Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R041XA104AZ
Limy Slopes 16-20" p.z.
Last updated: 4/09/2021
Accessed: 12/22/2024
General information
Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 041X–Madrean Archipelago
AZ 41.1 – 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 ranges from thermic to mesic and the soil moisture regime ranges from aridic ustic to typic ustic. This unit occurs within the Basin and Range Physiographic Province and 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 sediments filling the basins represent combinations of fluvial, lacustrine, colluvial and alluvial deposits.
Ecological site concept
Limy Slopes 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 moderately deep to deep (20 – 60+ inches). The surface soils are dark colored, 10YR 4/2, in the first 5 inches.
Associated sites
| R041XA103AZ |
Limestone Hills 16-20 p.z. |
|---|---|
| R041XA105AZ |
Limy Upland 16-20" p.z. |
| R041XA107AZ |
Loamy Slopes 16-20" p.z. |
| R041XA108AZ |
Loamy Upland 16-20" p.z. |
| R041XA114AZ |
Loamy Bottom 16-20" p.z. |
| R041XA115AZ |
Loamy Swale 16-20" p.z. |
Similar sites
| R041XA105AZ |
Limy Upland 16-20" p.z. |
|---|---|
| R041XC308AZ |
Limy Slopes 12-16" p.z. |
| R041XC309AZ |
Limy Upland 12-16" p.z. |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
(1) krameria erecta |
| Herbaceous |
(1) bouteloua eriopoda |
Physiographic features
This site occurs in the middle elevations of the Madrean Basin and Range province in southeastern Arizona. It occurs on hill-slopes, ridge-tops and fan terraces. Slope aspect is site differentiating at elevations near common resource area boundaries.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Hill
(2) Ridge (3) Fan piedmont |
|---|---|
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 4,700 – 5,500 ft |
| Slope | 3 – 40% |
| 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. These winter rains originate in the north Pacific and Gulf of California and come as frontal storms with long duration and low intensity. The remaining 60% falls in the summer season (Jun-Sep). The summer rainy season is known locally as the monsoon. The moisture for the monsoon originates in the Gulf of Mexico. Summer storms 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 moderately deep to deep soils are calcareous throughout their profile. They developed from calcareous alluvium or conglomerate and fanglomerate parent material. Soil surface texture ranges from very cobbly sandy loam to gravelly loam. Surface soil is very dark colored and well-protected by covers of rocks, cobbles, and gravels. Plant-soil moisture relationships are fair. Soil series characteristic of this site include Hathaway and Pyeatt.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Surface texture |
(1) Very gravelly sandy loam (2) Very gravelly loam (3) Cobbly sandy loam |
|---|---|
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Well drained |
| Permeability class | Moderately rapid to moderate |
| Soil depth | 40 – 60 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 10 – 45% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 5% |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
3.6 – 8.4 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
5 – 30% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
2 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
2 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
7.8 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
10 – 45% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
5% |
Ecological dynamics
The potential plant community, the Reference Plant Community (RPC, see State and Transition Model below) of the 41-1AZ Limy Slopes ecological site is dominated by perennial grasses with well-dispersed half shrubs, cacti, and yucca-like succulents. Scattered trees can be present. More trees are found on north-facing slopes; more succulents are found on south-facing slopes. Fire shapes the plant community phases in the Reference State by reducing shrub dominance and killing many woody plant seedlings. Between fires, shrub growth continues unimpeded. The continuity of perennial grasses provides fine-fuel to carry fire. Natural fire-free periods are 10-20 years in length.
Seasonal rainfall affects the amount and composition of annual plant production. After a wet winter, cool season plants (species like New Mexico feathergrass, wooly bunchgrass, false mesquite, shrubby dalea and ratany) begin active growth in March or 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; peak annual production occurs in October.
Steep slopes can make this ecological site somewhat vulnerable to long-term disturbances. As disturbances increase in intensity, repetition or 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, repeated disturbance (fire or unmanaged grazing) may result in a monoculture of non-native lovegrass (Exotic Grass State). The aspect remains similar to RPC; however, the lovegrasses do 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 removes fire fuel and reduces perennial bunchgrass vigor. In the absence of fire, whether from fire suppression or lack of fuel, the site will transition to a plant community that is dominated by shrubs with less perennial grass cover (Shrub Dominated State). Run-off and erosion is much higher in this state than either the Reference or the Exotic Grass states.
Unmanaged grazing continued for 50+ years can severely impact soil and plant community functioning from the Shrub Dominated State; the effects can be accelerated when coupled with fire or drought. Soil loss can be detrimental and the resulting Eroded State has severe erosion and lower potential productivity.
Periodic droughts occur in this precipitation and cause significant grass mortality. Droughts in the early 30s, mid-50s, 1975-76, 1988-89, 95-96 and 2002 resulted in the loss of much of the grass cover on this site. The RPC recovers rapidly from drought, however, because gravel and cobbles covers slow rainfall run-off and the prevailing climate is generally favorable.
State and transition model
Figure 4. 41-1AZ Limy Slopes 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 Plant Community
Figure 5. Limy Slopes 16-20" pz. Reference Plant Community
The potential plant community on this site is dominated by warm season perennial grasses with a fair component of cool season perennial grasses and half shrubs. Cool season grasses tend to be clumped on the site and not evenly dispersed in the community. Several species of shrubs, cacti, other succulents and forbs are represented in the plant community. Cool season grasses and preferred warm season mid-grasses can be removed from the plant community by repeated selective grazing or continuous heavy grazing. Less desirable species like red and blue three-awns will then dominate the grass community. Without periodic disturbance, like grazing or fire, perennial mid-grasses can become decadent; then, with less live perennial grass cover, forbs like herbaceous sage and cudweed can increase to dominate the plant community. The aspect is open grassland or savanna when scattered trees are present.
