![1172](https://edit.jornada.nmsu.edu/uploads/large/es/pc/1172.jpg)
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Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R041XA103AZ
Limestone Hills 16-20 p.z.
Last updated: 4/09/2021
Accessed: 08/16/2024
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.
![Location map](/images/maps/R041XA103AZ.png)
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
Limestone 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 calcareous soils are shallow, less than 20 inches deep. Parent material and bedrock consist of calcareous sedimentary rock that includes limestone, marble, and calcareous sandstone.
Associated sites
R041XA102AZ |
Shallow Hills 16-20" p.z. |
---|---|
R041XA104AZ |
Limy Slopes 16-20" p.z. |
R041XA105AZ |
Limy Upland 16-20" p.z. |
Similar sites
R041XC307AZ |
Limestone Hills 12-16" p.z. |
---|---|
F041XA121AZ |
Limestone Hills 20-23" p.z. (PIDI3, JUDE2) |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree |
(1) vauquelinia californica |
---|---|
Shrub |
(1) agave palmeri |
Herbaceous |
(1) bouteloua curtipendula |
Physiographic features
This site occurs in the middle elevations of the Madrean Basin and Range province in southeastern Arizona. It occurs on hill-slopes, pediments, and ridge-tops. Slope aspect is differentiating at elevations near common resource area boundaries.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms |
(1)
Hill
(2) Pediment (3) Mountain |
---|---|
Flooding frequency | None |
Ponding frequency | None |
Elevation | 4,500 – 5,500 ft |
Slope | 15 – 70% |
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 4700-5500 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
These are shallow, calcareous soils formed on limestone bedrock, calcareous sedimentary and metamorphic rock. Parent material is high in carbonates. Soil surface textures range from cobbly loam to very gravelly sandy loam. Surface soil is dark colored and well protected by rocks, cobbles and gravels. Plant-soil moisture relationships are fair. Numerous areas of rock outcrop occur intermingled with soil areas. Bedrock is usually hard and unweathered. The soil series characteristic of this site is Yarbam.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material |
(1)
Slope alluvium
–
limestone
(2) Colluvium – marble |
---|---|
Surface texture |
(1) Very gravelly sandy loam (2) Cobbly sandy loam (3) Cobbly loam |
Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
Drainage class | Well drained |
Permeability class | Moderately rapid |
Soil depth | 10 – 20 in |
Surface fragment cover <=3" | 20 – 55% |
Surface fragment cover >3" | 5 – 15% |
Available water capacity (0-40in) |
0.9 – 2.4 in |
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
20 – 40% |
Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
2 mmhos/cm |
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
2 |
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
7.4 – 8.4 |
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
35 – 45% |
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
5 – 15% |
Ecological dynamics
The Reference Plant Community (RPC, see State and Transition Model below) of the 41-1AZ Limestone Hills ecological site is a diverse mixture of warm and cool perennial grasses, perennial forbs, succulents and large and small shrubs. Most perennial herbaceous species are well-dispersed throughout the plant community. This ecological site is a principle habitat for Parry and Palmer agave species with population within stands ranging from 20 to more than 1000 plants per acre. These two agave species are important food sources for nectar feeding birds, insects and bats in this region. The aspect is a grassy shrub-land.
Seasonal rainfall amounts affect amounts and composition of plant productivity. After a wet winter, cool season plants like New Mexico feathergrass, southwestern stipa, cliffrose, shrubby dalea and mountain mahogany begin active growth in late March to April. 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 or August; peak annual production occurs in October. Fire, short-term drought and herbivory (insects and mammals) are recurring disturbances to this ecological site. These disturbances interact to shape the plant community phases within the Reference State. Re-occurring fires shaped the RPC by periodically reducing shrub cover and killing many shrub seedlings. Natural fire-free periods are 10-20 years in length. Between fires, shrub growth continues unimpeded. Drought can extend the fire-free period by impairing perennial grass productivity and vigor. In the absence of fire, shrubs and succulents can attain dominance of the plant community. When average rainfall resumes, annual forbs can flourish and perennial grasses recover allowing a build-up of adequate fine fuels to carry fire. Subsequent fires remove the shrub dominance. Periodic drought has caused significant grass mortality. Droughts in the early 30s, mid 50s, 75-76, 88-89, 95-96 and 2002-present resulted in the loss of much of the grass cover on the site. The site recovers rapidly with its prevalence of gravel, and rock outcrop. The gravel and cobbles protect soil surface from erosion while rock outcrop areas act as micro-watersheds providing runoff water to soil areas
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, drought or grazing) may result in a monoculture of non-native lovegrass (Exotic Grass State). The aspect remains a grassy shrub-land, 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 on either grassy shrub-land community (Reference or Exotic Grasses States) 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 Reference State.
Extended continuous, unmanaged grazing occurring over long periods (50+ years) can severely impact soil and plant community functioning from the Reference or Shrub Dominated State. The resulting state has severe erosion, fires seldom occur and potential productivity is permanently reduced.
State and transition model
![Model diagram](https://edit.jornada.nmsu.edu/uploads/med/es/es/14060.jpg)
Figure 4. 41-1 Limestone Hills State and Transition Model
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
Reference Community (RPC)
The potential plant community on this site is dominated by a diverse mixture of warm and cool perennial grasses, perennial forbs, succulents and large and small shrubs. Most perennial herbaceous species are well dispersed throughout the plant community. Hydrologic functioning is dynamic with diversity in root systems, herbaceous and woody plant roots, and rock outcrops providing additional runoff. With continuous, selective grazing, needlegrasses, crinkleawn and sideoats grama are removed from the perennial grass community and less palatable species like blue threeawn and tanglehead increase. Shrubby species like wait-a-bit, mesquite, juniper, ocotillo, sumac and sotol can increase to dominate the plant community with severe deterioration or in the absence of fire. The frequency of natural fires on this site was perhaps greater than on other hill sites in this precipitation zone due to very low live fuel moisture values of the plant community in June and early July. Well-developed gravel and cobble covers protect the soil from erosion and sometimes protect forage plants from heavy utilization.
