Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R041XA105AZ
Limy Upland 16-20" p.z.
Last updated: 4/09/2021
Accessed: 11/23/2024
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 10,700 feet and precipitation ranges from 16 to 30 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.
Associated sites
| R041XA103AZ |
Limestone Hills 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
| R041XC309AZ |
Limy Upland 12-16" p.z. |
|---|---|
| R041XA103AZ |
Limestone Hills 16-20 p.z. |
| R041XC308AZ |
Limy Slopes 12-16" p.z. |
| R041XA104AZ |
Limy Slopes 16-20" 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 ridge-tops and fan terraces.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Ballena
(2) Ridge (3) Fan piedmont |
|---|---|
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 4,700 – 5,500 ft |
| Slope | 1 – 15% |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
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.
Species like New Mexico feathergrass, wooly bunchgrass, false mesquite, shrubby dalea and ratany begin growth in late March to April. Warm season grasses begin growth in July or August with receipt of the first summer rains.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (average) | 200 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | |
| 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 soils have developed on calcareous alluvium or conglomerate and fanglomerate. They are shallow to lime cemented pans and are calcareous throughout. Soil surfaces range in texture from very cobbly sandy loam to very gravelly loam. The surface soil is dark colored. Soil surfaces are well protected by covers of rocks, cobbles, and/or gravels. Plant soil moisture relationships are poor to fair.
Soils mapped on this site include:SSA-666 Cochise Northwestern part MU 16 Carbine; SSA-671 Cochise county Douglas-Tombstone part MU 43 Denab.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Alluvium
–
conglomerate
|
|---|---|
| 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 | 10 – 20 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 20 – 55% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 5% |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
0.8 – 2 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 plant communities found on an ecological site are naturally variable. Composition and production will vary with yearly conditions, location, aspect, and the natural variability of the soils. The Historical Climax Plant Community represents the natural potential plant communities found on relict or relatively undisturbed sites. Other plant communities described here represent plant communities that are known to occur when the site is disturbed by factors such as fire, grazing, or drought.
Production data provided in this site description is standardized to air dry weight at the end of the summer growing season. The plant communities described in this site description are based on near normal rainfall years.
NRCS uses a Similarity Index to compare existing plant communities to the plant communities described here. Similarity index is determined by comparing the production and composition of a plant community to the production and composition of a plant community described in this site description. To determine Similarity index, compare the production (air dry weight) of each species to that shown in the plant community description. For each species, count no more than the maximum amount shown for the species, and for each group, count no more than the maximum amount shown for each group. Divide the resulting total by the total normal year production shown in the plant community description. If the rainfall has been significantly above or below normal, use the total production shown for above or below normal years. If field data is not collected at the end of the summer growing season, then the field data must be corrected to the end of the year production before comparing it to the site description. The growth curve can be used as a guide for estimating production at the end of the summer growing season.
State and transition model
Figure 4. 41-1 Limy Upland STM
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
Grassland - Savannah (HCPC)
Figure 5. Limy Upland 16-20" pz. HCPC
The historic native state includes the native plant communities that occur on the site, including the historic climax plant community. This state includes other plant communities that naturally occupy the site following fire, drought, flooding, herbivores, and other natural disturbances. The historic climax plant community represents the natural climax community that eventually reoccupies the site with proper management. The list of plants and their relative proportions are based on near normal years. Fluctuations in species composition and relative production may change from year to year dependant upon abnormal precipitation or other climatic factors. The potential plant community has been determined by a study of range relict areas, or areas protected from excessive grasses. Trends in plant communities going from heavily grazed to lightly grazed, seasonal-use pasture and historical accounts have also been used. 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. The aspect is open grassland to savannah. With continuous heavy grazing, cool season grasses and warm season mid-grasses are removed from the plant community and replaced by unpalatable species like fluffgrass and blue threeawn. With severe deterioration, shrubby species like wait-a-bit mimosa, one-seed juniper and littleleaf sumac can increase to dominate the site. Mesquite, whitethorn acacia and Lehmann lovegrass can invade the community on this site and increase to dominate. Naturally occurring fires in June-August are an important factor in shaping this plant community. Fire-free intervals range from 10-20 years. Without periodic disturbance, like grazing or fire, perennial mid-grasses can become decadent and forbs like croton, bahia and ragweed can increase to dominate the plant community. This site is one of the principle habitats for beargrass in this LRA. Extensive stands are utilized by Mexican industries in making brooms, mats and baskets. To a lesser degree, they are used by native Americans in basket making. Plants should not be harvested more than once every three years to allow adequate recovery and seed production. Periodic drought can occur in this LRA 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 site recovers rapidly, however, due to covers of gravel and cobble and the good climate prevailing in this LRA.