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 | 581 | 1100 | 1375 |
| Forb | 70 | 140 | 210 |
| Shrub/Vine | 20 | 45 | 75 |
| Tree | 0 | 5 | 25 |
| Total | 671 | 1290 | 1685 |
Table 6. Soil surface cover
| Tree basal cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana basal cover | 1-5% |
| Grass/grasslike basal cover | 8-20% |
| Forb basal cover | 0-1% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0-1% |
| Biological crusts | 1-10% |
| Litter | 30-60% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 10-45% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0-5% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 5-20% |
Table 7. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | – | 1-5% | 1-5% | 0-2% |
| >0.5 <= 1 | – | 1-5% | 15-30% | 1-5% |
| >1 <= 2 | – | 1-5% | 15-30% | 0-2% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | – | 1-5% | 0-10% | – |
| >4.5 <= 13 | 0-1% | 0-1% | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | 0-2% | – | – | – |
| >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 Grasses
Shrubs and succulents dominate the plant community with lesser amounts of perennial grasses. Forbs fluctuate with climate with seasonal rainfall amounts. Minor invasion of other woody plants.
Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Fire-free period. Shrub growth extends above grass canopy, perennial grass plant vigor may decline.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Burning | |
|---|---|
| Upland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
| Prescribed Grazing |
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Fire removes shrub canopy, perennial grasses resume vigorous growth with average rainfall.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Burning | |
|---|---|
| Upland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
| Prescribed Grazing |
State 2
Exotic Grass
Community 2.1
Exotic grassland
Figure 8. Limy Slopes 16-20" pz. Boer lovegrass
This state occurs where Lehmann or Boer lovegrass has been seeded or has moved onto the site from a nearby seed source. Lehmann can increase to dominate the plant community. Native perennial grasses and forbs are reduced to minor amounts and removed by unmanaged grazing or repeated fire. Herbaceous production in this state can exceed that of the RPC; however, exotic lovegrasses are low in nutritional value (low protein, high indigestible carbohydrates). Also, these lovegrasses are generally less palatable to livestock than native perennial grasses. Livestock grazing use will be minimal with livestock concentrating grazing use on less steep, adjacent sites considering the steeper slopes; livestock will use the non-natives on south slopes during early spring green-up. Exotic lovegrass seed is very fine making it unavailable as a food for wildlife and a monoculture stand can become too dense for small wildlife movement. This state is very stable. The aspect is grassland or savannah when scattered trees are present.
State 3
Shrub Dominated
Community 3.1
Mixed Shrubs
Figure 9. Limy Slopes 16-20" pz. juniper invaded
This state occurs where shrubs like wait-a-bit, one seed juniper and mesquite increase in the absence of fire for long periods of time. Mesquite, whitethorn acacia and Lehmann lovegrass will increase to dominate if their seed is introduced. Yucca like shrubs including sotol, beargrass and soapweed yucca can also increase. Sufficient fine fuels may exist to carry fire but the major shrubs are well established and will re-sprout after fire and quickly assume dominance. The aspect is shrubland.
State 4
Eroded
Community 4.1
Dense Shrub
This state exists where accelerated sheet and rill erosion has occurred due severe trailing and soil compaction. In some areas road construction has resulted in this condition. As the dark colored soil surface horizon is lost, soil depth is lost, in some areas it can be eroded down to subsurface calcic horizons. Site potential is reduced to somewhat resemble Limy Upland ecological site (R041XA105AZ).
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
Non-native bunchgrass seed source (wind-blown or mechanical transport) paired with a native perennial grass community disturbance such as fire or unmanaged grazing.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3
In the absence of fire, shrub growth is unchecked. Juniper, mesquite and other shrubs, including yucca-like shrub, increase in size and number. Remnant native perennial grasses cannot re-colonize with shrub competition. Fire suppression or long-term unmanaged grazing with or without drought/fire interaction reduces perennial grass vigor and removes fine fuels from carrying fire.
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 exotic lovegrasses will occur. Fire will maintain open aspect.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Grazing |
|---|
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
Long-term unmanaged grazing repeatedly removes perennial grass canopy, reduces fire fuel load and prevents fire. Shrubs out-compete perennial grasses for resources. Juniper, mesquite and other shrubs not found in the RPC are inadvertently introduced to the site by animal transport. Once established shrubs increase in size and number. Remnant native perennial grasses cannot re-colonize areas with shrub competition.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1
Chemical brush management, range planting (as needed) supported by prescribed grazing. Shrub control needs to be maintained with herbicide treatment or prescribed burning. Chemical brush management is preferred since the steep slope limits the use of machinery.