Figure 5. 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 | 465 | 900 | 1020 |
Shrub/Vine | 95 | 200 | 320 |
Forb | 11 | 50 | 105 |
Tree | 5 | 15 | 35 |
Total | 576 | 1165 | 1480 |
Table 6. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover | 0-1% |
---|---|
Shrub/vine/liana basal cover | 1-10% |
Grass/grasslike basal cover | 4-8% |
Forb basal cover | 0-1% |
Non-vascular plants | 0-1% |
Biological crusts | 0-1% |
Litter | 20-50% |
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 20-50% |
Surface fragments >3" | 5-15% |
Bedrock | 1-10% |
Water | 0% |
Bare ground | 2-10% |
Table 7. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
---|---|---|---|---|
<0.5 | – | 1-5% | 1-5% | 0-5% |
>0.5 <= 1 | – | 1-10% | 5-10% | 1-5% |
>1 <= 2 | – | 5-10% | 10-20% | 1-5% |
>2 <= 4.5 | – | 1-10% | 0-10% | 0-2% |
>4.5 <= 13 | 0-5% | 1-5% | – | – |
>13 <= 40 | 1-5% | – | – | – |
>40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
>80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
>120 | – | – | – | – |
Figure 6. 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 & Grasses
Shrubs and succulents dominate the plant community with lesser amounts of perennial grasses. Forbs fluctuate with climate (drought/El Nino). Minor invasion of other woody plants.
Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Drought, absence of fire, continuous 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
This state occurs where non-native lovegrasses, namely Lehmann lovegrass, has increased from an adjacent seed source, usually along a roadway, to dominate the perennial grass community. Native perennial grasses and forbs are reduced to minor amounts. Shrubs and succulents may be unaffected unless the frequency of fire increases because of the presence of Lehmann lovegrass.
State 3
Shrub Dominated
Community 3.1
Mixed Shrub
![](https://edit.jornada.nmsu.edu/uploads/med/es/pc/1172.jpg)
Figure 7. Limestone hills 16-20" pz., Shrub Dominated State (one-seed juniper)
This plant community occurs where shrubs like catclaw mimosa, mesquite, one-seed juniper, ocotillo and sotol have invaded or increased to dominate the plant community. This happens in the absence of fire for long periods of time. Other shrubs like desert buckbrush, littleleaf and Mearns sumac may increase as well. Fine fuels may still exist for fires but many of the shrub species are well established and re-sprout quickly to assume dominance after fire.
State 4
Eroded
Community 4.1
Dense Shrub
This state occurs where sheet and rill erosion is accelerated due to severe trailing, compaction and lack of perennial grass cover. In some areas road construction has resulted in this condition. As the dark colored soil surface is lost and eroded down to bedrock, the site''s potential productivity is reduced.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
Non-native bunchgrass seed source (wind-blown or mechanical transport) paired with native perennial grass community disturbance such as fire or unmanaged grazing.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3
Long-term unmanaged grazing with or without drought/fire interaction opens perennial grass canopy allowing shrubs to outcompete resources. Juniper, mimosa and other shrubs are likely to increase as well as yucca-like succulents. Remnant native perennial grasses cannot re-colonize areas with shrub competition.
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 | |
---|---|
Prescribed Grazing |
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
Long-term unmanaged grazing with or without drought/fire interaction opens perennial grass canopy allowing shrubs to outcompete perennial grasses for resources. Juniper, mimosa and other shrubs are likely to increase as well as yucca-like succulents. Remnant native perennial grasses cannot re-colonize areas with shrub competition.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1
Brush management, native species seeding (as needed) supported by managed grazing. Shrub control maintained with herbicide and/or prescribed burning.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Burning | |
---|---|
Range Planting | |
Prescribed Grazing |
Restoration pathway R3B
State 3 to 2
Long-term unmanaged grazing affects soil site stability and hydrologic functioning. Animal trailing and soil surface compaction compound the effect of plant community changes (increased shrub/decreased perennial grass community) to increase surface water run-off rather than infiltration. Over time (50-100+ years) the mollic A horizon can be lost leaving the site with a reduction in potential productivity.
Conservation practices
Brush Management | |
---|---|
Prescribed Burning | |
Range Planting | |
Upland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
Prescribed Grazing |
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4
Long-term unmanaged grazing affects soil site stability and hydrologic functioning. Animal trailing and soil surface compaction compound the effect of plant community changes (increased shrub/decreased perennial grass community) to increase surface water run-off rather than infiltration. Over time (50-100+ years) the mollic A horizon can be lost leaving the site with a reduction in potential productivity.
