability to reproduce sexually or asexually, except in drought years. Density of plants indicates that plants reproduce at level sufficient to fill available resource. Within capability of site there are no restrictions on seed or vegetative reproductive capacity.
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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.
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