Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R041XA102AZ
Shallow Hills 16-20" p.z.
Last updated: 4/09/2021
Accessed: 12/21/2024
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.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 041X–Madrean Archipelago
Land Resource Unit: 41-1AZ Mexican Oak-Pine Forest and Oak Savannah
Elevations range from 4500 to 5500 feet and precipitation ranges from 16 to 20 inches. Vegetation includes Emory oak, Mexican blue oak, Arizona white oak, one-seed juniper, alligator juniper, sacahuista, California bricklebush, skunkbush sumac, Arizona rosewood, wait-a-bit mimosa, sideoats grama, blue grama, purple grama, wooly bunchgrass, plains lovegrass, squirreltail, and pinyon ricegrass. The soil temperature regime is thermic; the soil moisture regime is aridic ustic. This unit occurs within the Basin and Range Physiographic Province. It is characterized by numerous mountain ranges that rise abruptly from broad, plain-like valleys and basins. Igneous and metamorphic rock classes dominate the mountain ranges and their sediments fill the basins with representive combinations of fluvial, lacustrine, colluvial and alluvial deposits.
Ecological site concept
Shallow Hills ecological site occurs on steep uplands, all moisture is received from precipitation without additional moisture inputs from on-site surface flow. Slopes are steep exceeding 15 percent. The non-calcareous soils are shallow, less than 20 inches deep. Parent material and bedrock consist of granite, schist, gneiss, or rhyolite (acid igneous).
Associated sites
| F041XA112AZ |
Sandy Wash 16-20" p.z. woodland |
|---|---|
| F041XA113AZ |
Sandy Bottom 16-20" p.z. woodland |
| R041XA103AZ |
Limestone Hills 16-20 p.z. |
| R041XA111AZ |
Volcanic Hills 16-20" p.z. |
| R041XA117AZ |
Shallow Upland 16-20" p.z. |
Similar sites
| R041XC306AZ |
Shallow Hills 12-16" p.z. |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
(1) quercus emoryi |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
(1) nolina microcarpa |
| Herbaceous |
(1) bouteloua curtipendula |
Physiographic features
This site occurs in the middle elevations of the Madrean Basin and Range province in southeastern Arizona. It is on hill-slopes and rolling pediments. Slope aspect is site differentiating at elevations near common resource area boundaries.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Hill
(2) Pediment |
|---|---|
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 4,500 – 5,500 ft |
| Slope | 15 – 65% |
| Aspect | N, E, S |
Climatic features
Precipitation in this zone of the common resource area ranges from 16-20 inches per year with elevations from 4500-5500 feet. Approximately 40% of this moisture comes as gentle rain or snow during the winter-spring (Oct-Apr) season; originates in the north Pacific and Gulf of California and comes as frontal storms with long duration and low intensity. The remaining 60% falls in the summer season (May-Sep); originates in the Gulf of Mexico and are convective, usually brief, intense thunderstorms. Snow is common Dec-Mar, averaging 5-15 inches per year, but rarely lasts more than a week. May and June are the driest months. Humidity is low.
Temperatures are mild. Freezing temperatures are common at night from Oct-May, but daytime temperatures are almost always over 40 F. Below 0 F temperatures can occur Dec-Feb. Daytime summer highs rarely exceed 95 F.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (average) | 221 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | 255 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 20 in |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Influencing water features
There are no water features associated with this site.
Soil features
Soils are shallow, non-calcareous, and often skeletal (>35% rock fragments). These soils formed from acid igneous rock like granite and rhyolite or metamorphic rock like schist, gneiss and quartzite. The underlying bedrock is generally weathered 3-5 inches but can be weathered up to 3 to 6 feet. Soils are coarse loamy or loamy and have a well-developed surface cover of gravels, cobbles, stones and boulders. Soil surface horizons are dark colored. Plant-soil moisture relationships are fair to good. Rock outcroppings are common. Soil series correlated to this ecological site include Budlamp, Woodcutter, Magoffin, Turquoise, Nugget and Lutzcan.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Slope alluvium
–
granite
(2) Colluvium – rhyolite |
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Very gravelly sandy loam (2) Cobbly sandy loam (3) Very cobbly loam |
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Well drained |
| Permeability class | Moderately rapid to moderate |
| Soil depth | 10 – 20 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 10 – 50% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 3 – 10% |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
0.7 – 2.4 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
5% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
2 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
2 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.1 – 7.8 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
10 – 45% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
3 – 10% |
Ecological dynamics
The Reference Plant Community (RPC, see State and Transition Model below) of the 41-1AZ Granitic Hills ecological site is a diverse mixture of warm-season perennial grasses, cool-season perennial grasses, ferns, forbs, succulents and shrubs. Trees are common giving the aspect a savanna appearance. Seasonal rainfall amounts affect amounts and composition of plant productivity. After a wet winter, cool season plants (a mixture of perennial grasses, forbs, sub-shrubs and annuals) begin active growth in March. The months of May and June present a period of little to no active plant growth. Warm season species, mostly perennial grasses, begin active growth after the onset of the summer rainy season usually in July; peak annual production occurs in October. Fire, short-term drought and herbivory (insects and mammals) are recurring disturbances to this ecological site. Historically, these disturbances interacted to shape the plant community phases within the Reference State. Fire reduces shrub cover and maintains the savanna aspect. Between fires, shrub growth continues unimpeded. Prior to historic settlement of the southwest, natural fire-free periods are estimated to have been 10-30 years in length. Today’s greatly extended fire-free periods are more influential on plant community dynamics than grazing. Plant community structure (shrub density) and composition is indicative of the length of time since last fire. For example, Mexican pinyon requires shading from shrubs for sapling establishment and are highly susceptible to fire, therefore old, mature pinyon stands indicate that 100+ years have passed since the last fire. Drought can extend the fire-free period by impairing perennial grass productivity and vigor. During extended fire-free periods, small shrubs and succulents can attain dominance of the plant community. When average rainfall resumes, annual forbs flourish while perennial grasses recover. Subsequent fires remove the shrub dominance.
Steep slopes and shallow soils make this ecological site somewhat vulnerable to disturbance. As disturbances increase in intensity, repetition and duration, the effects they have on the site are compounded by slope. The site’s hydrology, biotic integrity and soil stability are impacted. The changes, especially to the plant community, can become long-lasting. If non-native perennial bunchgrass seed is present or brought onto this ecological site, any intense disturbance (fire or grazing) may result in a monoculture of non-native lovegrass (Exotic Grass State). The aspect remains a savanna, similar to RPC; however, this plant community does not offer adequate wildlife food and cover.
If the disturbance is not managed, the productivity of the site ultimately declines as hydrology, soil stability and the biotic community all function differently from that in the Reference State. Continuous, unmanaged grazing of either savanna state (Reference or Exotic Grasses) removes fire fuel and reduces perennial bunchgrass vigor. The resulting plant community is dominated by shrubs with less perennial grass cover (Shrub Dominated State). Run-off and erosion is much higher in this state than the savanna.
Drought or fire, coupled with continuous, unmanaged grazing can severely impact soil and plant community functioning from the Reference or Shrub Dominated State. The resulting state has severe erosion and lower potential productivity. The increased run-off also adversely affects ecological sites downslope (see F041XA112AZ Sandy Wash, 16-20” (QUEM, QUAR)).