Conservation practices
| Brush Management | |
|---|---|
| Prescribed Burning | |
| Range Planting | |
| Upland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
| Prescribed Grazing |
Restoration pathway R3B
State 3 to 2
Restoration practices conducted when a non-native seed bank is present along trails, roads or in disturbed areas can result in an exotic grassland community. Range planting with native grasses may enhance the native grass component. Practices are chemical brush management, range planting (as needed) supported by prescribed grazing. Shrub control maintained with herbicide will favor the native grasses while prescribed burning favors non-natives. 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
Long-term unmanaged grazing has removed the herbaceous plant community. The absence of perennial grasses 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 | 300–600 | ||||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 300–400 | – | ||
| spiked crinkleawn | TRSP12 | Trachypogon spicatus | 0–300 | – | ||
| woolyspike balsamscale | ELBA | Elionurus barbiculmis | 0–200 | – | ||
| purple muhly | MURI3 | Muhlenbergia rigida | 0–50 | – | ||
| 2 | Dominant cool season grasses | 20–150 | ||||
| New Mexico feathergrass | HENE5 | Hesperostipa neomexicana | 20–150 | – | ||
| southwestern needlegrass | ACEM4 | Achnatherum eminens | 0–100 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELELE | Elymus elymoides ssp. elymoides | 0–15 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–10 | – | ||
| pinyon ricegrass | PIFI | Piptochaetium fimbriatum | 0–10 | – | ||
| 3 | Dominant short grasses | 250–450 | ||||
| black grama | BOER4 | Bouteloua eriopoda | 200–400 | – | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 0–100 | – | ||
| Hall's panicgrass | PAHA | Panicum hallii | 5–100 | – | ||
| slim tridens | TRMU | Tridens muticus | 1–50 | – | ||
| slim tridens | TRMUE | Tridens muticus var. elongatus | 1–50 | – | ||
| fall witchgrass | DICO6 | Digitaria cognata | 0–50 | – | ||
| shortleaf woollygrass | ERAV | Erioneuron avenaceum | 1–50 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–50 | – | ||
| common wolfstail | LYPH | Lycurus phleoides | 0–30 | – | ||
| 4 | Perennial threeawns | 10–100 | ||||
| blue threeawn | ARPUN | Aristida purpurea var. nealleyi | 10–100 | – | ||
| Orcutt's threeawn | ARSCO | Aristida schiedeana var. orcuttiana | 0–20 | – | ||
| Fendler threeawn | ARPUL | Aristida purpurea var. longiseta | 0–15 | – | ||
| Wright's threeawn | ARPUW | Aristida purpurea var. wrightii | 0–15 | – | ||
| spidergrass | ARTE3 | Aristida ternipes | 0–10 | – | ||
| spidergrass | ARTEG | Aristida ternipes var. gentilis | 0–10 | – | ||
| poverty threeawn | ARDI5 | Aristida divaricata | 0–5 | – | ||
| 5 | Miscellaneous perennial grasses | 1–50 | ||||
| bullgrass | MUEM | Muhlenbergia emersleyi | 0–20 | – | ||
| plains lovegrass | ERIN | Eragrostis intermedia | 0–15 | – | ||
| tanglehead | HECO10 | Heteropogon contortus | 0–15 | – | ||
| Texas bluestem | SCCI2 | Schizachyrium cirratum | 0–10 | – | ||
| desert muhly | MUGL2 | Muhlenbergia glauca | 0–10 | – | ||
| bush muhly | MUPO2 | Muhlenbergia porteri | 0–10 | – | ||
| slender muhly | MUTE4 | Muhlenbergia tenuifolia | 0–10 | – | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–10 | – | ||
| cane bluestem | BOBA3 | Bothriochloa barbinodis | 0–10 | – | ||
| green sprangletop | LEDU | Leptochloa dubia | 0–10 | – | ||
| purple grama | BORA | Bouteloua radicosa | 0–5 | – | ||
| slender grama | BORE2 | Bouteloua repens | 0–5 | – | ||
| silver bluestem | BOSA | Bothriochloa saccharoides | 0–5 | – | ||
| Arizona cottontop | DICA8 | Digitaria californica | 0–5 | – | ||
| plains bristlegrass | SEVU2 | Setaria vulpiseta | 0–5 | – | ||
| curly-mesquite | HIBE | Hilaria belangeri | 0–1 | – | ||
| nineawn pappusgrass | ENDE | Enneapogon desvauxii | 0–1 | – | ||
| vine mesquite | PAOB | Panicum obtusum | 0–1 | – | ||
| densetuft hairsedge | BUCA2 | Bulbostylis capillaris | 0–1 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 0–1 | – | ||
| flatsedge | CYPER | Cyperus | 0–1 | – | ||
| low woollygrass | DAPU7 | Dasyochloa pulchella | 0–1 | – | ||
| Rothrock's grama | BORO2 | Bouteloua rothrockii | 0–1 | – | ||
| 6 | Annual grasses | 0–25 | ||||
| sixweeks threeawn | ARAD | Aristida adscensionis | 0–10 | – | ||
| prairie threeawn | AROL | Aristida oligantha | 0–5 | – | ||
| Mexican sprangletop | LEFUU | Leptochloa fusca ssp. uninervia | 0–5 | – | ||
| mucronate sprangeltop | LEPAB | Leptochloa panicea ssp. brachiata | 0–5 | – | ||
| witchgrass | PACA6 | Panicum capillare | 0–5 | – | ||
| Mexican panicgrass | PAHI5 | Panicum hirticaule | 0–5 | – | ||