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 | 260 | 600 | 850 |
| Shrub/Vine | 40 | 100 | 210 |
| Forb | 6 | 15 | 45 |
| Tree | 0 | 5 | 20 |
| Total | 306 | 720 | 1125 |
Table 6. Soil surface cover
| Tree basal cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana basal cover | 1-5% |
| Grass/grasslike basal cover | 4-12% |
| Forb basal cover | 0-1% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 1-5% |
| Litter | 10-40% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 15-55% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0-5% |
| Bedrock | 0-5% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 5-20% |
Table 7. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | – | 0-5% | 1-5% | 0-2% |
| >0.5 <= 1 | – | 1-10% | 10-15% | 1-5% |
| >1 <= 2 | – | 1-5% | 10-20% | 0-1% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | – | 1-5% | 0-5% | – |
| >4.5 <= 13 | 0-1% | 0-2% | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | 0-1% | – | – | – |
| >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
Sub-shrubs, Succulents & Grasses
Half-shrubs dominate the plant community with lesser amounts of perennial grasses. Yucca-like shrubs increase. Minor amounts of potentially invasive shrubs such as sumac and mimosa.
Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Drought, no grazing, no burning.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Burning | |
|---|---|
| Upland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
| Prescribed Grazing |
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Natural fire, prescribed grazing, prescribed burning.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Burning | |
|---|---|
| Upland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
| Prescribed Grazing |
State 2
Exotic grass
Community 2.1
Exotic grass
Figure 8. Limy Upland 16-20" pz. Lehmann lovegrass
This state occurs where Lehmann lovegrass has either been seeded or has invaded the plant community from a nearby seed source. Lehmann can increase to dominate the plant community. Native perennial grasses and forbs are reduced to minor amounts. Repeated fires will usually result in increased dominance of Lehmann lovegrass.
State 3
Shrub invaded
Community 3.1
Shrub invaded
Figure 9. Limy Upland 16-20" pz. Shrub invasion
This state occurs where shrubs like catclaw mimosa, littleleaf sumac, whitethorn acacia and mesquite increase in the absence of fire for long periods of time. Yucca like shrubs including sotol, beargrass, soapweed and banana yucca can also increase. Sufficient fine fuels may still exist to carry fire but fuel continuity is poor and large areas will not burn. The major shrubs are well established and will re-sprout after fire and quickly assume dominance.
State 4
Eroded
Community 4.1
Eroded
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. The dark colored soil surface horizon is lost and eroded to expose cemented lime pans at the surface. Site productivity declines as soil depth decreases.
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
| Upland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
|---|---|
| Prescribed Grazing |
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
Long-term unmanaged grazing with or without drought/fire interaction opens perennial grass canopy 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 R3A
State 3 to 1
Woody species management, native species planting (as needed), supported by prescribed grazing. Shrub control maintained with herbicide and/or prescribed burning.