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 | 300–450 | ||||
sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 100–300 | – | ||
plains lovegrass | ERIN | Eragrostis intermedia | 100–300 | – | ||
woolyspike balsamscale | ELBA | Elionurus barbiculmis | 0–100 | – | ||
cane bluestem | BOBA3 | Bothriochloa barbinodis | 20–100 | – | ||
bullgrass | MUEM | Muhlenbergia emersleyi | 10–50 | – | ||
Texas bluestem | SCCI2 | Schizachyrium cirratum | 0–50 | – | ||
spiked crinkleawn | TRSP12 | Trachypogon spicatus | 10–50 | – | ||
2 | Dominant cool season grasses | 50–300 | ||||
southwestern needlegrass | ACEM4 | Achnatherum eminens | 25–150 | – | ||
New Mexico feathergrass | HENE5 | Hesperostipa neomexicana | 25–150 | – | ||
squirreltail | ELELE | Elymus elymoides ssp. elymoides | 1–25 | – | ||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–20 | – | ||
pinyon ricegrass | PIFI | Piptochaetium fimbriatum | 0–20 | – | ||
densetuft hairsedge | BUCA2 | Bulbostylis capillaris | 0–10 | – | ||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 0–10 | – | ||
flatsedge | CYPER | Cyperus | 0–5 | – | ||
3 | Short grasses | 100–150 | ||||
black grama | BOER4 | Bouteloua eriopoda | 25–75 | – | ||
slim tridens | TRMU | Tridens muticus | 15–50 | – | ||
Hall's panicgrass | PAHA | Panicum hallii | 5–30 | – | ||
hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 5–30 | – | ||
slim tridens | TRMUE | Tridens muticus var. elongatus | 0–25 | – | ||
shortleaf woollygrass | ERAV | Erioneuron avenaceum | 1–15 | – | ||
common wolfstail | LYPH | Lycurus phleoides | 0–15 | – | ||
desert muhly | MUGL2 | Muhlenbergia glauca | 0–15 | – | ||
slender muhly | MUTE4 | Muhlenbergia tenuifolia | 0–10 | – | ||
hairy woollygrass | ERPI5 | Erioneuron pilosum | 0–10 | – | ||
purple grama | BORA | Bouteloua radicosa | 0–10 | – | ||
slender grama | BORE2 | Bouteloua repens | 0–10 | – | ||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–10 | – | ||
sprucetop grama | BOCH | Bouteloua chondrosioides | 0–10 | – | ||
4 | Threeawns | 10–50 | ||||
blue threeawn | ARPUN | Aristida purpurea var. nealleyi | 10–50 | – | ||
spidergrass | ARTE3 | Aristida ternipes | 1–15 | – | ||
Wright's threeawn | ARPUW | Aristida purpurea var. wrightii | 1–10 | – | ||
Orcutt's threeawn | ARSCO | Aristida schiedeana var. orcuttiana | 0–10 | – | ||
Fendler threeawn | ARPUL | Aristida purpurea var. longiseta | 1–10 | – | ||
spidergrass | ARTEG | Aristida ternipes var. gentilis | 0–5 | – | ||
poverty threeawn | ARDI5 | Aristida divaricata | 0–2 | – | ||
5 | Miscellaneous perennial grasses | 5–50 | ||||
tanglehead | HECO10 | Heteropogon contortus | 1–25 | – | ||
green sprangletop | LEDU | Leptochloa dubia | 1–20 | – | ||
plains bristlegrass | SEVU2 | Setaria vulpiseta | 1–20 | – | ||
bush muhly | MUPO2 | Muhlenbergia porteri | 0–10 | – | ||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–10 | – | ||
southwestern bristlegrass | SESC2 | Setaria scheelei | 0–10 | – | ||
silver bluestem | BOSA | Bothriochloa saccharoides | 0–10 | – | ||
Arizona cottontop | DICA8 | Digitaria californica | 0–10 | – | ||
fall witchgrass | DICO6 | Digitaria cognata | 0–5 | – | ||
low woollygrass | DAPU7 | Dasyochloa pulchella | 1–5 | – | ||
curly-mesquite | HIBE | Hilaria belangeri | 0–5 | – | ||
purple muhly | MURI3 | Muhlenbergia rigida | 0–5 | – | ||
maidencane | PAHE2 | Panicum hemitomon | 0–5 | – | ||
vine mesquite | PAOB | Panicum obtusum | 0–2 | – | ||
tobosagrass | PLMU3 | Pleuraphis mutica | 0–2 | – | ||
nineawn pappusgrass | ENDE | Enneapogon desvauxii | 0–2 | – | ||
Rothrock's grama | BORO2 | Bouteloua rothrockii | 0–2 | – | ||
6 | Annual grasses | 0–20 | ||||
witchgrass | PACA6 | Panicum capillare | 0–5 | – | ||
Mexican panicgrass | PAHI5 | Panicum hirticaule | 0–5 | – | ||
Arizona signalgrass | URAR | Urochloa arizonica | 0–5 | – | ||
Eastwood fescue | VUMIC | Vulpia microstachys var. ciliata | 0–5 | – | ||
Pacific fescue | VUMIP | Vulpia microstachys var. pauciflora | 0–5 | – | ||
sixweeks fescue | VUOC | Vulpia octoflora | 0–5 | – | ||
Bigelow's bluegrass | POBI | Poa bigelovii | 0–2 | – | ||
Mexican sprangletop | LEFUU | Leptochloa fusca ssp. uninervia | 0–2 | – | ||
mucronate sprangeltop | LEPAB | Leptochloa panicea ssp. brachiata | 0–2 | – | ||
tapertip cupgrass | ERACA | Eriochloa acuminata var. acuminata | 0–2 | – | ||
sixweeks threeawn | ARAD | Aristida adscensionis | 0–2 | – | ||
prairie threeawn | AROL | Aristida oligantha | 0–2 | – | ||
needle grama | BOAR | Bouteloua aristidoides | 0–2 | – | ||
sixweeks grama | BOBA2 | Bouteloua barbata | 0–1 | – | ||
fragilegrass | AETE | Aegopogon tenellus | 0–1 | – | ||
tufted lovegrass | ERPEP2 | Eragrostis pectinacea var. pectinacea | 0–1 | – | ||
pitscale grass | HAGR3 | Hackelochloa granularis | 0–1 | – | ||
sweet tanglehead | HEME | Heteropogon melanocarpus | 0–1 | – | ||
Arizona brome | BRAR4 | Bromus arizonicus | 0–1 | – | ||
feather fingergrass | CHVI4 | Chloris virgata | 0–1 | – | ||
delicate muhly | MUFR | Muhlenbergia fragilis | 0–1 | – | ||
littleseed muhly | MUMI | Muhlenbergia microsperma | 0–1 | – | ||
poverty dropseed | SPVA | Sporobolus vaginiflorus | 0–1 | – | ||
