Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R041XA109AZ
Clay Loam Upland 16-20" p.z.
Last updated: 4/09/2021
Accessed: 12/21/2024
General information
Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 041X–Madrean Archipelago
Land Resource Unit: 41-1AZ Mexican Oak-Pine Forest and Oak Savannah
Elevations range from 4500 to 5500 feet and precipitation ranges from 16 to 20 inches. Vegetation includes Emory oak, Mexican blue oak, Arizona white oak, one-seed juniper, alligator juniper, sacahuista, California bricklebush, skunkbush sumac, Arizona rosewood, wait-a-bit mimosa, sideoats grama, blue grama, purple grama, wooly bunchgrass, plains lovegrass, squirreltail, and pinyon ricegrass. The soil temperature regime is thermic; the soil moisture regime is aridic ustic. This unit occurs within the Basin and Range Physiographic Province. It is characterized by numerous mountain ranges that rise abruptly from broad, plain-like valleys and basins. Igneous and metamorphic rock classes dominate the mountain ranges and their sediments fill the basins with representive combinations of fluvial, lacustrine, colluvial and alluvial deposits.
Associated sites
| R041XA104AZ |
Limy Slopes 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
| R041XC305AZ |
Clay Loam Upland 12-16" p.z. |
|---|---|
| R038XB203AZ |
Clay Loam Upland 16-20" p.z. |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
(1) bouteloua gracilis |
Physiographic features
This site occurs in the upper elevations of the Madrean Basin and Range Province in southeastern Arizona. It occurs on fan terraces and valley plains.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Fan piedmont
(2) Alluvial fan |
|---|---|
| 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.-March, 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
Clay loam upland soils are non-calcareous, moderately deep to deep, with an argillic horizon. Soil surfaces are sandy clay loam to clay loam. The argillic horizon generally occurs near the surface. The sub-surface clay horizon will exhibit some soil cracking when dry; however, these soils do not exhibit the vertic churning seen on the Clayey Upland Ecological Site (R041XA126AZ). Soil surfaces are dark colored and generally have formed from mixed fan alluvium of extrusive igneous origin. Plant-soil moisture relationships are good.
Characteristic soil series that have been correlated to this ecological site include Blacktail, Borderland, Fanno, and Luzena.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Alluvium
–
basalt
|
|---|---|
| Family particle size |
(1) Clayey |
| Drainage class | Well drained |
| Permeability class | Slow |
| Soil depth | 30 – 60 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 5 – 35% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 5% |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
5% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
2 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
2 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.1 – 7.8 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
3 – 10% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
5% |
Ecological dynamics
The Reference Plant Community (RPC, see State and Transition Model below) of the Clay Loam Upland ecological site is dominated by patches of warm season perennial grasses with shrubs, half-shrubs and forbs well-distributed throughout. The aspect is grassland. Trees are only occasionally present. Seasonal rainfall amounts affect amounts and composition of plant productivity. After a wet winter, cool season plants (a mixture of perennial grasses, forbs, sub-shrubs and annuals) begin active growth in March. The months of May and June present a period of little to no active plant growth. Warm season species, mostly perennial grasses, begin active growth after the onset of the summer rainy season usually in July; peak annual production occurs in October. Fire, short-term drought and herbivory (insects and mammals) are recurring disturbances to this ecological site. These disturbances interact to shape the three plant community phases within the Reference State. Fires maintain the grassland aspect by reducing shrub cover and killing many seedling shrubs and trees. Natural fire-free periods are 15-30 years in length. Recurring or lengthy drought causes perennial grasses to become decadent, resulting in smaller patches of perennial vegetation and increased bare ground. When average rainfall resumes following a fire or drought, annual forbs and grasses tend to flourish for 2-3 years until perennial grasses regain dominance. Perennial bunchgrasses are more susceptible to damage from herbivory than short-grasses due to their exposed growing points; during a period of repeated herbivory, the bunchgrasses will be removed from the RPC leaving patches of short-grass sod. The extent of the sod patches and length of disturbance regime determines the resiliency of the perennial bunchgrasses to return the Short-Grass Community to the RPC.
The Reference State is resilient after disturbance. However, as disturbances increase in intensity, repetition and duration, the effects they have on the site are compounded. The site’s hydrology, biotic integrity and soil stability are impacted. The changes, especially to the plant community, can become long-lasting. If non-native perennial bunchgrass seed is present or brought onto this ecological site, any intense disturbance (fire or grazing) may result in a monoculture of non-native lovegrass (Exotic Grass State). The aspect is grassland; however, the Exotic Grassland Community does not offer wildlife adequate food and cover.