Conservation practices
| Brush Management | |
|---|---|
| Prescribed Burning | |
| Upland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
| Prescribed Grazing |
Restoration pathway R3B
State 3 to 2
Restoration practices conducted when a non-native seed bank is present on site (Lehmann lovegrass or other non-natives present along trails, roads or in disturbed areas) can result in an exotic grassland community. Native species seeding may enhance the native grass and forb components. Practices are woody species control, native species seeding(as needed) both supported by managed 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 affects soil site stability and hydrologic functioning. Animal trailing and soil surface compaction compound the affect 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 | 100–400 | ||||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 100–300 | – | ||
| woolyspike balsamscale | ELBA | Elionurus barbiculmis | 0–100 | – | ||
| spiked crinkleawn | TRSP12 | Trachypogon spicatus | 0–100 | – | ||
| 2 | Dominant cool season grasses | 10–100 | ||||
| southwestern needlegrass | ACEM4 | Achnatherum eminens | 5–100 | – | ||
| New Mexico feathergrass | HENE5 | Hesperostipa neomexicana | 5–100 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–10 | – | ||
| pinyon ricegrass | PIFI | Piptochaetium fimbriatum | 0–10 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELELE | Elymus elymoides ssp. elymoides | 0–5 | – | ||
| 3 | Dominant short grasses | 150–300 | ||||
| black grama | BOER4 | Bouteloua eriopoda | 100–200 | – | ||
| blue threeawn | ARPUN | Aristida purpurea var. nealleyi | 20–100 | – | ||
| low woollygrass | DAPU7 | Dasyochloa pulchella | 5–50 | – | ||
| Hall's panicgrass | PAHA | Panicum hallii | 5–50 | – | ||
| slim tridens | TRMU | Tridens muticus | 5–50 | – | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 0–25 | – | ||
| shortleaf woollygrass | ERAV | Erioneuron avenaceum | 0–20 | – | ||
| 4 | Miscellaneous perennial grasses | 0–30 | ||||
| spidergrass | ARTE3 | Aristida ternipes | 0–10 | – | ||
| spidergrass | ARTEG | Aristida ternipes var. gentilis | 0–5 | – | ||
| poverty threeawn | ARDI5 | Aristida divaricata | 0–5 | – | ||
| Fendler threeawn | ARPUL | Aristida purpurea var. longiseta | 0–5 | – | ||
| Wright's threeawn | ARPUW | Aristida purpurea var. wrightii | 0–5 | – | ||
| Orcutt's threeawn | ARSCO | Aristida schiedeana var. orcuttiana | 0–5 | – | ||
| plains lovegrass | ERIN | Eragrostis intermedia | 0–5 | – | ||
| tanglehead | HECO10 | Heteropogon contortus | 0–5 | – | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–5 | – | ||
| slim tridens | TRMUE | Tridens muticus var. elongatus | 0–2 | – | ||
| common wolfstail | LYPH | Lycurus phleoides | 0–2 | – | ||
| bullgrass | MUEM | Muhlenbergia emersleyi | 0–2 | – | ||
| desert muhly | MUGL2 | Muhlenbergia glauca | 0–2 | – | ||
| bush muhly | MUPO2 | Muhlenbergia porteri | 0–2 | – | ||
| fall witchgrass | DICO6 | Digitaria cognata | 0–2 | – | ||
| slender muhly | MUTE4 | Muhlenbergia tenuifolia | 0–2 | – | ||
| plains bristlegrass | SEVU2 | Setaria vulpiseta | 0–2 | – | ||
| cane bluestem | BOBA3 | Bothriochloa barbinodis | 0–2 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–2 | – | ||
| purple grama | BORA | Bouteloua radicosa | 0–1 | – | ||
| slender grama | BORE2 | Bouteloua repens | 0–1 | – | ||
| Rothrock's grama | BORO2 | Bouteloua rothrockii | 0–1 | – | ||
| silver bluestem | BOSA | Bothriochloa saccharoides | 0–1 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 0–1 | – | ||
| flatsedge | CYPER | Cyperus | 0–1 | – | ||
| Arizona cottontop | DICA8 | Digitaria californica | 0–1 | – | ||
| vine mesquite | PAOB | Panicum obtusum | 0–1 | – | ||
| Texas bluestem | SCCI2 | Schizachyrium cirratum | 0–1 | – | ||
| nineawn pappusgrass | ENDE | Enneapogon desvauxii | 0–1 | – | ||
| purple muhly | MURI3 | Muhlenbergia rigida | 0–1 | – | ||
| curly-mesquite | HIBE | Hilaria belangeri | 0–1 | – | ||
| green sprangletop | LEDU | Leptochloa dubia | 0–1 | – | ||
| 5 | Annual grasses | 0–20 | ||||
| sixweeks threeawn | ARAD | Aristida adscensionis | 0–5 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| delicate muhly | MUFR | Muhlenbergia fragilis | 0–2 | – | ||