State and transition model
Figure 4. 41-1 Granitic Hills State and Transition
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference
Community 1.1
Oak Savannah (RPC)
Figure 5. Granitic Hills 16-20" pz. (on rhyolite) RPC
The potential plant community is a diverse mixture of warm and cool season perennial grasses, ferns, forbs, succulents and shrubs. The tree and shrub component is influenced by the sun exposure of the hillslope. The warm exposures (southern slopes) have more shrubs like mimosa and manzanita where the cooler exposures (northern slopes) have more alligator juniper and pinyon. Mexican pinyon only comes into these plant communities in the absence of fire. A tree canopy of 5-15% Mexican live-oak occurs on the site. Most perennial herbaceous species are well dispersed throughout the plant community with 25%-40% canopy cover. A few species, however, occur only under the canopies of trees. Oak species on the site are very tolerant of fire. Naturally occurring wildfires in June-August are an important factor to shaping this plant community. Fire-free intervals ranging from 10-30 years maintain a savanna aspect. In the absence of fire for longer periods, the site gets shrubbier and shrubbier. Heavy grazing and drought can extend fire intervals by removing fine fuels needed to carry fire. The aspect is savanna. Periodic droughts occur and cause significant grass mortality. Droughts in the early 30s and mid 50s, 1975-76 and 1988-89, 1995-96 and 2002 resulted in the loss of much of the grass cover on this site. The site recovers rapidly when average rainfall resumes due to good ground cover of gravels and cobbles.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 400 | 900 | 1055 |
| Tree | 100 | 200 | 600 |
| Shrub/Vine | 13 | 100 | 230 |
| Forb | 11 | 40 | 100 |
| Total | 524 | 1240 | 1985 |
Table 6. Soil surface cover
| Tree basal cover | 0-1% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana basal cover | 1-5% |
| Grass/grasslike basal cover | 6-13% |
| Forb basal cover | 0-1% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0-1% |
| Biological crusts | 0-1% |
| Litter | 25-60% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 10-50% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 3-17% |
| Bedrock | 0-5% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 5-20% |
Table 7. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | – | 0-3% | 1-5% | 0-10% |
| >0.5 <= 1 | – | 1-5% | 5-10% | 1-10% |
| >1 <= 2 | – | 1-5% | 10-25% | 1-5% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | – | 1-5% | 1-10% | 0-5% |
| >4.5 <= 13 | 0-2% | 0-2% | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | 5-15% | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Figure 7. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). AZ4111, 41.1 16-30. Growth begins in the spring, semi-dormancy occurs during the June drought, most growth occurs during the summer rainy season..
| 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 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 0 | 15 | 45 | 20 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Community 1.2
Shrubs, Succulents and Grass
This plant community is characterized by shrubs, succulents, annual grasses and annual forbs. Mid-grasses like sideoats grama, plains lovegrass, crinkleawn and green sprangletop have been reduced in number from extended periods without fire. During extended fire-free periods (20+ years), this site gets shrubby with increases in species like terpentine bush, mimosas, bricklebush, goldeneye, sotol and amole. Well-developed ground cover of stones, cobbles, and gravel protect the soil from erosion after fire or grazing. Trees per acre run from 5-30. Palmer agave plants average 5-60 per acre. Also, without periodic disturbance like fire or grazing, perennial mid-grass plants can become decadent, allowing annuals like goldeneye to flourish especially in the years with wet winter-spring seasons.
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Drought, absence of disturbance (fire or grazing) or continuous, unmanaged grazing.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Burning | |
|---|---|
| Prescribed Grazing |
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Natural fire, managed grazing, prescribed burning.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Burning | |
|---|---|
| Prescribed Grazing |
State 2
Exotic Grass
Community 2.1
Exotic Grassland
Figure 8. Granitic Hills 16-20" pz. Lehmann lovegrass
This state occurs where non-native grass species like Lehmann, Boer and weeping lovegrass dominate the herbaceous understory. Originally seeded in problem areas for soil stabilization, the seed can be transported by vehicles and animals, both wild and domestic, to move in along roads and trails. Established patches of exotic lovegrasses can expand simply from the species’ prolific seed production and germination. Continuous unmanaged grazing removes native perennial grasses by selectively increasing grazing pressure on the natives. Once established, non-native grasses can increase to dominate the site. Tree and shrub species remain in the plant community. Repeated fire tends to increase Lehmann lovegrass on this site at the expense of native species. Herbaceous production in this state can exceed that of the RPC; however, exotic lovegrasses are low in nutritional value (low protein, high indigestible carbohydrates) and generally not preferred by livestock. Considering the steeper slopes found on this ecological site, grazing use in this state will be less than adjacent gentler sloped sites, except during early spring green-up on southerly aspects. Exotic lovegrass seed is very small, making it unavailable as a food for wildlife; a monoculture stand can become too dense for small wildlife movement. This state is very stable. The aspect is savanna.
State 3
Shrub Dominated
Community 3.1
Mixed Shrubland
Figure 9. Granitic Hills 16-20" pz., mixed shrubland after burn w/ manzanita
The mixed shrubland plant community occurs where species like mesquite, one-seed and alligator juniper, manzanita, or mimosa species have been introduced to the community or have increased in the absence of fire for long periods of time. Fine fuels still exist, in some years, for fires to carry. Shrubs, however, are well established and re-sprout or re-seed to quickly resume dominance after a fire. Mimosa, sotol, manzanita, ocotillo, juniper and mesquite canopy increases to 5-35%; other shrub and succulents make up 5-20% canopy. The aspect is shrubland with a herbaceous understory.
State 4
Eroded
Community 4.1
Dense Shrubs
The dense shrub plant community is dominated by shrubs with only remnant perennial grasses. Severe hydrologic changes have occurred. Sheet and rill erosion is common due to animal trailing, soil compaction and lack of perennial grass cover. Poorly designed roads and trails also concentrate and accelerate run-off. Underlying argillic horizons or decomposed bedrock are exposed as the dark colored soil surface is lost to erosion. The potential productivity and hydrologic function of the site are permanently reduced. The aspect is shrubland.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
This transition occurs when non-native bunchgrass seed is purposely or inadvertently introduced into the plant community. Repeated fire or unmanaged grazing can disrupt the native midgrass community, allowing non-native bunchgrasses to flourish.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3
Long-term unmanaged grazing reduces perennial grass vigor and removes fine fuels from carrying fire. In the absence of fire, shrub growth is unchecked.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1
No restoration pathway known at this time. Perhaps future development of herbicide or biological treatment to remove perennial exotics will occur.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Burning | |
|---|---|
| Upland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
| Prescribed Grazing |
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
Long-term, unmanaged grazing with or without drought-fire interaction opens perennial grass canopy, reduces fuel loads, and allows shrubs to outcompete for resources. Fire-free periods are further extended in the absence of fine fuels.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1
Woody species control, native species seeding (as needed) supported by managed grazing. Shrub control needs to be maintained with herbicides or prescribed burning.
Conservation practices
| Brush Management | |
|---|---|
| Prescribed Burning | |
| Fence | |
| Range Planting | |
| Prescribed Grazing |
Restoration pathway R3B
State 3 to 2
Restoration activities conducted when a non-native seed bank is present (Lehmann lovegrass or other non-natives present along trails, roads or in disturbed areas) can result in an exotic grassland community. Seeding native species may enhance the native grass and forb components. Restoration practices are woody species control and native species seeding (as needed) supported by managed grazing. Shrub control maintained with herbicide favors the native grasses; prescribed burning favors non-native grasses. Burning the mixed shrub community with a non-native grass seed source present can result in an exotic grassland co-dominant with shrubs.
Conservation practices
| Brush Management | |
|---|---|
| Prescribed Burning | |
| Range Planting | |
| Upland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
| Prescribed Grazing |
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4
Continuous, unmanaged grazing further affects the biotic integrity, soil site stability and hydrologic functioning. Animal trailing and soil surface compaction are compounded with the hydrologic impacts of plant community changes (shrub dominance rather than perennial grasses). Overall, surface water run-off from rainfall events is greatly increased while infiltration is markedly decreased.
Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Dominant mid-grasses | 350–800 | ||||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 100–350 | – | ||
| Texas bluestem | SCCI2 | Schizachyrium cirratum | 100–200 | – | ||
| plains lovegrass | ERIN | Eragrostis intermedia | 100–200 | – | ||
| green sprangletop | LEDU | Leptochloa dubia | 10–100 | – | ||
| bullgrass | MUEM | Muhlenbergia emersleyi | 5–100 | – | ||
| Orcutt's threeawn | ARSCO | Aristida schiedeana var. orcuttiana | 25–100 | – | ||
| cane bluestem | BOBA3 | Bothriochloa barbinodis | 5–50 | – | ||
| woolyspike balsamscale | ELBA | Elionurus barbiculmis | 0–50 | – | ||
| 2 | Dominant short grasses | 25–150 | ||||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 5–50 | – | ||
| purple grama | BORA | Bouteloua radicosa | 0–25 | – | ||
| sprucetop grama | BOCH | Bouteloua chondrosioides | 0–20 | – | ||
| Santa Rita Mountain grama | BOEL | Bouteloua eludens | 0–20 | – | ||
| black grama | BOER4 | Bouteloua eriopoda | 0–20 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–10 | – | ||
| slender grama | BORE2 | Bouteloua repens | 0–10 | – | ||
| common wolfstail | LYPH | Lycurus phleoides | 0–10 | – | ||
| 3 | Cool season grasses | 10–50 | ||||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 1–25 | – | ||
| pinyon ricegrass | PIFI | Piptochaetium fimbriatum | 0–20 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 5–20 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 1–10 | – | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 0–5 | – | ||
| flatsedge | CYPER | Cyperus | 0–2 | – | ||
| densetuft hairsedge | BUCA2 | Bulbostylis capillaris | 0–2 | – | ||
| 4 | Miscellaneous perennial grasses | 1–30 | ||||
| tanglehead | HECO10 | Heteropogon contortus | 1–10 | – | ||
| Arizona cottontop | DICA8 | Digitaria californica | 0–10 | – | ||
| pine muhly | MUDU | Muhlenbergia dubia | 0–5 | – | ||
| spidergrass | ARTE3 | Aristida ternipes | 0–5 | – | ||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–5 | – | ||
| plains bristlegrass | SEVU2 | Setaria vulpiseta | 0–2 | – | ||
| Mexican gamagrass | TRLA11 | Tripsacum lanceolatum | 0–2 | – | ||
| curly-mesquite | HIBE | Hilaria belangeri | 0–2 | – | ||
| Porter's melicgrass | MEPO | Melica porteri | 0–2 | – | ||
| smallgrass | MICRO | Microchloa | 0–2 | – | ||
| Arizona muhly | MUAR3 | Muhlenbergia arizonica | 0–2 | – | ||
| purple muhly | MURI3 | Muhlenbergia rigida | 0–2 | – | ||
| bulb panicgrass | PABU | Panicum bulbosum | 0–2 | – | ||
| silver bluestem | BOSA | Bothriochloa saccharoides | 0–2 | – | ||
| maidencane | PAHE2 | Panicum hemitomon | 0–2 | – | ||
| Hall's panicgrass | PAHA | Panicum hallii | 0–1 | – | ||
| bush muhly | MUPO2 | Muhlenbergia porteri | 0–1 | – | ||
| fall witchgrass | DICO6 | Digitaria cognata | 0–1 | – | ||
| nineawn pappusgrass | ENDE | Enneapogon desvauxii | 0–1 | – | ||
| spidergrass | ARTEG | Aristida ternipes var. gentilis | 0–1 | – | ||
| Rothrock's grama | BORO2 | Bouteloua rothrockii | 0–1 | – | ||
| Wright's threeawn | ARPUW | Aristida purpurea var. wrightii | 0–1 | – | ||
| slim tridens | TRMU | Tridens muticus | 0–1 | – | ||
| slim tridens | TRMUE | Tridens muticus var. elongatus | 0–1 | – | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–1 | – | ||
| 5 | Annual grasses | 2–25 | ||||
| sweet tanglehead | HEME | Heteropogon melanocarpus | 0–10 | – | ||
| Eastwood fescue | VUMIC | Vulpia microstachys var. ciliata | 0–10 | – | ||
| sixweeks fescue | VUOC | Vulpia octoflora | 0–5 | – | ||
| prairie threeawn | AROL | Aristida oligantha | 0–5 | – | ||
| Arizona signalgrass | URAR | Urochloa arizonica | 0–5 | – | ||
| small fescue | VUMI | Vulpia microstachys | 0–5 | – | ||
| witchgrass | PACA6 | Panicum capillare | 0–5 | – | ||
| Mexican sprangletop | LEFUU | Leptochloa fusca ssp. uninervia | 0–2 | – | ||
| littleseed muhly | MUMI | Muhlenbergia microsperma | 0–2 | – | ||
| mucronate sprangletop | LEPA6 | Leptochloa panicea | 0–1 | – | ||
| pullup muhly | MUFI2 | Muhlenbergia filiformis | 0–1 | – | ||
| fragilegrass | AETE | Aegopogon tenellus | 0–1 | – | ||
| sixweeks threeawn | ARAD | Aristida adscensionis | 0–1 | – | ||
| needle grama | BOAR | Bouteloua aristidoides | 0–1 | – | ||
| sixweeks grama | BOBA2 | Bouteloua barbata | 0–1 | – | ||
| Arizona brome | BRAR4 | Bromus arizonicus | 0–1 | – | ||
| feather fingergrass | CHVI4 | Chloris virgata | 0–1 | – | ||
| tapertip cupgrass | ERACA | Eriochloa acuminata var. acuminata | 0–1 | – | ||
| Mexican lovegrass | ERME | Eragrostis mexicana | 0–1 | – | ||
| tufted lovegrass | ERPE | Eragrostis pectinacea | 0–1 | – | ||
| pitscale grass | HAGR3 | Hackelochloa granularis | 0–1 | – | ||
| Bigelow's bluegrass | POBI | Poa bigelovii | 0–1 | – | ||
| poverty dropseed | SPVA | Sporobolus vaginiflorus | 0–1 | – | ||
| prairie false oat | TRIN5 | Trisetum interruptum | 0–1 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Perennial Forbs | 10–50 | ||||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 1–10 | – | ||
| weakleaf bur ragweed | AMCO3 | Ambrosia confertiflora | 1–5 | – | ||
| firecrackerbush | BOTE2 | Bouvardia ternifolia | 0–5 | – | ||
| bluedicks | DICA14 | Dichelostemma capitatum | 1–5 | – | ||
| trailing fleabane | ERFL | Erigeron flagellaris | 1–5 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 0–5 | – | ||
| Wright's deervetch | LOWR | Lotus wrightii | 0–5 | – | ||
| pearly globe amaranth | GONI | Gomphrena nitida | 0–5 | – | ||
| slimleaf bean | PHAN3 | Phaseolus angustissimus | 0–5 | – | ||
| Arizona spikemoss | SEAR2 | Selaginella arizonica | 0–5 | – | ||
| Arizona bluecurls | TRAR | Trichostema arizonicum | 0–5 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–5 | – | ||
| Louisiana vetch | VILUL2 | Vicia ludoviciana ssp. ludoviciana | 0–5 | – | ||
| Texas snoutbean | RHSET | Rhynchosia senna var. texana | 0–2 | – | ||
| brownplume wirelettuce | STPA4 | Stephanomeria pauciflora | 0–2 | – | ||
| Cory's mistletoe | PHCO14 | Phoradendron coryae | 0–2 | – | ||
| fineleaf hymenopappus | HYFI | Hymenopappus filifolius | 0–2 | – | ||
| spreading fleabane | ERDI4 | Erigeron divergens | 0–2 | – | ||
| Arizona snakecotton | FRAR2 | Froelichia arizonica | 0–2 | – | ||
| New Mexico fleabane | ERNE3 | Erigeron neomexicanus | 0–2 | – | ||
| Cooley's bundleflower | DECO2 | Desmanthus cooleyi | 0–2 | – | ||
| rose heath | CHER2 | Chaetopappa ericoides | 0–2 | – | ||
| dwarf stickpea | CAHUR | Calliandra humilis var. reticulata | 0–2 | – | ||
| woolly locoweed | ASMOB | Astragalus mollissimus var. bigelovii | 0–2 | – | ||
| sheep milkvetch | ASNO3 | Astragalus nothoxys | 0–2 | – | ||
| bastard toadflax | COUM | Comandra umbellata | 0–2 | – | ||
| carelessweed | AMPA | Amaranthus palmeri | 0–2 | – | ||
| tuber anemone | ANTU | Anemone tuberosa | 0–2 | – | ||