If a deleterious disturbance is not managed, the productivity of the site ultimately declines as hydrology, soil stability and the biotic community all function differently from that in the Reference State. Continuous, unmanaged grazing of either grassland state (Reference or Exotic Grass) removes fire fuel, compacts the clay loam soil and reduces perennial grass plant vigor. The resulting plant community is dominated by shrubs with less perennial grass cover (Shrub Dominated State). Run-off and erosion is much higher in this state than either grassland state.
Drought or fire, coupled with continuous, unmanaged grazing can severely impact soil and plant community functioning from the Reference or Shrub Dominated State. The resulting Eroded State has a severely limited perennial grass component, increased erosion, an abundance of annuals when rainfall permits, and a much lower plant productivity potential than the other States.
State and transition model
Figure 4. State and Transition Diagram
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
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
Community 1.1
Reference Plant Community
Figure 5. Clayloam Upland 16-20" pz. Reference Plant Community
The potential plant community on this site is dominated by warm season perennial grasses. The major perennial species like tobosa, vine mesquite, and curly mesquite grow in patches on the site. These patches are well dispersed throughout the area of the site. Perennial and annual forbs, as well as several species of low shrubs and succulents, are well represented in the plant community. Species like plains lovegrass, bottlebrush squirreltail, false mesquite, and shrubby buckwheat begin growth in March. Warm season grasses begin growth in July or August, with the receipt of summer rains.
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 | 431 | 1000 | 1240 |
| Forb | 11 | 40 | 190 |
| Shrub/Vine | 11 | 30 | 80 |
| Tree | 0 | 5 | 20 |
| Total | 453 | 1075 | 1530 |
Table 6. Soil surface cover
| Tree basal cover | 0-1% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana basal cover | 0-1% |
| Grass/grasslike basal cover | 7-16% |
| Forb basal cover | 0-1% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0-1% |
| Biological crusts | 1-15% |
| Litter | 20-60% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 10-35% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0-5% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 15-55% |
Table 7. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | – | 0-5% | 5-15% | 1-5% |
| >0.5 <= 1 | – | 1-5% | 15-30% | 1-5% |
| >1 <= 2 | – | 1-2% | 5-15% | 0-15% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | – | 0-1% | 0-5% | 0-5% |
| >4.5 <= 13 | 0-1% | – | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | 0-5% | – | – | – |
| >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
Annual forbs
Annual forbs like goldeneye and gumweed dominate the plant community with marked reduction in blue grama and mid-grass canopies.
Community 1.3
Short grasses
With continuous, heavy grazing, midgrasses are removed from the plant community leaving patches of short grasses such as curly mesquite and blue grama. The absence of mid-grasses reduces fire fuel load resulting in an increase of half-shrubs such as yerba de pasmo.
Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2
After summer drought and especially in "El Nino" years, annual forbs like goldeneye and gumweed can make tremendous production.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Burning | |
|---|---|
| Fence | |
| Firebreak | |
| Livestock Pipeline | |
| Pumping Plant | |
| Watering Facility | |
| Water Well | |
| Upland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
| Early Successional Habitat Development/Management | |
| Prescribed Grazing | |
| Fuel Break | |
| Fish and Wildlife Structure | |
| Grazing Management Plan - Written | |
| Grazing Management Plan - Applied | |
| Comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan - Written | |
| Comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan - Applied | |
| Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition - Written | |
| Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition - Applied | |
| Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Written | |
| Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Applied | |
| Agricultural Energy Management Plan, Landscape - Written | |
| Agricultural Energy Management Plan, Landscape - Applied |
Pathway 1.1b
Community 1.1 to 1.3
Continuous, unmanaged, grazing with heavy to severe utilization impacts perennial mid-grasses and affects natural fire cycles.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Burning | |
|---|---|
| Fence | |
| Firebreak | |
| Livestock Pipeline | |
| Pumping Plant | |
| Watering Facility | |
| Water Well | |
| Upland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
| Early Successional Habitat Development/Management | |
| Prescribed Grazing | |
| Fuel Break | |
| Fish and Wildlife Structure | |
| Grazing Management Plan - Written | |
| Grazing Management Plan - Applied | |
| Comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan - Written | |
| Comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan - Applied | |
| Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition - Written | |
| Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition - Applied | |
| Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Written | |
| Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Applied | |
| Agricultural Energy Management Plan, Landscape - Written | |