spiked bur grass | TRBE | Tragus berteronianus | 0–1 | – | ||
prairie false oat | TRIN5 | Trisetum interruptum | 0–1 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
7 | Perennial forbs | 10–55 | ||||
leatherweed | CRPO5 | Croton pottsii | 1–10 | – | ||
trailing windmills | ALIN | Allionia incarnata | 1–10 | – | ||
shrubby copperleaf | ACPH3 | Acalypha phleoides | 1–5 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 1–5 | – | ||
Cochise beardtongue | PEDA | Penstemon dasyphyllus | 1–5 | – | ||
bluedicks | DICA14 | Dichelostemma capitatum | 1–5 | – | ||
spreading snakeherb | DYSCD | Dyschoriste schiedeana var. decumbens | 0–2 | – | ||
shrubby purslane | POSU3 | Portulaca suffrutescens | 0–2 | – | ||
slimflower scurfpea | PSTE5 | Psoralidium tenuiflorum | 0–2 | – | ||
Rocky Mountain zinnia | ZIGR | Zinnia grandiflora | 0–2 | – | ||
brownplume wirelettuce | STPA4 | Stephanomeria pauciflora | 0–2 | – | ||
longstalk chinchweed | PELO | Pectis longipes | 1–2 | – | ||
Texas snoutbean | RHSET | Rhynchosia senna var. texana | 0–2 | – | ||
tuber anemone | ANTU | Anemone tuberosa | 0–2 | – | ||
weakleaf bur ragweed | AMCO3 | Ambrosia confertiflora | 1–2 | – | ||
chaparral asphead | ASHI3 | Aspicarpa hirtella | 1–2 | – | ||
Cooley's bundleflower | DECO2 | Desmanthus cooleyi | 0–2 | – | ||
Fendler's bladderpod | LEFE | Lesquerella fendleri | 1–2 | – | ||
Wright's deervetch | LOWR | Lotus wrightii | 0–2 | – | ||
tufted evening primrose | OECA10 | Oenothera caespitosa | 0–2 | – | ||
spreading fleabane | ERDI4 | Erigeron divergens | 0–2 | – | ||
trailing fleabane | ERFL | Erigeron flagellaris | 0–2 | – | ||
pearly globe amaranth | GONI | Gomphrena nitida | 1–2 | – | ||
bastard toadflax | COUM | Comandra umbellata | 0–2 | – | ||
purplenerve springparsley | CYMU2 | Cymopterus multinervatus | 0–2 | – | ||
rose heath | CHER2 | Chaetopappa ericoides | 0–2 | – | ||
hairyseed bahia | BAAB | Bahia absinthifolia | 1–2 | – | ||
beardlip penstemon | PEBA2 | Penstemon barbatus | 1–2 | – | ||
lyreleaf greeneyes | BELY | Berlandiera lyrata | 0–1 | – | ||
scarlet spiderling | BOCO | Boerhavia coccinea | 0–1 | – | ||
copper fern | BOHI | Bommeria hispida | 0–1 | – | ||
dwarf stickpea | CAHUR | Calliandra humilis var. reticulata | 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 | – | ||
Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–1 | – | ||
whitemargin sandmat | CHAL11 | Chamaesyce albomarginata | 0–1 | – | ||
Eaton's lipfern | CHEA | Cheilanthes eatonii | 0–1 | – | ||
Fendler's lipfern | CHFE2 | Cheilanthes fendleri | 0–1 | – | ||
fairyswords | CHLI | Cheilanthes lindheimeri | 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 | – | ||
horsetail milkweed | ASSU2 | Asclepias subverticillata | 0–1 | – | ||
dense ayenia | AYMI | Ayenia microphylla | 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 | – | ||
Thurber's cotton | GOTH | Gossypium thurberi | 0–1 | – | ||
small matweed | GUDE | Guilleminea densa | 0–1 | – | ||
red bluet | HORU | Houstonia rubra | 0–1 | – | ||
fineleaf hymenopappus | HYFI | Hymenopappus filifolius | 0–1 | – | ||
babyslippers | HYVE | Hybanthus verticillatus | 0–1 | – | ||
iron ipomopsis | IPLA2 | Ipomopsis laxiflora | 0–1 | – | ||
pinkthroat morning-glory | IPLO | Ipomoea longifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
Macomb's ipomopsis | IPMA2 | Ipomopsis macombii | 0–1 | – | ||
El Paso skyrocket | IPTH2 | Ipomopsis thurberi | 0–1 | – | ||
ragged nettlespurge | JAMA | Jatropha macrorhiza | 0–1 | – | ||
San Pedro daisy | LAPO4 | Lasianthaea podocephala | 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 | – | ||
Arizona snakecotton | FRAR2 | Froelichia arizonica | 0–1 | – | ||
scarlet beeblossom | GACO5 | Gaura coccinea | 0–1 | – | ||
radishroot woodsorrel | OXAL | Oxalis albicans | 0–1 | – | ||
Drummond's woodsorrel | OXDR | Oxalis drummondii | 0–1 | – | ||
locoweed | OXYTR | Oxytropis | 0–1 | – | ||
variableleaf bushbean | MAGI2 | Macroptilium gibbosifolium | 0–1 | – | ||
lacy tansyaster | MAPI | Machaeranthera pinnatifida | 0–1 | – | ||
Mexican star | MIBI2 | Milla biflora | 0–1 | – | ||
narrowleaf four o'clock | MILI3 | Mirabilis linearis | 0–1 | – | ||
lemon beebalm | MOCIA | Monarda citriodora ssp. austromontana | 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 | – | ||
desert larkspur | DEPA | Delphinium parishii | 0–1 | – | ||
fingerleaf gourd | CUDI | Cucurbita digitata | 0–1 | – | ||
coyote gourd | CUPA | Cucurbita palmata | 0–1 | – | ||
hybrid cloakfern | ASIN19 | Astrolepis integerrima | 0–1 | – | ||
broadleaf milkweed | ASLA4 | Asclepias latifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
woolly locoweed | ASMOB | Astragalus mollissimus var. bigelovii | 0–1 | – | ||
sheep milkvetch | ASNO3 | Astragalus nothoxys | 0–1 | – | ||
wavy scaly cloakfern | ASSI9 | Astrolepis sinuata | 0–1 | – | ||
Mexican yellowshow | AMPA3 | Amoreuxia palmatifida | 0–1 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–1 | – | ||
crested anoda | ANCR2 | Anoda cristata | 0–1 | – | ||
Indianhemp | APCA | Apocynum cannabinum | 0–1 | – | ||