| melon loco | APUN | Apodanthera undulata | 0–1 | – | ||
| trailing windmills | ALIN | Allionia incarnata | 0–1 | – | ||
| largeflower onion | ALMA4 | Allium macropetalum | 0–1 | – | ||
| Mexican yellowshow | AMPA3 | Amoreuxia palmatifida | 0–1 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–1 | – | ||
| crested anoda | ANCR2 | Anoda cristata | 0–1 | – | ||
| perennial rockcress | ARPE2 | Arabis perennans | 0–1 | – | ||
| southwestern pricklypoppy | ARPL3 | Argemone pleiacantha | 0–1 | – | ||
| Watson's dutchman's pipe | ARWA | Aristolochia watsonii | 0–1 | – | ||
| Arizona milkvetch | ASAR6 | Astragalus arizonicus | 0–1 | – | ||
| spider milkweed | ASAS | Asclepias asperula | 0–1 | – | ||
| chaparral asphead | ASHI3 | Aspicarpa hirtella | 0–1 | – | ||
| broadleaf milkweed | ASLA4 | Asclepias latifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| leatherweed | CRPO5 | Croton pottsii | 0–1 | – | ||
| fingerleaf gourd | CUDI | Cucurbita digitata | 0–1 | – | ||
| coyote gourd | CUPA | Cucurbita palmata | 0–1 | – | ||
| purplenerve springparsley | CYMU2 | Cymopterus multinervatus | 0–1 | – | ||
| whiteflower prairie clover | DAAL | Dalea albiflora | 0–1 | – | ||
| James' prairie clover | DAJA | Dalea jamesii | 0–1 | – | ||
| dwarf prairie clover | DANA | Dalea nana | 0–1 | – | ||
| downy prairie clover | DANE | Dalea neomexicana | 0–1 | – | ||
| horsetail milkweed | ASSU2 | Asclepias subverticillata | 0–1 | – | ||
| dense ayenia | AYMI | Ayenia microphylla | 0–1 | – | ||
| scarlet spiderling | BOCO | Boerhavia coccinea | 0–1 | – | ||
| climbing wartclub | BOSC | Boerhavia scandens | 0–1 | – | ||
| wholeleaf Indian paintbrush | CAIN14 | Castilleja integra | 0–1 | – | ||
| desert mariposa lily | CAKE | Calochortus kennedyi | 0–1 | – | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 0–1 | – | ||
| whitemargin sandmat | CHAL11 | Chamaesyce albomarginata | 0–1 | – | ||
| mala mujer | CNAN | Cnidoscolus angustidens | 0–1 | – | ||
| birdbill dayflower | CODI4 | Commelina dianthifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| Texas bindweed | COEQ | Convolvulus equitans | 0–1 | – | ||
| whitemouth dayflower | COER | Commelina erecta | 0–1 | – | ||
| desert larkspur | DEPA | Delphinium parishii | 0–1 | – | ||
| Torrey's craglily | ECFL | Echeandia flavescens | 0–1 | – | ||
| Mexican fireplant | EUHE4 | Euphorbia heterophylla | 0–1 | – | ||
| sun spurge | EURA2 | Euphorbia radians | 0–1 | – | ||
| wild dwarf morning-glory | EVAR | Evolvulus arizonicus | 0–1 | – | ||
| shaggy dwarf morning-glory | EVNU | Evolvulus nuttallianus | 0–1 | – | ||
| silver dwarf morning-glory | EVSE | Evolvulus sericeus | 0–1 | – | ||
| scarlet beeblossom | GACO5 | Gaura coccinea | 0–1 | – | ||
| babyslippers | HYVE | Hybanthus verticillatus | 0–1 | – | ||
| pinkthroat morning-glory | IPLO | Ipomoea longifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| ragged nettlespurge | JAMA | Jatropha macrorhiza | 0–1 | – | ||
| San Pedro daisy | LAPO4 | Lasianthaea podocephala | 0–1 | – | ||
| narrowleaf stoneseed | LIIN2 | Lithospermum incisum | 0–1 | – | ||
| Lewis flax | LILE3 | Linum lewisii | 0–1 | – | ||
| Greene's bird's-foot trefoil | LOGR4 | Lotus greenei | 0–1 | – | ||
| variableleaf bushbean | MAGI2 | Macroptilium gibbosifolium | 0–1 | – | ||
| lacy tansyaster | MAPI | Machaeranthera pinnatifida | 0–1 | – | ||
| Mexican star | MIBI2 | Milla biflora | 0–1 | – | ||
| lemon beebalm | MOCIA | Monarda citriodora ssp. austromontana | 0–1 | – | ||
| tufted evening primrose | OECA10 | Oenothera caespitosa | 0–1 | – | ||
| locoweed | OXYTR | Oxytropis | 0–1 | – | ||
| beardlip penstemon | PEBA2 | Penstemon barbatus | 0–1 | – | ||
| longstalk chinchweed | PELO | Pectis longipes | 0–1 | – | ||
| Parry's beardtongue | PEPA24 | Penstemon parryi | 0–1 | – | ||
| ivyleaf groundcherry | PHHE4 | Physalis hederifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| white milkwort | POAL4 | Polygala alba | 0–1 | – | ||
| velvetseed milkwort | POOB | Polygala obscura | 0–1 | – | ||
| shrubby purslane | POSU3 | Portulaca suffrutescens | 0–1 | – | ||
| slimflower scurfpea | PSTE5 | Psoralidium tenuiflorum | 0–1 | – | ||
| buffpetal | RHPH2 | Rhynchosida physocalyx | 0–1 | – | ||
| orange fameflower | PHAU13 | Phemeranthus aurantiacus | 0–1 | – | ||
| small matweed | GUDE | Guilleminea densa | 0–1 | – | ||
| red bluet | HORU | Houstonia rubra | 0–1 | – | ||
| twinleaf senna | SEBA3 | Senna bauhinioides | 0–1 | – | ||
| Lemmon's ragwort | SELE8 | Senecio lemmonii | 0–1 | – | ||
| Huachuca Mountain ragwort | SEMU9 | Senecio multidentatus | 0–1 | – | ||
| cardinal catchfly | SILA2 | Silene laciniata | 0–1 | – | ||
| New Mexico fanpetals | SINE | Sida neomexicana | 0–1 | – | ||
| silverleaf nightshade | SOEL | Solanum elaeagnifolium | 0–1 | – | ||
| copper globemallow | SPAN3 | Sphaeralcea angustifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| gooseberryleaf globemallow | SPGR2 | Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| jewels of Opar | TAPA2 | Talinum paniculatum | 0–1 | – | ||
| Coulter's wrinklefruit | TECO | Tetraclea coulteri | 0–1 | – | ||
| hairy fournwort | TENE | Tetramerium nervosum | 0–1 | – | ||
| longstalk greenthread | THLO | Thelesperma longipes | 0–1 | – | ||
| Hopi tea greenthread | THME | Thelesperma megapotamicum | 0–1 | – | ||
| pinewoods spiderwort | TRPI | Tradescantia pinetorum | 0–1 | – | ||
| branched noseburn | TRRA5 | Tragia ramosa | 0–1 | – | ||
| Fort Huachuca vervain | VEGR2 | Verbena gracilis | 0–1 | – | ||
| slimleaf plainsmustard | SCLI12 | Schoenocrambe linearifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| Rocky Mountain zinnia | ZIGR | Zinnia grandiflora | 0–1 | – | ||
| 8 | Annual Forbs | 1–50 | ||||
| longleaf false goldeneye | HELOA2 | Heliomeris longifolia var. annua | 0–15 | – | ||
| pitseed goosefoot | CHBE4 | Chenopodium berlandieri | 0–10 | – | ||
| New Mexico goosefoot | CHNE3 | Chenopodium neomexicanum | 0–10 | – | ||
| sensitive partridge pea | CHNI2 | Chamaecrista nictitans | 0–10 | – | ||
| smallflowered milkvetch | ASNU4 | Astragalus nuttallianus | 0–10 | – | ||
| Thurber's milkvetch | ASTH | Astragalus thurberi | 0–10 | – | ||
| fewflower beggarticks | BILE | Bidens leptocephala | 0–10 | – | ||
| western tansymustard | DEPI | Descurainia pinnata | 0–5 | – | ||
| southwestern cosmos | COPA12 | Cosmos parviflorus | 0–3 | – | ||
| Wright's bird's beak | COWR2 | Cordylanthus wrightii | 0–2 | – | ||
| wedgeleaf draba | DRCU | Draba cuneifolia | 0–2 | – | ||
| New Mexico thistle | CINE | Cirsium neomexicanum | 0–2 | – | ||
| New Mexico copperleaf | ACNE | Acalypha neomexicana | 0–2 | – | ||
| spreading fanpetals | SIAB | Sida abutifolia | 0–2 | – | ||
| scrambled eggs | COAU2 | Corydalis aurea | 0–2 | – | ||
| slender goldenweed | MAGR10 | Machaeranthera gracilis | 0–2 | – | ||