| Arizona signalgrass | URAR | Urochloa arizonica | 0–2 | – | ||
| sixweeks fescue | VUOC | Vulpia octoflora | 0–2 | – | ||
| delicate muhly | MUFR | Muhlenbergia fragilis | 0–2 | – | ||
| littleseed muhly | MUMI | Muhlenbergia microsperma | 0–2 | – | ||
| Eastwood fescue | VUMIC | Vulpia microstachys var. ciliata | 0–1 | – | ||
| desert fescue | VUMIM | Vulpia microstachys var. microstachys | 0–1 | – | ||
| poverty dropseed | SPVA | Sporobolus vaginiflorus | 0–1 | – | ||
| prairie false oat | TRIN5 | Trisetum interruptum | 0–1 | – | ||
| needle grama | BOAR | Bouteloua aristidoides | 0–1 | – | ||
| sixweeks grama | BOBA2 | Bouteloua barbata | 0–1 | – | ||
| matted grama | BOSI2 | Bouteloua simplex | 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 | ERPEP2 | Eragrostis pectinacea var. pectinacea | 0–1 | – | ||
| pitscale grass | HAGR3 | Hackelochloa granularis | 0–1 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Perennial Forbs | 10–55 | ||||
| trailing windmills | ALIN | Allionia incarnata | 1–10 | – | ||
| Thurber's milkvetch | ASTH | Astragalus thurberi | 0–10 | – | ||
| smallflowered milkvetch | ASNU4 | Astragalus nuttallianus | 0–10 | – | ||
| pitseed goosefoot | CHBE4 | Chenopodium berlandieri | 0–10 | – | ||
| leatherweed | CRPO5 | Croton pottsii | 1–10 | – | ||
| slimflower scurfpea | PSTE5 | Psoralidium tenuiflorum | 0–10 | – | ||
| bluedicks | DICA14 | Dichelostemma capitatum | 1–5 | – | ||
| carelessweed | AMPA | Amaranthus palmeri | 0–5 | – | ||
| shrubby copperleaf | ACPH3 | Acalypha phleoides | 0–2 | – | ||
| weakleaf bur ragweed | AMCO3 | Ambrosia confertiflora | 1–2 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–2 | – | ||
| purplenerve springparsley | CYMU2 | Cymopterus multinervatus | 0–2 | – | ||
| tuber anemone | ANTU | Anemone tuberosa | 0–2 | – | ||
| rose heath | CHER2 | Chaetopappa ericoides | 0–2 | – | ||
| spreading fleabane | ERDI4 | Erigeron divergens | 0–2 | – | ||
| trailing fleabane | ERFL | Erigeron flagellaris | 0–2 | – | ||
| fineleaf hymenopappus | HYFI | Hymenopappus filifolius | 0–2 | – | ||
| spreading snakeherb | DYSCD | Dyschoriste schiedeana var. decumbens | 0–2 | – | ||
| bastard toadflax | COUM | Comandra umbellata | 0–2 | – | ||
| Cooley's bundleflower | DECO2 | Desmanthus cooleyi | 0–2 | – | ||
| Wright's deervetch | LOWR | Lotus wrightii | 0–2 | – | ||
| tufted evening primrose | OECA10 | Oenothera caespitosa | 0–2 | – | ||
| Texas snoutbean | RHSET | Rhynchosia senna var. texana | 0–2 | – | ||
| brownplume wirelettuce | STPA4 | Stephanomeria pauciflora | 0–2 | – | ||
| Rocky Mountain zinnia | ZIGR | Zinnia grandiflora | 0–2 | – | ||
| shrubby purslane | POSU3 | Portulaca suffrutescens | 0–2 | – | ||
| buffpetal | RHPH2 | Rhynchosida physocalyx | 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 | – | ||
| slimleaf plainsmustard | SCLI12 | Schoenocrambe linearifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| twinleaf senna | SEBA3 | Senna bauhinioides | 0–1 | – | ||
| Lemmon's ragwort | SELE8 | Senecio lemmonii | 0–1 | – | ||
| salt spring checkerbloom | SINE3 | Sidalcea neomexicana | 0–1 | – | ||
| silverleaf nightshade | SOEL | Solanum elaeagnifolium | 0–1 | – | ||
| copper globemallow | SPAN3 | Sphaeralcea angustifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| gooseberryleaf globemallow | SPGR2 | Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| locoweed | OXYTR | Oxytropis | 0–1 | – | ||
| beardlip penstemon | PEBA2 | Penstemon barbatus | 0–1 | – | ||
| Cochise beardtongue | PEDA | Penstemon dasyphyllus | 0–1 | – | ||
| longstalk chinchweed | PELO | Pectis longipes | 0–1 | – | ||
| Parry's beardtongue | PEPA24 | Penstemon parryi | 0–1 | – | ||
| slimleaf bean | PHAN3 | Phaseolus angustissimus | 0–1 | – | ||
| orange fameflower | PHAU13 | Phemeranthus aurantiacus | 0–1 | – | ||
| ivyleaf groundcherry | PHHE4 | Physalis hederifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| white milkwort | POAL4 | Polygala alba | 0–1 | – | ||
| velvetseed milkwort | POOB | Polygala obscura | 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 | – | ||
| Torrey's craglily | ECFL | Echeandia flavescens | 0–1 | – | ||
| babyslippers | HYVE | Hybanthus verticillatus | 0–1 | – | ||
| ragged nettlespurge | JAMA | Jatropha macrorhiza | 0–1 | – | ||
| San Pedro daisy | LAPO4 | Lasianthaea podocephala | 0–1 | – | ||
| Fendler's bladderpod | LEFE | Lesquerella fendleri | 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 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| pearly globe amaranth | GONI | Gomphrena nitida | 0–1 | – | ||
| small matweed | GUDE | Guilleminea densa | 0–1 | – | ||
| red bluet | HORU | Houstonia rubra | 0–1 | – | ||