largeflower onion | ALMA4 | Allium macropetalum | 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 | – | ||
Cochise scaly cloakfern | ASCO42 | Astrolepis cochisensis | 0–1 | – | ||
slimleaf plainsmustard | SCLI12 | Schoenocrambe linearifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
Arizona spikemoss | SEAR2 | Selaginella arizonica | 0–1 | – | ||
twinleaf senna | SEBA3 | Senna bauhinioides | 0–1 | – | ||
Lemmon's ragwort | SELE8 | Senecio lemmonii | 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 | – | ||
Parry's beardtongue | PEPA24 | Penstemon parryi | 0–1 | – | ||
slimleaf bean | PHAN3 | Phaseolus angustissimus | 0–1 | – | ||
orange fameflower | PHAU13 | Phemeranthus aurantiacus | 0–1 | – | ||
Cory's mistletoe | PHCO14 | Phoradendron coryae | 0–1 | – | ||
ivyleaf groundcherry | PHHE4 | Physalis hederifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
white milkwort | POAL4 | Polygala alba | 0–1 | – | ||
velvetseed milkwort | POOB | Polygala obscura | 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 | – | ||
American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–1 | – | ||
Louisiana vetch | VILUL2 | Vicia ludoviciana ssp. ludoviciana | 0–1 | – | ||
copper zephyrlily | ZELO | Zephyranthes longifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
buffpetal | RHPH2 | Rhynchosida physocalyx | 0–1 | – | ||
Torrey's craglily | ECFL | Echeandia flavescens | 0–1 | – | ||
8 | Annual Forbs | 1–50 | ||||
pitseed goosefoot | CHBE4 | Chenopodium berlandieri | 0–10 | – | ||
fewflower beggarticks | BILE | Bidens leptocephala | 0–5 | – | ||
longleaf false goldeneye | HELOA2 | Heliomeris longifolia var. annua | 0–5 | – | ||
New Mexico goosefoot | CHNE3 | Chenopodium neomexicanum | 0–3 | – | ||
sensitive partridge pea | CHNI2 | Chamaecrista nictitans | 0–3 | – | ||
New Mexico thistle | CINE | Cirsium neomexicanum | 0–2 | – | ||
Wright's bird's beak | COWR2 | Cordylanthus wrightii | 0–2 | – | ||
New Mexico copperleaf | ACNE | Acalypha neomexicana | 0–2 | – | ||
smallflowered milkvetch | ASNU4 | Astragalus nuttallianus | 0–2 | – | ||
Thurber's milkvetch | ASTH | Astragalus thurberi | 0–2 | – | ||
slender goldenweed | MAGR10 | Machaeranthera gracilis | 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 | – | ||
woolly plantain | PLPA2 | Plantago patagonica | 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 | – | ||
Wright's cudweed | PSCAC2 | Pseudognaphalium canescens ssp. canescens | 0–1 | – | ||
Abert's creeping zinnia | SAAB | Sanvitalia abertii | 0–1 | – | ||
sawtooth sage | SASU7 | Salvia subincisa | 0–1 | – | ||
spreading fanpetals | SIAB | Sida abutifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
sleepy silene | SIAN2 | Silene antirrhina | 0–1 | – | ||
hillside vervain | VENE | Verbena neomexicana | 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 | – | ||
mesa tansyaster | MATA | Machaeranthera tagetina | 0–1 | – | ||
wheelscale saltbush | ATEL | Atriplex elegans | 0–1 | – | ||
camphorweed | HESU3 | Heterotheca subaxillaris | 0–1 | – | ||
crestrib morning-glory | IPCO2 | Ipomoea costellata | 0–1 | – | ||
redstar | IPCO3 | Ipomoea coccinea | 0–1 | – | ||
ivyleaf morning-glory | IPHE | Ipomoea hederacea | 0–1 | – | ||
flaxflowered ipomopsis | IPLOL | Ipomopsis longiflora ssp. longiflora | 0–1 | – | ||
Thurber's morning-glory | IPTH | Ipomoea thurberi | 0–1 | – | ||
carelessweed | AMPA | Amaranthus palmeri | 0–1 | – | ||
crested anoda | ANCR2 | Anoda cristata | 0–1 | – | ||
southwestern pricklypoppy | ARPL3 | Argemone pleiacantha | 0–1 | – | ||
halfmoon milkvetch | ASAL6 | Astragalus allochrous | 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 tansymustard | DEPI | Descurainia pinnata | 0–1 | – | ||
western trailing ticktrefoil | DEPR2 | Desmodium procumbens | 0–1 | – | ||
poorjoe | DITE2 | Diodia teres | 0–1 | – | ||
wedgeleaf draba | DRCU | Draba cuneifolia | 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 | – | ||
miner's lettuce | CLPEP | Claytonia perfoliata ssp. perfoliata | 0–1 | – | ||
scrambled eggs | COAU2 | Corydalis aurea | 0–1 | – | ||
southwestern cosmos | COPA12 | Cosmos parviflorus | 0–1 | – | ||
threadstem sandmat | CHRE4 | Chamaesyce revoluta | 0–1 | – | ||
thymeleaf sandmat | CHSE6 | Chamaesyce serpyllifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
slimseed sandmat | CHST8 | Chamaesyce stictospora | 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 | – | ||
royal sandmat | CHDI5 | Chamaesyce dioica | 0–1 | – | ||
pillpod sandmat | CHHI3 | Chamaesyce hirta | 0–1 | – | ||
hyssopleaf sandmat | CHHY3 | Chamaesyce hyssopifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
9 | Half shrubs | 20–70 | ||||
James' buckwheat | ERJA | Eriogonum jamesii | 0–20 | – | ||
fairyduster | CAER | Calliandra eriophylla | 1–15 | – | ||
featherplume | DAFO | Dalea formosa | 1–10 | – | ||
tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 0–10 | – | ||
yerba de pasmo | BAPT | Baccharis pteronioides | 1–5 | – | ||
California brickellbush | BRCA3 | Brickellia californica | 0–5 | – | ||
Utah fendlerbush | FEUTC | Fendlerella utahensis var. cymosa | 0–5 | – | ||
heartleaf goldeneye | VICO | Viguiera cordifolia | 0–5 | – | ||