| Wright's cudweed | PSCAC2 | Pseudognaphalium canescens ssp. canescens | 0–2 | – | ||
| redstar | IPCO3 | Ipomoea coccinea | 0–2 | – | ||
| Thurber's morning-glory | IPTH | Ipomoea thurberi | 0–2 | – | ||
| woolly plantain | PLPA2 | Plantago patagonica | 0–2 | – | ||
| Arizona poppy | KAGR | Kallstroemia grandiflora | 0–2 | – | ||
| tanseyleaf tansyaster | MATA2 | Machaeranthera tanacetifolia | 0–2 | – | ||
| whitestem blazingstar | MEAL6 | Mentzelia albicaulis | 0–1 | – | ||
| sweet four o'clock | MILO2 | Mirabilis longiflora | 0–1 | – | ||
| desert evening primrose | OEPR | Oenothera primiveris | 0–1 | – | ||
| Arizona phacelia | PHAR13 | Phacelia arizonica | 0–1 | – | ||
| Mangas Spring phacelia | PHBO4 | Phacelia bombycina | 0–1 | – | ||
| Arizona popcornflower | PLAR | Plagiobothrys arizonicus | 0–1 | – | ||
| warty caltrop | KAPA | Kallstroemia parviflora | 0–1 | – | ||
| Gordon's bladderpod | LEGO | Lesquerella gordonii | 0–1 | – | ||
| broadleaved pepperweed | LELA2 | Lepidium latifolium | 0–1 | – | ||
| intermediate pepperweed | LEVIM | Lepidium virginicum var. medium | 0–1 | – | ||
| dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 0–1 | – | ||
| plains flax | LIPU4 | Linum puberulum | 0–1 | – | ||
| foothill deervetch | LOHU2 | Lotus humistratus | 0–1 | – | ||
| coastal bird's-foot trefoil | LOSAB | Lotus salsuginosus var. brevivexillus | 0–1 | – | ||
| shortstem lupine | LUBR2 | Lupinus brevicaulis | 0–1 | – | ||
| bajada lupine | LUCOC | Lupinus concinnus ssp. concinnus | 0–1 | – | ||
| Fendler's desertdandelion | MAFE | Malacothrix fendleri | 0–1 | – | ||
| purslane | PORTU | Portulaca | 0–1 | – | ||
| yerba porosa | PORU6 | Porophyllum ruderale | 0–1 | – | ||
| desert unicorn-plant | PRAL4 | Proboscidea althaeifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| doubleclaw | PRPA2 | Proboscidea parviflora | 0–1 | – | ||
| El Paso skyrocket | IPTH2 | Ipomopsis thurberi | 0–1 | – | ||
| ivyleaf morning-glory | IPHE | Ipomoea hederacea | 0–1 | – | ||
| flaxflowered ipomopsis | IPLOL | Ipomopsis longiflora ssp. longiflora | 0–1 | – | ||
| Abert's creeping zinnia | SAAB | Sanvitalia abertii | 0–1 | – | ||
| sawtooth sage | SASU7 | Salvia subincisa | 0–1 | – | ||
| mesa tansyaster | MATA | Machaeranthera tagetina | 0–1 | – | ||
| sleepy silene | SIAN2 | Silene antirrhina | 0–1 | – | ||
| carelessweed | AMPA | Amaranthus palmeri | 0–1 | – | ||
| crested anoda | ANCR2 | Anoda cristata | 0–1 | – | ||
| halfmoon milkvetch | ASAL6 | Astragalus allochrous | 0–1 | – | ||
| royal sandmat | CHDI5 | Chamaesyce dioica | 0–1 | – | ||
| pillpod sandmat | CHHI3 | Chamaesyce hirta | 0–1 | – | ||
| hyssopleaf sandmat | CHHY3 | Chamaesyce hyssopifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| miner's lettuce | CLPEP | Claytonia perfoliata ssp. perfoliata | 0–1 | – | ||
| threadstem sandmat | CHRE4 | Chamaesyce revoluta | 0–1 | – | ||
| thymeleaf sandmat | CHSE6 | Chamaesyce serpyllifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| slimseed sandmat | CHST8 | Chamaesyce stictospora | 0–1 | – | ||
| Abert's buckwheat | ERAB2 | Eriogonum abertianum | 0–1 | – | ||
| sanddune wallflower | ERCA14 | Erysimum capitatum | 0–1 | – | ||
| miniature woollystar | ERDI2 | Eriastrum diffusum | 0–1 | – | ||
| spreading fleabane | ERDI4 | Erigeron divergens | 0–1 | – | ||
| sorrel buckwheat | ERPO4 | Eriogonum polycladon | 0–1 | – | ||
| California poppy | ESCAM | Eschscholzia californica ssp. mexicana | 0–1 | – | ||
| Arizona blanketflower | GAAR2 | Gaillardia arizonica | 0–1 | – | ||
| red dome blanketflower | GAPI | Gaillardia pinnatifida | 0–1 | – | ||
| lesser yellowthroat gilia | GIFL | Gilia flavocincta | 0–1 | – | ||
| El Paso gilia | GIME | Gilia mexicana | 0–1 | – | ||
| Dakota mock vervain | GLBIB | Glandularia bipinnatifida var. bipinnatifida | 0–1 | – | ||
| curlytop gumweed | GRNUA | Grindelia nuda var. aphanactis | 0–1 | – | ||
| cryptantha | CRYPT | Cryptantha | 0–1 | – | ||
| Chihuahuan prairie clover | DAEX2 | Dalea exigua | 0–1 | – | ||
| American wild carrot | DAPU3 | Daucus pusillus | 0–1 | – | ||
| sacred thorn-apple | DAWR2 | Datura wrightii | 0–1 | – | ||
| New Mexico ticktrefoil | DENE | Desmodium neomexicanum | 0–1 | – | ||
| western trailing ticktrefoil | DEPR2 | Desmodium procumbens | 0–1 | – | ||
| poorjoe | DITE2 | Diodia teres | 0–1 | – | ||
| camphorweed | HESU3 | Heterotheca subaxillaris | 0–1 | – | ||
| crestrib morning-glory | IPCO2 | Ipomoea costellata | 0–1 | – | ||
| Coulter's spiderling | BOCO2 | Boerhavia coulteri | 0–1 | – | ||
| erect spiderling | BOER | Boerhavia erecta | 0–1 | – | ||
| hoary bowlesia | BOIN3 | Bowlesia incana | 0–1 | – | ||
| purple spiderling | BOPU | Boerhavia purpurascens | 0–1 | – | ||
| fringed redmaids | CACI2 | Calandrinia ciliata | 0–1 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 9 | Half shrubs | 5–50 | ||||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 20–30 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 20–30 | – | ||
| Rincon Mountain rockcress | ARTR6 | Arabis tricornuta | 20–30 | – | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 20–30 | – | ||
| copper fern | BOHI | Bommeria hispida | 20–30 | – | ||
| lipfern | CHEIL | Cheilanthes | 20–30 | – | ||
| whitemouth dayflower | COER | Commelina erecta | 20–30 | – | ||
| bastard toadflax | COUM | Comandra umbellata | 20–30 | – | ||
| ashy pipewort | ERCI4 | Eriocaulon cinereum | 20–30 | – | ||
| spreading fleabane | ERDI4 | Erigeron divergens | 20–30 | – | ||
| trailing fleabane | ERFL | Erigeron flagellaris | 20–30 | – | ||
| New Mexico fleabane | ERNE3 | Erigeron neomexicanus | 20–30 | – | ||
| Arizona snakecotton | FRAR2 | Froelichia arizonica | 20–30 | – | ||
| gumhead | GYGL | Gymnosperma glutinosum | 20–30 | – | ||
| hairy false goldenaster | HEVIM3 | Heterotheca villosa var. minor | 20–30 | – | ||
| fineleaf hymenopappus | HYFIL | Hymenopappus filifolius var. lugens | 20–30 | – | ||
| El Paso skyrocket | IPTH2 | Ipomopsis thurberi | 20–30 | – | ||
| Wright's deervetch | LOWR | Lotus wrightii | 20–30 | – | ||
| variableleaf bushbean | MAGI2 | Macroptilium gibbosifolium | 20–30 | – | ||
| sweet four o'clock | MILO2 | Mirabilis longiflora | 20–30 | – | ||
| cloak fern | NOTHO | Notholaena | 20–30 | – | ||
| creeping woodsorrel | OXCO | Oxalis corniculata | 20–30 | – | ||
| cliffbrake | PELLA | Pellaea | 20–30 | – | ||
| longstalk chinchweed | PELO | Pectis longipes | 20–30 | – | ||
| Parry's beardtongue | PEPA24 | Penstemon parryi | 20–30 | – | ||
| tepary bean | PHAC | Phaseolus acutifolius | 20–30 | – | ||
| Wright's cudweed | PSCAC2 | Pseudognaphalium canescens ssp. canescens | 20–30 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCOE | Sphaeralcea coccinea ssp. elata | 20–30 | – | ||
| brownplume wirelettuce | STPA4 | Stephanomeria pauciflora | 20–30 | – | ||