| littleseed muhly | MUMI | Muhlenbergia microsperma | 0–2 | – | ||
| sixweeks fescue | VUOC | Vulpia octoflora | 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
|
||||||
| 6 | Perennial forbs | 5–25 | ||||
| trailing windmills | ALIN | Allionia incarnata | 1–5 | – | ||
| leatherweed | CRPO5 | Croton pottsii | 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 | – | ||
| Texas snoutbean | RHSET | Rhynchosia senna var. texana | 0–2 | – | ||
| brownplume wirelettuce | STPA4 | Stephanomeria pauciflora | 0–2 | – | ||
| shrubby copperleaf | ACPH3 | Acalypha phleoides | 0–2 | – | ||
| bastard toadflax | COUM | Comandra umbellata | 0–2 | – | ||
| pitseed goosefoot | CHBE4 | Chenopodium berlandieri | 0–2 | – | ||
| rose heath | CHER2 | Chaetopappa ericoides | 0–2 | – | ||
| tuber anemone | ANTU | Anemone tuberosa | 0–2 | – | ||
| weakleaf bur ragweed | AMCO3 | Ambrosia confertiflora | 1–2 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–2 | – | ||
| spreading fleabane | ERDI4 | Erigeron divergens | 0–2 | – | ||
| trailing fleabane | ERFL | Erigeron flagellaris | 0–2 | – | ||
| fineleaf hymenopappus | HYFI | Hymenopappus filifolius | 0–2 | – | ||
| purplenerve springparsley | CYMU2 | Cymopterus multinervatus | 0–2 | – | ||
| Wright's deervetch | LOWR | Lotus wrightii | 0–2 | – | ||
| tufted evening primrose | OECA10 | Oenothera caespitosa | 0–2 | – | ||
| Cooley's bundleflower | DECO2 | Desmanthus cooleyi | 0–2 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| perennial rockcress | ARPE2 | Arabis perennans | 0–1 | – | ||
| southwestern pricklypoppy | ARPL3 | Argemone pleiacantha | 0–1 | – | ||
| Watson's dutchman's pipe | ARWA | Aristolochia watsonii | 0–1 | – | ||
| Arizona milkvetch | ASAR6 | Astragalus arizonicus | 0–1 | – | ||
| spider milkweed | ASAS | Asclepias asperula | 0–1 | – | ||
| chaparral asphead | ASHI3 | Aspicarpa hirtella | 0–1 | – | ||
| broadleaf milkweed | ASLA4 | Asclepias latifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| woolly locoweed | ASMOB | Astragalus mollissimus var. bigelovii | 0–1 | – | ||
| sheep milkvetch | ASNO3 | Astragalus nothoxys | 0–1 | – | ||
| horsetail milkweed | ASSU2 | Asclepias subverticillata | 0–1 | – | ||
| dense ayenia | AYMI | Ayenia microphylla | 0–1 | – | ||
| hairyseed bahia | BAAB | Bahia absinthifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| lyreleaf greeneyes | BELY | Berlandiera lyrata | 0–1 | – | ||
| scarlet spiderling | BOCO | Boerhavia coccinea | 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 | – | ||
| Mexican yellowshow | AMPA3 | Amoreuxia palmatifida | 0–1 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–1 | – | ||
| crested anoda | ANCR2 | Anoda cristata | 0–1 | – | ||
| melon loco | APUN | Apodanthera undulata | 0–1 | – | ||
| largeflower onion | ALMA4 | Allium macropetalum | 0–1 | – | ||
| birdbill dayflower | CODI4 | Commelina dianthifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| Texas bindweed | COEQ | Convolvulus equitans | 0–1 | – | ||
| whitemouth dayflower | COER | Commelina erecta | 0–1 | – | ||
| fingerleaf gourd | CUDI | Cucurbita digitata | 0–1 | – | ||
| coyote gourd | CUPA | Cucurbita palmata | 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 | – | ||
| buffpetal | RHPH2 | Rhynchosida physocalyx | 0–1 | – | ||
| Torrey's craglily | ECFL | Echeandia flavescens | 0–1 | – | ||
| 7 | Annual Forbs | 1–20 | ||||
| longleaf false goldeneye | HELOA2 | Heliomeris longifolia var. annua | 0–5 | – | ||
| woolly plantain | PLPA2 | Plantago patagonica | 0–5 | – | ||
| New Mexico goosefoot | CHNE3 | Chenopodium neomexicanum | 0–3 | – | ||
| sensitive partridge pea | CHNI2 | Chamaecrista nictitans | 0–3 | – | ||
| pitseed goosefoot | CHBE4 | Chenopodium berlandieri | 0–2 | – | ||
| scrambled eggs | COAU2 | Corydalis aurea | 0–2 | – | ||
| Wright's bird's beak | COWR2 | Cordylanthus wrightii | 0–2 | – | ||
| New Mexico thistle | CINE | Cirsium neomexicanum | 0–2 | – | ||
| redstar | IPCO3 | Ipomoea coccinea | 0–2 | – | ||
| Thurber's morning-glory | IPTH | Ipomoea thurberi | 0–2 | – | ||