desert zinnia | ZIAC | Zinnia acerosa | 0–5 | – | ||
rough menodora | MESC | Menodora scabra | 0–5 | – | ||
trailing krameria | KRLA | Krameria lanceolata | 1–5 | – | ||
winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 0–2 | – | ||
littleleaf ratany | KRER | Krameria erecta | 0–2 | – | ||
bastardsage | ERWR | Eriogonum wrightii | 0–2 | – | ||
Gregg's prairie clover | DAGR2 | Dalea greggii | 0–2 | – | ||
cliff goldenbush | ERCUC | Ericameria cuneata var. cuneata | 0–2 | – | ||
false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–2 | – | ||
prairie acacia | ACAN | Acacia angustissima | 0–2 | – | ||
mariola | PAIN2 | Parthenium incanum | 0–1 | – | ||
woody crinklemat | TICAC | Tiquilia canescens var. canescens | 0–1 | – | ||
American threefold | TRCA8 | Trixis californica | 0–1 | – | ||
10 | Evergreen shrubs | 50–100 | ||||
Mexican cliffrose | PUME | Purshia mexicana | 0–50 | – | ||
desert ceanothus | CEGR | Ceanothus greggii | 1–50 | – | ||
hairy mountain mahogany | CEMOP | Cercocarpus montanus var. paucidentatus | 1–50 | – | ||
cliffbrake | PELLA | Pellaea | 6–36 | – | ||
pungent oak | QUPU | Quercus pungens | 0–25 | – | ||
evergreen sumac | RHVIC | Rhus virens var. choriophylla | 1–25 | – | ||
longstalk chinchweed | PELO | Pectis longipes | 6–20 | – | ||
Parry's beardtongue | PEPA24 | Penstemon parryi | 6–20 | – | ||
Palmer's penstemon | PEPA8 | Penstemon palmeri | 6–20 | – | ||
white milkwort | POAL4 | Polygala alba | 6–20 | – | ||
Wright's cudweed | PSCAC2 | Pseudognaphalium canescens ssp. canescens | 6–20 | – | ||
Texas snoutbean | RHSET | Rhynchosia senna var. texana | 6–20 | – | ||
twinleaf senna | SEBA3 | Senna bauhinioides | 6–20 | – | ||
spreading fanpetals | SIAB | Sida abutifolia | 6–20 | – | ||
scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 6–20 | – | ||
caliche globemallow | SPLA | Sphaeralcea laxa | 6–20 | – | ||
brownplume wirelettuce | STPA4 | Stephanomeria pauciflora | 6–20 | – | ||
pricklyleaf dogweed | THAC | Thymophylla acerosa | 6–20 | – | ||
Hopi tea greenthread | THME | Thelesperma megapotamicum | 6–20 | – | ||
rue of the mountains | THTE2 | Thamnosma texana | 6–20 | – | ||
Arizona bluecurls | TRAR | Trichostema arizonicum | 6–20 | – | ||
pinewoods spiderwort | TRPI | Tradescantia pinetorum | 6–20 | – | ||
branched noseburn | TRRA5 | Tragia ramosa | 6–20 | – | ||
Fort Huachuca vervain | VEGR2 | Verbena gracilis | 6–20 | – | ||
mariposa lily | CALOC | Calochortus | 6–20 | – | ||
Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 6–20 | – | ||
field bindweed | COAR4 | Convolvulus arvensis | 6–20 | – | ||
whitemouth dayflower | COER | Commelina erecta | 6–20 | – | ||
pale bastard toadflax | COUMP | Comandra umbellata ssp. pallida | 6–20 | – | ||
leatherweed | CRPOP | Croton pottsii var. pottsii | 6–20 | – | ||
spreading fleabane | ERDI4 | Erigeron divergens | 6–20 | – | ||
trailing fleabane | ERFL | Erigeron flagellaris | 6–20 | – | ||
New Mexico fleabane | ERNE3 | Erigeron neomexicanus | 6–20 | – | ||
wild dwarf morning-glory | EVAR | Evolvulus arizonicus | 6–20 | – | ||
shaggy dwarf morning-glory | EVNU | Evolvulus nuttallianus | 6–20 | – | ||
beeblossom | GAURA | Gaura | 6–20 | – | ||
pineywoods geranium | GECA3 | Geranium caespitosum | 6–20 | – | ||
hairy false goldenaster | HEVI4 | Heterotheca villosa | 6–20 | – | ||
fineleaf hymenopappus | HYFIL | Hymenopappus filifolius var. lugens | 6–20 | – | ||
El Paso skyrocket | IPTH2 | Ipomopsis thurberi | 6–20 | – | ||
Lewis flax | LILE3 | Linum lewisii | 6–20 | – | ||
plains flax | LIPU4 | Linum puberulum | 6–20 | – | ||
variableleaf bushbean | MAGI2 | Macroptilium gibbosifolium | 6–20 | – | ||
Organ Mountain blazingstar | MEAS2 | Mentzelia asperula | 6–20 | – | ||
rough menodora | MESC | Menodora scabra | 6–20 | – | ||
alpine woodsorrel | OXAL2 | Oxalis alpina | 6–20 | – | ||
brownfoot | ACWR5 | Acourtia wrightii | 6–20 | – | ||
trailing windmills | ALIN | Allionia incarnata | 6–20 | – | ||
weakleaf bur ragweed | AMCO3 | Ambrosia confertiflora | 6–20 | – | ||
tuber anemone | ANTU | Anemone tuberosa | 6–20 | – | ||
rockcress | ARABI2 | Arabis | 6–20 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 6–20 | – | ||
chaparral asphead | ASHI3 | Aspicarpa hirtella | 6–20 | – | ||
dense ayenia | AYMI | Ayenia microphylla | 6–20 | – | ||
hairyseed bahia | BAAB | Bahia absinthifolia | 6–20 | – | ||
firecrackerbush | BOTE2 | Bouvardia ternifolia | 6–20 | – | ||
Warnock's snakewood | COWA | Condalia warnockii | 0–5 | – | ||
Kearney's snakewood | COWAK | Condalia warnockii var. kearneyana | 0–5 | – | ||
Wright's silktassel | GAWR3 | Garrya wrightii | 0–5 | – | ||
Arizona water-willow | JUCA9 | Justicia candicans | 0–2 | – | ||
11 | Deciduous shrubs | 15–50 | ||||
Mexican copperleaf | ACME7 | Acalypha mexicana | 5–36 | – | ||
carelessweed | AMPA | Amaranthus palmeri | 5–36 | – | ||
milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 5–36 | – | ||
hoary bowlesia | BOIN3 | Bowlesia incana | 5–36 | – | ||
exserted Indian paintbrush | CAEXE | Castilleja exserta ssp. exserta | 5–36 | – | ||
lambsquarters | CHAL7 | Chenopodium album | 5–36 | – | ||