| Arizona bluecurls | TRAR | Trichostema arizonicum | 20–30 | – | ||
| pinewoods spiderwort | TRPI | Tradescantia pinetorum | 20–30 | – | ||
| stalked bur grass | TRRA | Tragus racemosus | 20–30 | – | ||
| branched noseburn | TRRA5 | Tragia ramosa | 20–30 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 20–30 | – | ||
| fairyduster | CAER | Calliandra eriophylla | 1–10 | – | ||
| Gregg's prairie clover | DAGR2 | Dalea greggii | 0–10 | – | ||
| bastardsage | ERWR | Eriogonum wrightii | 1–10 | – | ||
| cliff goldenbush | ERCUS | Ericameria cuneata var. spathulata | 0–5 | – | ||
| turpentine bush | ERLA12 | Ericameria laricifolia | 0–5 | – | ||
| Bigelow's false willow | BABI | Baccharis bigelovii | 0–5 | – | ||
| yerba de pasmo | BAPT | Baccharis pteronioides | 1–5 | – | ||
| California brickellbush | BRCA3 | Brickellia californica | 1–5 | – | ||
| Bigelow's bristlehead | CABI6 | Carphochaete bigelovii | 0–5 | – | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–2 | – | ||
| prairie acacia | ACAN | Acacia angustissima | 0–2 | – | ||
| trailing krameria | KRLA | Krameria lanceolata | 0–2 | – | ||
| Sonoran indigo | INSP | Indigofera sphaerocarpa | 0–2 | – | ||
| beloperone | JUCA8 | Justicia californica | 0–1 | – | ||
| Arizona water-willow | JUCA9 | Justicia candicans | 0–1 | – | ||
| heartleaf goldeneye | VICO | Viguiera cordifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| showy goldeneye | HEMUM | Heliomeris multiflora var. multiflora | 0–1 | – | ||
| 10 | Deciduous shrubs | 2–30 | ||||
| blackwood | ACME | Acacia melanoxylon | 10–30 | – | ||
| sensitive partridge pea | CHNIL | Chamaecrista nictitans ssp. nictitans var. leptadenia | 10–30 | – | ||
| Esteve's pincushion | CHST | Chaenactis stevioides | 10–30 | – | ||
| pine forest larkspur | DEGR | Delphinium gracilentum | 10–30 | – | ||
| New Mexico ticktrefoil | DENE | Desmodium neomexicanum | 10–30 | – | ||
| Abert's buckwheat | ERAB2 | Eriogonum abertianum | 10–30 | – | ||
| purple morning-glory | IPCA2 | Ipomoea capillacea | 10–30 | – | ||
| Greene's bird's-foot trefoil | LOGR4 | Lotus greenei | 10–30 | – | ||
| whitestem blazingstar | MEAL6 | Mentzelia albicaulis | 10–30 | – | ||
| garden vetch | VISAN2 | Vicia sativa ssp. nigra | 10–30 | – | ||
| Tahitian kidneywood | EYOR | Eysenhardtia orthocarpa | 0–20 | – | ||
| rosary babybonnets | COGL8 | Coursetia glandulosa | 0–15 | – | ||
| coralbean | ERFL7 | Erythrina flabelliformis | 1–15 | – | ||
| ocotillo | FOSP2 | Fouquieria splendens | 1–5 | – | ||
| catclaw acacia | ACGR | Acacia greggii | 0–2 | – | ||
| catclaw mimosa | MIACB | Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera | 0–2 | – | ||
| velvetpod mimosa | MIDY | Mimosa dysocarpa | 0–2 | – | ||
| skunkbush sumac | RHTR | Rhus trilobata | 0–2 | – | ||
| yellow trumpetbush | TEST | Tecoma stans | 0–1 | – | ||
| Graham's mimosa | MIGR2 | Mimosa grahamii | 0–1 | – | ||
| milfoil wattle | ACMI | Acacia millefolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| Wright's beebrush | ALWR | Aloysia wrightii | 0–1 | – | ||
| pale desert-thorn | LYPA | Lycium pallidum | 0–1 | – | ||
| cliff fendlerbush | FERU | Fendlera rupicola | 0–1 | – | ||
| 11 | Evergreen shrubs | 1–15 | ||||
| goldenhead | ACAMP | Acamptopappus | 2–10 | – | ||
| giant hyssop | AGAST | Agastache | 2–10 | – | ||
| annual agoseris | AGHEH | Agoseris heterophylla var. heterophylla | 2–10 | – | ||
| onion | ALLIU | Allium | 2–10 | – | ||
| weakleaf bur ragweed | AMCO3 | Ambrosia confertiflora | 2–10 | – | ||
| carelessweed | AMPA | Amaranthus palmeri | 2–10 | – | ||
| pink funnel lily | ANBR4 | Androstephium breviflorum | 2–10 | – | ||
| western rockjasmine | ANOC2 | Androsace occidentalis | 2–10 | – | ||
| woolly angelica | ANTO | Angelica tomentosa | 2–10 | – | ||
| tuber anemone | ANTU | Anemone tuberosa | 2–10 | – | ||
| Watson's dutchman's pipe | ARWA | Aristolochia watsonii | 2–10 | – | ||
| chaparral asphead | ASHI3 | Aspicarpa hirtella | 2–10 | – | ||
| dwarf milkweed | ASIN14 | Asclepias involucrata | 2–10 | – | ||
| Lemmon's milkweed | ASLE13 | Asclepias lemmonii | 2–10 | – | ||
| horsetail milkweed | ASSU2 | Asclepias subverticillata | 2–10 | – | ||
| dense ayenia | AYMI | Ayenia microphylla | 2–10 | – | ||
| lyreleaf greeneyes | BELY | Berlandiera lyrata | 2–10 | – | ||
| scarlet spiderling | BOCO | Boerhavia coccinea | 2–10 | – | ||
| firecrackerbush | BOTE2 | Bouvardia ternifolia | 2–10 | – | ||
| bearded grasspink | CABA | Calopogon barbatus | 2–10 | – | ||
| fringed redmaids | CACI2 | Calandrinia ciliata | 2–10 | – | ||
| castilla | CASTI | Castilla | 2–10 | – | ||
| graceful sandmat | CHHY2 | Chamaesyce hypericifolia | 2–10 | – | ||
| narrowpod sensitive pea | CHLIK | Chamaecrista lineata var. keyensis | 2–10 | – | ||
| heal and draw | CHNU2 | Chaptalia nutans | 2–10 | – | ||
| New Mexico thistle | CINE | Cirsium neomexicanum | 2–10 | – | ||
| mala mujer | CNAN | Cnidoscolus angustidens | 2–10 | – | ||
| field bindweed | COAR4 | Convolvulus arvensis | 2–10 | – | ||
| scrambled eggs | COAU2 | Corydalis aurea | 2–10 | – | ||
| anil falso | COCAC6 | Coursetia caribaea var. caribaea | 2–10 | – | ||
| American wild carrot | DAPU3 | Daucus pusillus | 2–10 | – | ||
| oakwoods prairie clover | DAVES | Dalea versicolor var. sessilis | 2–10 | – | ||
| western tansymustard | DEPI | Descurainia pinnata | 2–10 | – | ||
| wedgeleaf draba | DRCU | Draba cuneifolia | 2–10 | – | ||
| Torrey's craglily | ECFL | Echeandia flavescens | 2–10 | – | ||
| miniature woollystar | ERDI2 | Eriastrum diffusum | 2–10 | – | ||
| Wright's eryngo | ERHE3 | Eryngium heterophyllum | 2–10 | – | ||
| wild dwarf morning-glory | EVAR | Evolvulus arizonicus | 2–10 | – | ||
| harlequinbush | GAHEG | Gaura hexandra ssp. gracilis | 2–10 | – | ||
| Wright's milkpea | GAWR | Galactia wrightii | 2–10 | – | ||
| pineywoods geranium | GECA3 | Geranium caespitosum | 2–10 | – | ||
| El Paso gilia | GIME | Gilia mexicana | 2–10 | – | ||
| tufted globe amaranth | GOCA | Gomphrena caespitosa | 2–10 | – | ||
| small matweed | GUDED | Guilleminea densa var. densa | 2–10 | – | ||
| telegraphweed | HEGR7 | Heterotheca grandiflora | 2–10 | – | ||
| English ivy | HEHE | Hedera helix | 2–10 | – | ||
| prairie sunflower | HEPE | Helianthus petiolaris | 2–10 | – | ||
| camphorweed | HESU3 | Heterotheca subaxillaris | 2–10 | – | ||
| pygmy bluet | HOWR | Houstonia wrightii | 2–10 | – | ||
| redstar | IPCO3 | Ipomoea coccinea | 2–10 | – | ||
| lilacbell | IPTU3 | Ipomoea turbinata | 2–10 | – | ||
| ragged nettlespurge | JAMA | Jatropha macrorhiza | 2–10 | – | ||
| Arizona poppy | KAGR | Kallstroemia grandiflora | 2–10 | – | ||
| Coulter's horseweed | LACO13 | Laennecia coulteri | 2–10 | – | ||
| Fendler's bladderpod | LEFE | Lesquerella fendleri | 2–10 | – | ||