| pillpod sandmat | CHHI3 | Chamaesyce hirta | 0–1 | – | ||
| birdbill dayflower | CODI4 | Commelina dianthifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| Texas bindweed | COEQ | Convolvulus equitans | 0–1 | – | ||
| whitemouth dayflower | COER | Commelina erecta | 0–1 | – | ||
| melon loco | APUN | Apodanthera undulata | 0–1 | – | ||
| horsetail milkweed | ASSU2 | Asclepias subverticillata | 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 | – | ||
| fingerleaf gourd | CUDI | Cucurbita digitata | 0–1 | – | ||
| coyote gourd | CUPA | Cucurbita palmata | 0–1 | – | ||
| royal sandmat | CHDI5 | Chamaesyce dioica | 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 | – | ||
| halfmoon milkvetch | ASAL6 | Astragalus allochrous | 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 | – | ||
| woolly locoweed | ASMOB | Astragalus mollissimus var. bigelovii | 0–1 | – | ||
| sheep milkvetch | ASNO3 | Astragalus nothoxys | 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 | – | ||
| wheelscale saltbush | ATEL | Atriplex elegans | 0–1 | – | ||
| dense ayenia | AYMI | Ayenia microphylla | 0–1 | – | ||
| hairyseed bahia | BAAB | Bahia absinthifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| lyreleaf greeneyes | BELY | Berlandiera lyrata | 0–1 | – | ||
| fewflower beggarticks | BILE | Bidens leptocephala | 0–1 | – | ||
| scarlet spiderling | BOCO | Boerhavia coccinea | 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 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| 8 | Annual Forbs | 1–50 | ||||
| longleaf false goldeneye | HELOA2 | Heliomeris longifolia var. annua | 0–15 | – | ||
| pitseed goosefoot | CHBE4 | Chenopodium berlandieri | 0–10 | – | ||
| smallflowered milkvetch | ASNU4 | Astragalus nuttallianus | 0–10 | – | ||
| Thurber's milkvetch | ASTH | Astragalus thurberi | 0–10 | – | ||
| woolly plantain | PLPA2 | Plantago patagonica | 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 | – | ||
| scrambled eggs | COAU2 | Corydalis aurea | 0–2 | – | ||
| Wright's bird's beak | COWR2 | Cordylanthus wrightii | 0–2 | – | ||
| New Mexico copperleaf | ACNE | Acalypha neomexicana | 0–2 | – | ||
| slender goldenweed | MAGR10 | Machaeranthera gracilis | 0–2 | – | ||
| tanseyleaf tansyaster | MATA2 | Machaeranthera tanacetifolia | 0–2 | – | ||
| wedgeleaf draba | DRCU | Draba cuneifolia | 0–2 | – | ||
| Arizona poppy | KAGR | Kallstroemia grandiflora | 0–2 | – | ||
| redstar | IPCO3 | Ipomoea coccinea | 0–2 | – | ||
| Thurber's morning-glory | IPTH | Ipomoea thurberi | 0–2 | – | ||
| spreading fanpetals | SIAB | Sida abutifolia | 0–2 | – | ||
| sleepy silene | SIAN2 | Silene antirrhina | 0–1 | – | ||
| El Paso skyrocket | IPTH2 | Ipomopsis thurberi | 0–1 | – | ||
| flaxflowered ipomopsis | IPLOL | Ipomopsis longiflora ssp. longiflora | 0–1 | – | ||
| camphorweed | HESU3 | Heterotheca subaxillaris | 0–1 | – | ||
| crestrib morning-glory | IPCO2 | Ipomoea costellata | 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 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| royal sandmat | CHDI5 | Chamaesyce dioica | 0–1 | – | ||
| pillpod sandmat | CHHI3 | Chamaesyce hirta | 0–1 | – | ||
| hyssopleaf sandmat | CHHY3 | Chamaesyce hyssopifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| wheelscale saltbush | ATEL | Atriplex elegans | 0–1 | – | ||
| fewflower beggarticks | BILE | Bidens leptocephala | 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 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 9 | Yucca like plants | 30–150 | ||||
| sacahuista | NOMI | Nolina microcarpa | 10–150 | – | ||
| soaptree yucca | YUEL | Yucca elata | 5–100 | – | ||
| common sotol | DAWH2 | Dasylirion wheeleri | 0–20 | – | ||
| Schott's yucca | YUSC | Yucca ×schottii | 0–15 | – | ||
| goldenhead | ACAMP | Acamptopappus | 1–14 | – | ||
| trailing windmills | ALIN | Allionia incarnata | 1–14 | – | ||
| chaparral asphead | ASHI3 | Aspicarpa hirtella | 1–14 | – | ||
| dense ayenia | AYMI | Ayenia microphylla | 1–14 | – | ||
| hairyseed bahia | BAAB | Bahia absinthifolia | 1–14 | – | ||
| field bindweed | COAR4 | Convolvulus arvensis | 1–14 | – | ||
| whitemouth dayflower | COER | Commelina erecta | 1–14 | – | ||
| leatherweed | CRPO5 | Croton pottsii | 1–14 | – | ||
| spreading fleabane | ERDI4 | Erigeron divergens | 1–14 | – | ||
| trailing fleabane | ERFL | Erigeron flagellaris | 1–14 | – | ||
| New Mexico fleabane | ERNE3 | Erigeron neomexicanus | 1–14 | – | ||
| wild dwarf morning-glory | EVAR | Evolvulus arizonicus | 1–14 | – | ||
| Arizona snakecotton | FRAR2 | Froelichia arizonica | 1–14 | – | ||
| small matweed | GUDED | Guilleminea densa var. densa | 1–14 | – | ||