sensitive partridge pea | CHNIL | Chamaecrista nictitans ssp. nictitans var. leptadenia | 5–36 | – | ||
nodding bird's-beak | COLA4 | Cordylanthus laxiflorus | 5–36 | – | ||
American wild carrot | DAPU3 | Daucus pusillus | 5–36 | – | ||
New Mexico ticktrefoil | DENE | Desmodium neomexicanum | 5–36 | – | ||
western tansymustard | DEPI | Descurainia pinnata | 5–36 | – | ||
miniature woollystar | ERDI2 | Eriastrum diffusum | 5–36 | – | ||
leafy spurge | EUESE | Euphorbia esula var. esula | 5–36 | – | ||
blanketflower | GAILL | Gaillardia | 5–36 | – | ||
Parry's dwarf-sunflower | HEPA | Helianthella parryi | 5–36 | – | ||
Arizona poppy | KAGR | Kallstroemia grandiflora | 5–36 | – | ||
intermediate pepperweed | LEVIM | Lepidium virginicum var. medium | 5–36 | – | ||
hoary tansyaster | MACA2 | Machaeranthera canescens | 5–36 | – | ||
whitestem blazingstar | MEAL6 | Mentzelia albicaulis | 5–36 | – | ||
green carpetweed | MOVE | Mollugo verticillata | 5–36 | – | ||
Florida pellitory | PAFL3 | Parietaria floridana | 5–36 | – | ||
lakeshore panicgrass | PALA | Panicum lacustre | 5–36 | – | ||
phacelia | PHACE | Phacelia | 5–36 | – | ||
phlox | PHLOX | Phlox | 5–36 | – | ||
sweetscent | PLODO | Pluchea odorata var. odorata | 5–36 | – | ||
desert Indianwheat | PLOV | Plantago ovata | 5–36 | – | ||
slimflower scurfpea | PSTE5 | Psoralidium tenuiflorum | 5–36 | – | ||
chia | SACO6 | Salvia columbariae | 5–36 | – | ||
sleepy silene | SIAN2 | Silene antirrhina | 5–36 | – | ||
staggerweed | STAR | Stachys arvensis | 5–36 | – | ||
garden vetch | VISAN2 | Vicia sativa ssp. nigra | 5–36 | – | ||
Tahitian kidneywood | EYOR | Eysenhardtia orthocarpa | 1–25 | – | ||
ocotillo | FOSP2 | Fouquieria splendens | 5–25 | – | ||
Arizona necklacepod | SOAR3 | Sophora arizonica | 0–10 | – | ||
littleleaf sumac | RHMI3 | Rhus microphylla | 0–10 | – | ||
skunkbush sumac | RHTR | Rhus trilobata | 0–5 | – | ||
Wright's mock buckthorn | SAWR | Sageretia wrightii | 0–5 | – | ||
catclaw acacia | ACGR | Acacia greggii | 1–5 | – | ||
Wright's beebrush | ALWR | Aloysia wrightii | 1–5 | – | ||
catclaw mimosa | MIACB | Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera | 0–5 | – | ||
Rio Grande saddlebush | MOSC | Mortonia scabrella | 0–5 | – | ||
western honey mesquite | PRGLT | Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana | 0–2 | – | ||
velvet mesquite | PRVE | Prosopis velutina | 0–2 | – | ||
spiny hackberry | CEEH | Celtis ehrenbergiana | 0–2 | – | ||
javelina bush | COER5 | Condalia ericoides | 0–2 | – | ||
knifeleaf condalia | COSP3 | Condalia spathulata | 0–2 | – | ||
whitethorn acacia | ACCO2 | Acacia constricta | 0–2 | – | ||
longleaf jointfir | EPTR | Ephedra trifurca | 0–1 | – | ||
broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–1 | – | ||
12 | Succulents | 10–100 | ||||
sacahuista | NOMI | Nolina microcarpa | 5–50 | – | ||
Palmer's century plant | AGPA3 | Agave palmeri | 1–20 | – | ||
Parry's agave | AGPA4 | Agave parryi | 1–20 | – | ||
common sotol | DAWH2 | Dasylirion wheeleri | 5–20 | – | ||
Parry's agave | AGPAP5 | Agave parryi ssp. parryi | 1–10 | – | ||
Schott's century plant | AGSC3 | Agave schottii | 0–10 | – | ||
dollarjoint pricklypear | OPCH | Opuntia chlorotica | 0–5 | – | ||
cactus apple | OPEN3 | Opuntia engelmannii | 0–5 | – | ||
Schott's yucca | YUSC | Yucca ×schottii | 0–5 | – | ||
banana yucca | YUBA | Yucca baccata | 0–5 | – | ||
purple pricklypear | OPMA8 | Opuntia macrocentra | 0–2 | – | ||
tulip pricklypear | OPPH | Opuntia phaeacantha | 0–2 | – | ||
candy barrelcactus | FEWI | Ferocactus wislizeni | 0–2 | – | ||
Graham's nipple cactus | MAGR9 | Mammillaria grahamii | 0–1 | – | ||
Macdougal's nipple cactus | MAHEM | Mammillaria heyderi var. macdougalii | 0–1 | – | ||
soaptree yucca | YUEL | Yucca elata | 0–1 | – | ||
Scheer's beehive cactus | COROS | Coryphantha robustispina ssp. scheeri | 0–1 | – | ||
walkingstick cactus | CYSP8 | Cylindropuntia spinosior | 0–1 | – | ||
pinkflower hedgehog cactus | ECBO2 | Echinocereus bonkerae | 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 | – | ||
Bisbee spinystar | ESVIB | Escobaria vivipara var. bisbeeana | 0–1 | – | ||
Tree
|
||||||
13 | Trees | 5–35 | ||||
Arizona rosewood | VACA5 | Vauquelinia californica | 5–25 | – | ||
Arizona white oak | QUAR | Quercus arizonica | 0–20 | – | ||
Emory oak | QUEM | Quercus emoryi | 0–20 | – | ||
Mexican blue oak | QUOB | Quercus oblongifolia | 0–10 | – | ||
alligator juniper | JUDE2 | Juniperus deppeana | 0–10 | – | ||
oneseed juniper | JUMO | Juniperus monosperma | 0–10 | – | ||
Mexican pinyon | PICE | Pinus cembroides | 0–5 | – |
Interpretations
Animal community