| shaggyfruit pepperweed | LELA | Lepidium lasiocarpum | 2–10 | – | ||
| intermediate pepperweed | LEVIM | Lepidium virginicum var. medium | 2–10 | – | ||
| smooththroat stoneseed | LICO7 | Lithospermum cobrense | 2–10 | – | ||
| Lewis flax | LILE3 | Linum lewisii | 2–10 | – | ||
| stiffstem flax | LIRI | Linum rigidum | 2–10 | – | ||
| shrubby deervetch | LORI3 | Lotus rigidus | 2–10 | – | ||
| bajada lupine | LUCO | Lupinus concinnus | 2–10 | – | ||
| roving sailor | MAAN9 | Maurandella antirrhiniflora | 2–10 | – | ||
| hoary tansyaster | MACA2 | Machaeranthera canescens | 2–10 | – | ||
| slender goldenweed | MAGR10 | Machaeranthera gracilis | 2–10 | – | ||
| manyflowered monkeyflower | MIFL2 | Mimulus floribundus | 2–10 | – | ||
| little redstem monkeyflower | MIRU | Mimulus rubellus | 2–10 | – | ||
| lemon beebalm | MOCIA | Monarda citriodora ssp. austromontana | 2–10 | – | ||
| green carpetweed | MOVE | Mollugo verticillata | 2–10 | – | ||
| Arizona mousetail | MYCU | Myosurus cupulatus | 2–10 | – | ||
| Texas toadflax | NUTE | Nuttallanthus texanus | 2–10 | – | ||
| desert evening primrose | OEPR | Oenothera primiveris | 2–10 | – | ||
| Drummond's woodsorrel | OXDR | Oxalis drummondii | 2–10 | – | ||
| Florida pellitory | PAFL3 | Parietaria floridana | 2–10 | – | ||
| Oak Creek ragwort | PAQU8 | Packera quercetorum | 2–10 | – | ||
| phacelia | PHACE | Phacelia | 2–10 | – | ||
| ivyleaf groundcherry | PHHE4 | Physalis hederifolia | 2–10 | – | ||
| phlox | PHLOX | Phlox | 2–10 | – | ||
| sweetscent | PLODO | Pluchea odorata var. odorata | 2–10 | – | ||
| woolly plantain | PLPA2 | Plantago patagonica | 2–10 | – | ||
| winged milkwort | POHE | Polygala hemipterocarpa | 2–10 | – | ||
| little hogweed | POOL | Portulaca oleracea | 2–10 | – | ||
| shrubby purslane | POSU3 | Portulaca suffrutescens | 2–10 | – | ||
| cottonbatting plant | PSST7 | Pseudognaphalium stramineum | 2–10 | – | ||
| slimflower scurfpea | PSTE5 | Psoralidium tenuiflorum | 2–10 | – | ||
| Texas snoutbean | RHSET | Rhynchosia senna var. texana | 2–10 | – | ||
| chia | SACO6 | Salvia columbariae | 2–10 | – | ||
| slimleaf plainsmustard | SCLI12 | Schoenocrambe linearifolia | 2–10 | – | ||
| mountain ragwort | SEPA2 | Senecio parryi | 2–10 | – | ||
| spreading fanpetals | SIAB | Sida abutifolia | 2–10 | – | ||
| catchfly | SILEN | Silene | 2–10 | – | ||
| New Mexico fanpetals | SINE | Sida neomexicana | 2–10 | – | ||
| silverleaf nightshade | SOEL | Solanum elaeagnifolium | 2–10 | – | ||
| Missouri goldenrod | SOMI2 | Solidago missouriensis | 2–10 | – | ||
| jewels of Opar | TAPA2 | Talinum paniculatum | 2–10 | – | ||
| Fendler's meadow-rue | THFE | Thalictrum fendleri | 2–10 | – | ||
| Hopi tea greenthread | THME | Thelesperma megapotamicum | 2–10 | – | ||
| clasping Venus' looking-glass | TRPE4 | Triodanis perfoliata | 2–10 | – | ||
| Fort Huachuca vervain | VEGR2 | Verbena gracilis | 2–10 | – | ||
| neckweed | VEPE2 | Veronica peregrina | 2–10 | – | ||
| Sonoran scrub oak | QUTU2 | Quercus turbinella | 0–5 | – | ||
| pointleaf manzanita | ARPU5 | Arctostaphylos pungens | 1–5 | – | ||
| desert ceanothus | CEGR | Ceanothus greggii | 0–5 | – | ||
| hairy mountain mahogany | CEMOP | Cercocarpus montanus var. paucidentatus | 0–5 | – | ||
| Correll's snakewood | COCO11 | Condalia correllii | 0–2 | – | ||
| Florida hopbush | DOVI | Dodonaea viscosa | 0–2 | – | ||
| desert olive | FOSH | Forestiera shrevei | 0–2 | – | ||
| Wright's silktassel | GAWR3 | Garrya wrightii | 0–2 | – | ||
| common hoptree | PTTRA | Ptelea trifoliata ssp. angustifolia | 0–2 | – | ||
| redberry buckthorn | RHCR | Rhamnus crocea | 0–2 | – | ||
| evergreen sumac | RHVIC | Rhus virens var. choriophylla | 0–2 | – | ||
| Pringle manzanita | ARPR | Arctostaphylos pringlei | 0–2 | – | ||
| 12 | Succulents | 5–135 | ||||
| sacahuista | NOMI | Nolina microcarpa | 1–100 | – | ||
| common sotol | DAWH2 | Dasylirion wheeleri | 1–10 | – | ||
| Palmer's century plant | AGPA3 | Agave palmeri | 1–10 | – | ||
| cactus apple | OPEN3 | Opuntia engelmannii | 0–5 | – | ||
| Schott's yucca | YUSC | Yucca ×schottii | 0–5 | – | ||
| tulip pricklypear | OPPH | Opuntia phaeacantha | 0–2 | – | ||
| dollarjoint pricklypear | OPCH | Opuntia chlorotica | 0–2 | – | ||
| smallflower century plant | AGPA5 | Agave parviflora | 0–2 | – | ||
| Schott's century plant | AGSC3 | Agave schottii | 0–2 | – | ||
| walkingstick cactus | CYSP8 | Cylindropuntia spinosior | 0–1 | – | ||
| Parry's agave | AGPAP5 | Agave parryi ssp. parryi | 0–1 | – | ||
| scarlet hedgehog cactus | ECCOC | Echinocereus coccineus var. coccineus | 0–1 | – | ||
| pinkflower hedgehog cactus | ECFEF3 | Echinocereus fendleri ssp. fendleri | 0–1 | – | ||
| white fishhook cactus | ECIN2 | Echinomastus intertextus | 0–1 | – | ||
| Leding's hedgehog cactus | ECLE2 | Echinocereus ledingii | 0–1 | – | ||
| rainbow hedgehog cactus | ECRI3 | Echinocereus rigidissimus | 0–1 | – | ||
| spinystar | ESVI2 | Escobaria vivipara | 0–1 | – | ||
| candy barrelcactus | FEWI | Ferocactus wislizeni | 0–1 | – | ||
| Graham's nipple cactus | MAGR9 | Mammillaria grahamii | 0–1 | – | ||
| Macdougal's nipple cactus | MAHEM | Mammillaria heyderi var. macdougalii | 0–1 | – | ||
| Parry's agave | AGPA4 | Agave parryi | 0–1 | – | ||
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 13 | Trees | 100–600 | ||||
| Emory oak | QUEM | Quercus emoryi | 50–250 | – | ||
| Arizona white oak | QUAR | Quercus arizonica | 50–150 | – | ||
| Mexican blue oak | QUOB | Quercus oblongifolia | 0–100 | – | ||
| Arizona rosewood | VACA5 | Vauquelinia californica | 0–25 | – | ||
| Mexican pinyon | PICE | Pinus cembroides | 0–20 | – | ||
| border pinyon | PIDI3 | Pinus discolor | 0–20 | – | ||
| alligator juniper | JUDE2 | Juniperus deppeana | 0–15 | – | ||
| oneseed juniper | JUMO | Juniperus monosperma | 0–2 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
The plant community on this site is suitable for grazing by all classes of livestock at any season. Due to the presence of cool season grasses, perennial forbs and evergreen browse species, this site is especially well suited to winter-spring grazing when nearby upland areas are deficient in protein. Steep slopes, cobbly surfaces and areas of rock outcrop limit grazing distribution on this site. Fencing large areas of this site from adjacent uplands and grazing during the cool season will allow effective management of its forage resources. The site tends to have water in canyons during the winter and spring. Mountain lion predation on calves can be severe. Grazing dry cows and/or yearlings in the cool season and moving the cows off as they calve will help avoid lion predation. Annual goldeneye can cause poisoning in the fall following years with wet winter-spring seasons. Locoweed can cause problems in dry springs following wet fall-winter seasons.