| Wright's deervetch | LOWR | Lotus wrightii | 1–14 | – | ||
| variableleaf bushbean | MAGI2 | Macroptilium gibbosifolium | 1–14 | – | ||
| rough menodora | MESC | Menodora scabra | 1–14 | – | ||
| Cochise beardtongue | PEDA | Penstemon dasyphyllus | 1–14 | – | ||
| Parry's beardtongue | PEPA24 | Penstemon parryi | 1–14 | – | ||
| Palmer's penstemon | PEPA8 | Penstemon palmeri | 1–14 | – | ||
| thinleaf goldenhead | PYLI2 | Pyrrocoma linearis | 1–14 | – | ||
| Texas snoutbean | RHSET | Rhynchosia senna var. texana | 1–14 | – | ||
| spreading fanpetals | SIAB | Sida abutifolia | 1–14 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 1–14 | – | ||
| brownplume wirelettuce | STPA4 | Stephanomeria pauciflora | 1–14 | – | ||
| Eureka dunegrass | SWAL | Swallenia alexandrae | 1–14 | – | ||
| Hopi tea greenthread | THME | Thelesperma megapotamicum | 1–14 | – | ||
| Palmer's crinklemat | TIPA | Tiquilia palmeri | 1–14 | – | ||
| banana yucca | YUBA | Yucca baccata | 0–10 | – | ||
| 10 | Dominant half shrubs | 20–50 | ||||
| New Mexico copperleaf | ACNE | Acalypha neomexicana | 7–21 | – | ||
| onion | ALLIU | Allium | 7–21 | – | ||
| pigweed | AMARA | Amaranthus | 7–21 | – | ||
| ragweed | AMBRO | Ambrosia | 7–21 | – | ||
| tuber anemone | ANTU | Anemone tuberosa | 7–21 | – | ||
| rockcress | ARABI2 | Arabis | 7–21 | – | ||
| Watson's dutchman's pipe | ARWA | Aristolochia watsonii | 7–21 | – | ||
| phacelia | PHACE | Phacelia | 7–21 | – | ||
| ivyleaf groundcherry | PHHE4 | Physalis hederifolia | 7–21 | – | ||
| phlox | PHLOX | Phlox | 7–21 | – | ||
| Arizona popcornflower | PLAR | Plagiobothrys arizonicus | 7–21 | – | ||
| desert Indianwheat | PLOV | Plantago ovata | 7–21 | – | ||
| white milkwort | POAL4 | Polygala alba | 7–21 | – | ||
| little hogweed | POOL | Portulaca oleracea | 7–21 | – | ||
| slimflower scurfpea | PSTE5 | Psoralidium tenuiflorum | 7–21 | – | ||
| chia | SACO6 | Salvia columbariae | 7–21 | – | ||
| twinleaf senna | SEBA3 | Senna bauhinioides | 7–21 | – | ||
| sleepy silene | SIAN2 | Silene antirrhina | 7–21 | – | ||
| silverleaf nightshade | SOEL | Solanum elaeagnifolium | 7–21 | – | ||
| pinewoods spiderwort | TRPI | Tradescantia pinetorum | 7–21 | – | ||
| branched noseburn | TRRA5 | Tragia ramosa | 7–21 | – | ||
| Fort Huachuca vervain | VEGR2 | Verbena gracilis | 7–21 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 7–21 | – | ||
| Rocky Mountain zinnia | ZIGR | Zinnia grandiflora | 7–21 | – | ||
| fairyduster | CAER | Calliandra eriophylla | 1–20 | – | ||
| featherplume | DAFO | Dalea formosa | 1–20 | – | ||
| Utah fendlerbush | FEUTC | Fendlerella utahensis var. cymosa | 0–20 | – | ||
| littleleaf ratany | KRER | Krameria erecta | 1–15 | – | ||
| trailing krameria | KRLA | Krameria lanceolata | 0–15 | – | ||
| yerba de pasmo | BAPT | Baccharis pteronioides | 1–15 | – | ||
| bastardsage | ERWR | Eriogonum wrightii | 0–10 | – | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 0–10 | – | ||
| desert zinnia | ZIAC | Zinnia acerosa | 0–10 | – | ||
| prairie acacia | ACAN | Acacia angustissima | 0–5 | – | ||
| false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–2 | – | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 1–2 | – | ||
| lyreleaf greeneyes | BELY | Berlandiera lyrata | 1–2 | – | ||
| fringed redmaids | CACI2 | Calandrinia ciliata | 1–2 | – | ||
| exserted Indian paintbrush | CAEXE | Castilleja exserta ssp. exserta | 1–2 | – | ||
| mariposa lily | CALOC | Calochortus | 1–2 | – | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 1–2 | – | ||
| lambsquarters | CHAL7 | Chenopodium album | 1–2 | – | ||
| hyssopleaf sandmat | CHHY3 | Chamaesyce hyssopifolia | 1–2 | – | ||
| New Mexico thistle | CINE | Cirsium neomexicanum | 1–2 | – | ||
| mala mujer | CNAN | Cnidoscolus angustidens | 1–2 | – | ||
| nodding bird's-beak | COLA4 | Cordylanthus laxiflorus | 1–2 | – | ||
| James' prairie clover | DAJA | Dalea jamesii | 1–2 | – | ||
| American wild carrot | DAPU3 | Daucus pusillus | 1–2 | – | ||
| New Mexico ticktrefoil | DENE | Desmodium neomexicanum | 1–2 | – | ||
| western tansymustard | DEPI | Descurainia pinnata | 1–2 | – | ||
| miniature woollystar | ERDI2 | Eriastrum diffusum | 1–2 | – | ||
| buckwheat | ERIOG | Eriogonum | 1–2 | – | ||
| shaggy dwarf morning-glory | EVNU | Evolvulus nuttallianus | 1–2 | – | ||
| longleaf false goldeneye | HELOA2 | Heliomeris longifolia var. annua | 1–2 | – | ||
| Parry's dwarf-sunflower | HEPA | Helianthella parryi | 1–2 | – | ||
| red bluet | HORU | Houstonia rubra | 1–2 | – | ||
| ragged nettlespurge | JAMA | Jatropha macrorhiza | 1–2 | – | ||
| Arizona poppy | KAGR | Kallstroemia grandiflora | 1–2 | – | ||