| wedgeleaf draba | DRCU | Draba cuneifolia | 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 | – | ||
| Arizona poppy | KAGR | Kallstroemia grandiflora | 0–2 | – | ||
| slender goldenweed | MAGR10 | Machaeranthera gracilis | 0–2 | – | ||
| tanseyleaf tansyaster | MATA2 | Machaeranthera tanacetifolia | 0–2 | – | ||
| spreading fanpetals | SIAB | Sida abutifolia | 0–2 | – | ||
| sleepy silene | SIAN2 | Silene antirrhina | 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 | – | ||
| warty caltrop | KAPA | Kallstroemia parviflora | 0–1 | – | ||
| Gordon's bladderpod | LEGO | Lesquerella gordonii | 0–1 | – | ||
| broadleaved pepperweed | LELA2 | Lepidium latifolium | 0–1 | – | ||
| intermediate pepperweed | LEVIM | Lepidium virginicum var. medium | 0–1 | – | ||
| dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 0–1 | – | ||
| plains flax | LIPU4 | Linum puberulum | 0–1 | – | ||
| foothill deervetch | LOHU2 | Lotus humistratus | 0–1 | – | ||
| coastal bird's-foot trefoil | LOSAB | Lotus salsuginosus var. brevivexillus | 0–1 | – | ||
| shortstem lupine | LUBR2 | Lupinus brevicaulis | 0–1 | – | ||
| bajada lupine | LUCOC | Lupinus concinnus ssp. concinnus | 0–1 | – | ||
| Fendler's desertdandelion | MAFE | Malacothrix fendleri | 0–1 | – | ||
| purslane | PORTU | Portulaca | 0–1 | – | ||
| yerba porosa | PORU6 | Porophyllum ruderale | 0–1 | – | ||
| desert unicorn-plant | PRAL4 | Proboscidea althaeifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| doubleclaw | PRPA2 | Proboscidea parviflora | 0–1 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| El Paso skyrocket | IPTH2 | Ipomopsis thurberi | 0–1 | – | ||
| flaxflowered ipomopsis | IPLOL | Ipomopsis longiflora ssp. longiflora | 0–1 | – | ||
| miner's lettuce | CLPEP | Claytonia perfoliata ssp. perfoliata | 0–1 | – | ||
| camphorweed | HESU3 | Heterotheca subaxillaris | 0–1 | – | ||
| crestrib morning-glory | IPCO2 | Ipomoea costellata | 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 | – | ||
| royal sandmat | CHDI5 | Chamaesyce dioica | 0–1 | – | ||
| pillpod sandmat | CHHI3 | Chamaesyce hirta | 0–1 | – | ||
| hyssopleaf sandmat | CHHY3 | Chamaesyce hyssopifolia | 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
|
||||||
| 8 | Yucca like plants | 20–100 | ||||
| sacahuista | NOMI | Nolina microcarpa | 10–100 | – | ||
| soaptree yucca | YUEL | Yucca elata | 5–25 | – | ||
| banana yucca | YUBA | Yucca baccata | 1–20 | – | ||
| common sotol | DAWH2 | Dasylirion wheeleri | 0–20 | – | ||
| Schott's yucca | YUSC | Yucca ×schottii | 0–5 | – | ||
| 9 | Dominant half shrubs | 20–50 | ||||
| Utah fendlerbush | FEUTC | Fendlerella utahensis var. cymosa | 0–20 | – | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 0–20 | – | ||
| rough menodora | MESC | Menodora scabra | 0–15 | – | ||
| littleleaf ratany | KRER | Krameria erecta | 1–15 | – | ||
| trailing krameria | KRLA | Krameria lanceolata | 0–15 | – | ||
| fairyduster | CAER | Calliandra eriophylla | 0–15 | – | ||
| featherplume | DAFO | Dalea formosa | 1–15 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| desert zinnia | ZIAC | Zinnia acerosa | 0–10 | – | ||
| bastardsage | ERWR | Eriogonum wrightii | 0–5 | – | ||
| prairie acacia | ACAN | Acacia angustissima | 0–5 | – | ||
| yerba de pasmo | BAPT | Baccharis pteronioides | 0–5 | – | ||
| false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–2 | – | ||
| 10 | Miscellaneous shrubs | 0–50 | ||||
| Mexican cliffrose | PUME | Purshia mexicana | 0–25 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| littleleaf sumac | RHMI3 | Rhus microphylla | 0–15 | – | ||
| desert ceanothus | CEGR | Ceanothus greggii | 0–15 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| catclaw mimosa | MIACB | Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera | 0–5 | – | ||
| mariola | PAIN2 | Parthenium incanum | 0–5 | – | ||
| evergreen sumac | RHVIC | Rhus virens var. choriophylla | 0–5 | – | ||
| Wright's beebrush | ALWR | Aloysia wrightii | 0–2 | – | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 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 | – | ||
| skunkbush sumac | RHTR | Rhus trilobata | 0–1 | – | ||
| whitethorn acacia | ACCO2 | Acacia constricta | 0–1 | – | ||