This site provides excellent habitat for Coues whitetail deer and javalina. Natural water occurs infrequently as springs or seeps. Water developments are very important to the larger mammals using this site, as well as numerous bird and small mammal species. Agave Palmeri occurs scattered throughout areas of this site and is a primary food source for the endangered lesser long-nosed bat during its June-August flowering period. Natural fires are important for many species on this site to maintain a balance between trees, shrubs, grasses and forbs.
Hydrological functions
With shallow soils and hard bedrock this site is a good producer of runoff.
Recreational uses
Hunting, hiking, horseback riding, prospecting, camping, photography and bird watching
Wood products
Oak species and juniper furnish fuel-wood, posts and stays. Rosewood, manzanita and kidneywood furnish hobby woods.
Other products
Beargrass for fiber, agave and sotol for mescal making, decomposed granite for decorative rock, acorns (bellotas) for food
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Range 417s include 4 in excellent condition and 3 in good condition
Type locality
| Location 1: Cochise County, AZ | |
|---|---|
| Township/Range/Section | T21S R19E S33 |
| General legal description | SE 1/4 of section, Ft Huachuca - mouth of Blacktail Canyon |
| Location 2: Graham County, AZ | |
| Township/Range/Section | T10S R24E S2 |
| General legal description | Safford FO - O Bar O Ranch - Stockton Pass |
| Location 3: Pinal County, AZ | |
| Township/Range/Section | T17S R8E S31 |
| General legal description | SW 1/4 of Section - Tucson FO - Anvil Ranch - Posito Canyon |
| Location 4: Cochise County, AZ | |
| Township/Range/Section | T16S R29E S10 |
| General legal description | NE 1/4 corner of section - Willcox FO - Crossed J Ranch |
| Location 5: Pinal County, AZ | |
| Latitude | 32° 60′ 89″ |
| Longitude | 110° 77′ 22″ |
| General legal description | In the town limits of Oracle, Ariz. Just south of the junction of Evergreen and American streets. Burned in 1985. Un-grazed for 35 years. |
Other references
Conservation Technical Assistance Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Range and Pasture Conservation Technical Resources. Site includes links to the National Range and Pasture Handbook. Available online at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/landuse/rangepasture. Accessed 9/18/2013.
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Agricultural Handbook 296 digital maps and attributes. Available online at http://soils.usda.gov/survey/geography/mlra/index.html. Accessed 9/18/2013.
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available online at http://soils.usda.gov/technical/classification/osd/index.html. Accessed 9/18/2013.
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Web Soil Survey. Available online at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/. Accessed 9/18/2013.
Contributors
CCM
Dan Robinett
DGR
Larry D. Ellicott
WHN
Wilma Renken
Approval
Curtis Talbot, 4/09/2021
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) |
Wilma Renken, Dan Robinett, Linda Kennedy (revision) Dave Womack, Dan Robinett, Tom Reis, Emilio Carrillo |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | USDA-NRCS Tucson MLRA Soil Survey Office |
| Date | 02/17/2005 |
| Approved by | Byron Lambeth |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
North and South aspects: No rills.
Note: When evaluating range health on this ecological site, aspect and slope affect expected reference conditions and should be factored into evaluation. Revision to original reference sheet incorporates reference conditions described from north- and south-facing aspects with 25% slope, 12 years post-burn (Ryan Fire).
-
Presence of water flow patterns:
North aspect: very short (5ft), discontinuous, almost indistinguishable among high cobble/gravel/vegetation cover.
South aspect: common (5-15% of area), short (<5ft) and discontinuous and rock/gravel armored. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
North aspect: pedestals uncommon on perennial grasses; terracettes common, 2-3 ft. apart with 2-4" elevation difference.
South aspect: pedestals uncommon on perennial grasses; terracettes common, 2-3 ft. apart with 2-4" elevation difference. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
North aspect: 5-10% bare ground evenly distributed among gravel/rock cover; non-vegetated areas are scarce. After fire, 25-30% bare ground is observed.
South aspect: 10-15% bare ground evenly distributed among gravel/rock cover; After fire, 25-30% bare ground is observed. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
North and South aspects: Fine litter moving less than 1 foot, coarse litter stays in place. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
North and South aspects: No difference between canopy-protected and unprotected soil slake values. All values rated as 5s and 6s. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
North and South aspects: Soil surface horizon 0-3" depth, very gravelly sandy loam, granular structure. Dark colored, 7.5 YR 3/2 moist, 7.5YR 5/2 dry. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
North aspect: Perennial grasses are well-dispersed across site with basal cover 5-12%. Foliar cover is 35-40% perennial grasses and 5-10% Emory oak.
South aspect: Perennial mid-grasses dominant with an evenly dispersed short-grass community. Basal cover of perennial grasses is 4-10%. Foliar cover of perennial grasses is 30-45%. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
North and South aspects: No compaction. Clayey (argillic) horizon at 3" depth may be mistaken for compaction. -
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:
North aspect: Warm season mid-grasses.
South aspect: Warm season mid-grasses > short-grassesSub-dominant:
North aspect: trees > low shrubs > perennial forbs
South aspect: low shrubs (mimosa spp) > perennial forbsOther:
succulentsAdditional:
Annual forbs and annual grasses fluctuate with precipitation and can flourish for a season post-burning -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
North and South aspects: Perennial grass decadence increases with time since last fire. 12 years post-burning, both aspects exhibit some perennial grasses decadence, little mortality seen. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
North aspect, 45% litter cover; South aspect, 15% litter cover (at present) -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
524 lbs/ac. in a below average year; 1240 lbs/ac. in an average year; 1985 lbs/ac. in an above average year. North aspect annual production is slightly higher than south aspect, 1200 #/ac (north aspect) and 1000 #/ac (south aspect) observed in year with average rainfall. -
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:
Lehmann lovegrass, Boer lovegrass, yellow bluestem, mesquite, wait-a-bit mimosa -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
Not impaired. Warm season perennial grass seed production highly dependent upon the amount and timing of summer monsoons.
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