| Coulter's horseweed | LACO13 | Laennecia coulteri | 1–2 | – | ||
| Fendler's bladderpod | LEFE | Lesquerella fendleri | 1–2 | – | ||
| Goodding's bladderpod | LEGO2 | Lesquerella gooddingii | 1–2 | – | ||
| intermediate pepperweed | LEVIM | Lepidium virginicum var. medium | 1–2 | – | ||
| Lewis flax | LILE3 | Linum lewisii | 1–2 | – | ||
| plains flax | LIPU4 | Linum puberulum | 1–2 | – | ||
| woodland-star | LITHO2 | Lithophragma | 1–2 | – | ||
| Greene's bird's-foot trefoil | LOGR4 | Lotus greenei | 1–2 | – | ||
| foothill deervetch | LOHU2 | Lotus humistratus | 1–2 | – | ||
| coastal bird's-foot trefoil | LOSAB | Lotus salsuginosus var. brevivexillus | 1–2 | – | ||
| lupine | LUPIN | Lupinus | 1–2 | – | ||
| hoary tansyaster | MACA2 | Machaeranthera canescens | 1–2 | – | ||
| whitestem blazingstar | MEAL6 | Mentzelia albicaulis | 1–2 | – | ||
| green carpetweed | MOVE | Mollugo verticillata | 1–2 | – | ||
| Drummond's woodsorrel | OXDR | Oxalis drummondii | 1–2 | – | ||
| locoweed | OXYTR | Oxytropis | 1–2 | – | ||
| wild parsnip | PASA2 | Pastinaca sativa | 1–2 | – | ||
| longstalk chinchweed | PELO | Pectis longipes | 1–2 | – | ||
| 11 | Miscellaneous shrubs | 0–20 | ||||
| desert ceanothus | CEGR | Ceanothus greggii | 0–5 | – | ||
| hairy mountain mahogany | CEMOP | Cercocarpus montanus var. paucidentatus | 0–5 | – | ||
| Warnock's snakewood | COWA | Condalia warnockii | 0–5 | – | ||
| Kearney's snakewood | COWAK | Condalia warnockii var. kearneyana | 0–5 | – | ||
| longleaf jointfir | EPTR | Ephedra trifurca | 0–5 | – | ||
| ocotillo | FOSP2 | Fouquieria splendens | 0–5 | – | ||
| Mexican cliffrose | PUME | Purshia mexicana | 0–5 | – | ||
| littleleaf sumac | RHMI3 | Rhus microphylla | 0–5 | – | ||
| catclaw mimosa | MIACB | Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera | 0–5 | – | ||
| mariola | PAIN2 | Parthenium incanum | 0–2 | – | ||
| catclaw acacia | ACGR | Acacia greggii | 0–2 | – | ||
| Wright's beebrush | ALWR | Aloysia wrightii | 0–2 | – | ||
| evergreen sumac | RHVIC | Rhus virens var. choriophylla | 0–2 | – | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–2 | – | ||
| whitethorn acacia | ACCO2 | Acacia constricta | 0–1 | – | ||
| heartleaf goldeneye | VICO | Viguiera cordifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| skunkbush sumac | RHTR | Rhus trilobata | 0–1 | – | ||
| 12 | Succulents | 0–5 | ||||
| Parry's agave | AGPAP5 | Agave parryi ssp. parryi | 0–5 | – | ||
| Palmer's century plant | AGPA3 | Agave palmeri | 0–2 | – | ||
| Parry's agave | AGPA4 | Agave parryi | 0–2 | – | ||
| Schott's century plant | AGSC3 | Agave schottii | 0–1 | – | ||
| Scheer's beehive cactus | COROS | Coryphantha robustispina ssp. scheeri | 0–1 | – | ||
| walkingstick cactus | CYSP8 | Cylindropuntia spinosior | 0–1 | – | ||
| pinkflower hedgehog cactus | ECFEF3 | Echinocereus fendleri ssp. fendleri | 0–1 | – | ||
| white fishhook cactus | ECIN2 | Echinomastus intertextus | 0–1 | – | ||
| rainbow hedgehog cactus | ECRI3 | Echinocereus rigidissimus | 0–1 | – | ||
| spinystar | ESVI2 | Escobaria vivipara | 0–1 | – | ||
| Graham's nipple cactus | MAGR9 | Mammillaria grahamii | 0–1 | – | ||
| Macdougal's nipple cactus | MAHEM | Mammillaria heyderi var. macdougalii | 0–1 | – | ||
| Wright's nipple cactus | MAWR2 | Mammillaria wrightii | 0–1 | – | ||
| cactus apple | OPEN3 | Opuntia engelmannii | 0–1 | – | ||
| twistspine pricklypear | OPMA2 | Opuntia macrorhiza | 0–1 | – | ||
| purple pricklypear | OPMA8 | Opuntia macrocentra | 0–1 | – | ||
| tulip pricklypear | OPPH | Opuntia phaeacantha | 0–1 | – | ||
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 13 | Trees | 0–25 | ||||
| Mexican blue oak | QUOB | Quercus oblongifolia | 0–25 | – | ||
| Arizona white oak | QUAR | Quercus arizonica | 0–20 | – | ||
| Emory oak | QUEM | Quercus emoryi | 0–20 | – | ||
| oneseed juniper | JUMO | Juniperus monosperma | 0–5 | – | ||
| alligator juniper | JUDE2 | Juniperus deppeana | 0–2 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
This plant community is suitable for grazing by all classes of livestock at any season. High soil pH can limit the availability of some essential plant nutrients and soil water, reducing the forage quality, quantity and length of green season compared to adjacent non-limy sites. Due to the abundance of cool-season grasses and several shrubby browse species on the site, the plant community provides adequate nutrition throughout the year. Steep slopes, very gravelly/cobbly surfaces and the differences in forage palatability limit grazing distribution on this site. Large areas should be fenced separately from non-limy hills and uplands to effectively manage the forage resources.