| catclaw acacia | ACGR | Acacia greggii | 0–1 | – | ||
| 11 | Succulents | 0–10 | ||||
| Parry's agave | AGPAP5 | Agave parryi ssp. parryi | 0–10 | – | ||
| 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
|
||||||
| 12 | Trees | 0–20 | ||||
| oneseed juniper | JUMO | Juniperus monosperma | 0–20 | – | ||
| Arizona white oak | QUAR | Quercus arizonica | 0–5 | – | ||
| Emory oak | QUEM | Quercus emoryi | 0–5 | – | ||
| Mexican blue oak | QUOB | Quercus oblongifolia | 0–5 | – | ||
| alligator juniper | JUDE2 | Juniperus deppeana | 0–1 | – | ||
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. Moderate 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; but are shallow to lime cemented layers and are fair to good producers of runoff.
Recreational uses
Hunting, hiking, horseback riding, photography, camping and picnicking
Wood products
None, unless one-seed juniper has increased on the site.
Other products
Beargrass is harvested for fibers by Mexican companies operating out of Agua Prieta, Sonora. Beargrass and soapweed 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 1 in excellent condition and 1 in good condition.
Type locality
| Location 1: Cochise County, AZ | |
|---|---|
| Township/Range/Section | T21S R19E S20 |
| General legal description | Fort Huachuca, west range |
| Location 2: Cochise County, AZ | |
| Latitude | 32° 26′ 78″ |
| Longitude | 110° 1′ 70″ |
| General legal description | Un-grazed (sub-divided) area just south of Dragoon, Az. |
| Location 3: Santa Cruz County, AZ | |
| Township/Range/Section | T21S R17E S11 |
| General legal description | Babocomari Ranch, West pasture in SW corner. |
Contributors
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) | Wilma Renken, Dan Robinett, Larry Humphrey, Linda Kennedy, Scott Stratton |
|---|---|
| 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 -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Common, short (3-5 ft.), and discontinuous. Surface water flow between perennial plant basses is interrupted by rocks and gravel. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Pedestals, 1/2" height, are common on perennial grasses; terracettes are common, 3-5 ft apart, 1" elevation difference. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
17% bare ground, non-vegetated areas are <2 ft diameter and soil is well-armored with gravel and rocks. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Fine litter moving short distance (1-2ft) to lower edge of terracettes -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Slake test values of 5 and 6 were uniform across site. 85% of samples were scored at 6. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Soil surface horizon texture gravelly loam, 5" depth with granular structure. Color 10YR 3/3 dry, 2/2 moist -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
10% perennial basal cover. Perennial grasses are evenly distributed across site with low shrubs and perennial forbs interspersed. 32% rock and gravel cover. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction. No soil features that could be mistaken for compaction. Soil penetrometer test average was 5.9 cm with range in values from 5 cm to 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:
Perennial mid-grasses > suffrutescent grassesSub-dominant:
low shrubs > perennial forbsOther:
succulentsAdditional:
annual grasses and forbs -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Decadence common on perennial grasses, 11 years since last fire. Build-up of annual biomass and plant decadence is expected as fire-free period lengthens. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter is confined to vegetated areas. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
306 lbs/ac. in a below average year; 720 lbs/ac. in an average year; 1125 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, Boers lovegrass, mesquite, white-thorn acacia, wait-a-bit -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
Not impaired.
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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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