The plant community on this site is suitable for grazing by all classes of livestock at any season. High soil pH can limit the availability of some essential plant nutrients reducing forage quality especially compared to adjacent non-limy sites. Due to the abundance of cool season grasses and many species of palatable evergreen browse, this site is especially well suited for winter-spring grazing when nearby upland areas are deficient in protein. Steep slopes, very cobbly surfaces and large areas of rock outcrop limit grazing distribution on this site. Fencing large areas of this site separately from non-limy hills and uplands and grazing during the cool season will allow effective management of the forage resource it has. This site is very dry, but springs will be found at the lower end areas of this site where it contacts with more impervious metamorphic rocks like slate, mudstone, and quartzite. Canyons throughout areas of this site tend to be dry even in winter due to the extreme porosity of the limestone parent material. Mountain mahogany and Wright eupatorium can cause cyanide poisoning in the fall. Cattle should not be turned into areas of the site until after several frosts have occurred in late fall or early winter. Mountain lion predation on calves can be severe on this site. Grazing dry cows and/or yearlings in the cool season and moving cows off as they calve will help avoid predation.
This site provides excellent habitat for both whitetail and mule deer. Large amounts of palatable evergreen browse species on this site gives it a high carrying capacity for deer. Periodic fires will help keep species like desert ceanothus, cliffrose and mahogany from growing out of reach of deer. The potential plant community is rich in grass and forb species making the site home to a variety of insect, bird, small mammal and reptile species. Extensive stands of Agave Palmeri and Parryi are a primary food source for the Mexican long-tongue bat, as well as several other bird and insect species. Numerous caverns in the porous limestone bedrock are habitat for a variety of species, including summertime roosts for the endangered lesser long-nosed bat. Natural water is limited on this site unless contact springs occur where more impervious rock like slate or mudstone block the gravitational flow of water through the limestone and allow surface flow to occur. Water developments are very important to large mammals, as well as several bird and small mammal species that use this habitat.
Hydrological functions
This site is a poor producer of runoff due to the porous nature of the limestone parent material.
Recreational uses
Hunting, hiking, bird watching, camping, picnicking, fossil hunting, photography, horseback riding.
Wood products
Limited fuel-wood from juniper. Limited hobby wood from Arizona rosewood.
Other products
Beargrass and yucca for fibers, agave for tequila and mescal making, medicinal plants like yerba de pasmo, herbaceous sage and terragon, fossils, limestone for cement making.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Range 417s include 1 in excellent condition.
Type locality
Location 1: Cochise County, AZ | |
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Township/Range/Section | T23S R19E S32 |
General legal description | NE 1//4 of section - Ft. Huachuca - West range by Pyeatt Cave |
Location 2: Cochise County, AZ | |
Township/Range/Section | T23S R24E S1 |
General legal description | Douglas FO - Miller Ranch, Mule Mtns., Mexican Canyon |
Location 3: Cochise County, AZ | |
Township/Range/Section | T15S R22E S22 |
General legal description | Willcox FO - Little Dragoon Mtns., Johnson Mine |
Location 4: Pinal County, AZ | |
Township/Range/Section | T10S R16E S19 |
General legal description | Tucson FO - Three C Ranch, Catalina Mtns. |
Location 5: Santa Cruz County, AZ | |
Township/Range/Section | T21S R17E S9 |
General legal description | Babocomari Ranch, Encinos Pasture at KA #5. |
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
Steve Barker
WGN
Wilma J. Renken
Dan Robinett
Larry D. Ellicott
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) | |
---|---|
Contact for lead author | |
Date | 09/08/2022 |
Approved by | Curtis Talbot |
Approval date | |
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
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Presence of water flow patterns:
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Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
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Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
-
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
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Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
-
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
-
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
-
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
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Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
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Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
-
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
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Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
-
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
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Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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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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