This site has enough topography and/or tree cover to be home to both mule deer and Coues whitetail. It is also habitat for pronghorn antelope. The potential plant community is rich in both grass and forb species, making the site home to a variety of insect, bird, small mammal and reptile species. Natural water is lacking in areas of the site and water developments are very important to large mammals and many species of birds and small mammals using this habitat.
Hydrological functions
These soils are very coarse textured and are poor producers of runoff.
Recreational uses
Hunting, hiking, horseback riding, photography, camping and picnicking
Wood products
Minor amounts of oak or juniper may be present on north aspects.
Other products
Beargrass is harvested for fibers by Mexican companies operating out of Agua Prieta, Sonora. Beargrass fibers and soaptree yucca fibers are also harvested by Native Americans like the Tohono O'odham for use in making baskets and other arts and crafts. Medicinal plants like yerba de pasmo, Hopi tea and mormon tea are harvested locally.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Range 417s include 3 in excellent condition and 2 in good condition.
Type locality
| Location 1: Cochise County, AZ | |
|---|---|
| Township/Range/Section | T21S R19E S19 |
| General legal description | Fort Huachuca, west range |
| Location 2: Santa Cruz County, AZ | |
| Township/Range/Section | T21S R18E S23 |
| General legal description | Audubon Research Ranch, West facing slopes out of Turkey Creek. |
| Location 3: Pima County, AZ | |
| Township/Range/Section | T20S R18E S11 |
| General legal description | Empire Ranch, Davis pasture, KA #15 |
| Location 4: Cochise County, AZ | |
| Latitude | 32° 23′ 13″ |
| Longitude | 110° 0′ 78″ |
| General legal description | Un-grazed (sub-divided) area just south of Dragoon, Az. |
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
Larry D. Ellicott
Steve Barker
Dan Robinett
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 Robinnett, Larry Humphrey, Linda Kennedy |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | USDA-NRCS Tucson MLRA Soil Survey Office |
| Date | 05/01/2014 |
| Approved by | Curtis Talbot |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
None.
Note: When evaluating range health on this ecological site, aspect and slope affect expected reference conditions and should be factored into evaluation. Reference conditions described were north- and south-facing aspects with 40% slope. Fire disturbance history for the site was that the north slope was 11 growing seasons post-burn; the south slope was 4 growing seasons since last fire (it also burned 11 years prior to this reference observation). -
Presence of water flow patterns:
North aspect: Short, discontinuous water flow patterns.
South aspect: Numerous, short (4-6 ft. in length), discontinuous. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
North aspect: 1" pedestals common on perennial grasses. Terracettes are common, 1-2 ft. apart, and well-vegetated.
South aspect: Pedestals uncommon. Terracettes common, 1-3 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: Bare ground observed at 30% following fire and decreases to 10%-20% within one year after burning. Non-vegetated areas are scarce.
South aspect: Bare ground observed at 30% following fire and decreases to 10%-20% within one year after burning. Non-vegetated areas are very small (<1 ft diameter) and well-dispersed. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
North and South aspects: None -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
North and South aspects: None -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
North and South aspects: Fine litter generally moving along water flow patterns and accumulates on terracettes. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
North and South aspects: Slake test values of all samples collected under canopy of perennial grasses and shrubs rated as "6". Samples with no canopy protection ranged from "3" to "6" (40% of no canopy samples were "3"s). -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
North and South aspects: Soil surface horizon was a gravelly sandy clay loam, 0-5" depth, color 10YR 3/3 moist, weak subangular block structure immediately below a weak platy surface. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
North aspect: Perennial mid-grasses dominant with evenly dispersed succulents (desert spoon) and scattered oak trees. Basal cover of perennial grasses ranged 4-10%, well-dispersed; tree and succulent canopy cover is 5-10%. Perennial grass basal cover is generally lower during the first five years following fire. Well-dispersed perennial grasses slow rainfall run-off allowing infiltration. The slowing of run-off around perennial grass bases also causes sediment to accumulate on the upslope side of the plants, forming terracettes.
South aspects: Perennial suffrutescent grasses dominant with an evenly dispersed perennial grass community. Basal cover of perennial grasses ranged 4-10%, well-dispersed. Perennial grass basal cover is generally lower during the first five years following fire. Well-dispersed perennial grasses slow rainfall run-off allowing infiltration. The slowing of run-off around perennial grass bases also causes sediment to accumulate on the upslope side of the plants, forming terracettes. -
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. Average depth of penetration from an ARS field penetrometer with a 2.2 kg. sliding hammer was 8.8 cm. -
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: mid-grasses > succulents.
South aspect: suffrutescent grasses = perennial mid-grassesSub-dominant:
North aspect: trees > large shrubs.
South aspect: perennial short-grasses > subshrubs > perennial forbsOther:
perennial forbs present on north aspects and succulents present on south aspectsAdditional:
Annual forbs and annual grasses fluctuate with precipitation and can flourish post-burning. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
North and South aspects: Very little mortality or decadence during the first five years after burning. Expect increases in decadence with 10+ years after burning. Mortality from fire depends upon season and intensity of burn. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
North and South aspects: 15-30% litter cover with fire dynamic from 10 years of monitoring data encompassing 2 burns. Litter cover on the low end of the range is expected immmediately post-burn and increases with favorable weather and time. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
671 lbs/ac. in a below average year; 1290 lbs/ac. in an average year; 1685 lbs/ac. in an above average year. -
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, mesquite, wait-a-bit, yellow bluestem, white-thorn acacia -
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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