| Agricultural Energy Management Plan, Landscape - Applied |
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1
This site recovers moderately well in 2 to 3 years with average rainfall.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Burning | |
|---|---|
| Fence | |
| Firebreak | |
| Livestock Pipeline | |
| Pumping Plant | |
| Watering Facility | |
| Water Well | |
| Upland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
| Early Successional Habitat Development/Management | |
| Prescribed Grazing | |
| Fuel Break | |
| Fish and Wildlife Structure | |
| Grazing Management Plan - Written | |
| Grazing Management Plan - Applied | |
| Comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan - Written | |
| Comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan - Applied | |
| Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition - Written | |
| Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition - Applied | |
| Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Written | |
| Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Applied | |
| Dust Control on Unpaved Roads and Surfaces | |
| Agricultural Energy Management Plan, Landscape - Written | |
| Agricultural Energy Management Plan, Landscape - Applied |
Pathway 1.3a
Community 1.3 to 1.1
Native mid-grasses will re-establish within the plant community if proper grazing use is applied; transition period may be lengthy depending upon density of short-grass sod and presence of bunchgrass seed source.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Burning | |
|---|---|
| Fence | |
| Firebreak | |
| Livestock Pipeline | |
| Pumping Plant | |
| Watering Facility | |
| Water Well | |
| Upland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
| Prescribed Grazing | |
| Fuel Break | |
| Fish and Wildlife Structure | |
| Comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan - Written | |
| Comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan - Applied | |
| Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition - Written | |
| Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition - Applied | |
| Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Written | |
| Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Applied | |
| Agricultural Energy Management Plan, Landscape - Written | |
| Agricultural Energy Management Plan, Landscape - Applied |
State 2
Exotic Grass State
Community 2.1
Exotic Grassland Community
This state occurs where yellow bluestem cultivars, Boer and / or weeping lovegrass have either moved in from established stands or been seeded into the area. These grasses become dominant and native perennial grasses and forbs exist only in remnant amounts. Cover and production of these species is very high and site stability and hydrologic function are very good; wildlife food and cover are impaired.
State 3
Shrub Dominated State
Community 3.1
Mesquite-Juniper Community
Mesquite (velvet or western honey) or juniper (alligator or one seed) dominate the plant community. This shrub encroachment happens in the absence of fire for long periods of time and in the presence of a seed source for either of the two species. Occasionally, fine fuel loads may increase to carry a fire; the shrub canopy will be removed but little shrub mortality will result. At higher shrub canopy levels (>25%) erosion can accelerate and the soil becomes unstable.
State 4
Eroded State
Community 4.1
Remnant Plant Community
This state occurs where accelerated sheet and rill erosion has removed the surface (A) horizon and left clayey sub-soils exposed at the surface. The exposed clayey areas will be largely barren. The herbaceous plant community is limited to tobosa, vine mesquite and annuals; site potential is permanently reduced. Seedling recruitment of other perennial grasses is not likely. Mesquite and/or juniper presence depends largely upon the transitional path. Gullies may form in severe situations.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
Non-native bunchgrass seed is purposely seeded or inadvertently introduced into the plant community (wind-blown or mechanical transport). Disturbances such as fire or drought can disrupt the native perennials allowing the non-native grasses an opportunity to expand their range from disturbed or planted areas. Long term events such as continuous unmanaged grazing or drought can allow non-native bunchgrasses a competitive advantage over natives.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3
Continuous unmanaged grazing with heavy to severe utilization results in persistently low perennial grass cover and extended fire free periods. Mesquite and juniper increase in size and number. Remnant native perennial grasses cannot re-colonize areas with shrub competition.
Transition T1C
State 1 to 4
Long-term, continuous, unmanaged grazing with heavy to severe utilization affects soil site stability and hydrologic functioning. Reduced soil cover, compaction, and A Horizon loss compound the effect of plant community changes (increased shrub/decreased perennial grass community) to increase surface water run-off rather than infiltration. Drought conditions accelerate this transition. Persistent reduced infiltration severely limits perennial grass recruitment.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1
No restoration pathway known at this time. Perhaps future development of herbicide or biological treatment to remove non-native perennial grasses will occur.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Burning | |
|---|---|
| Fence | |
| Firebreak | |
| Livestock Pipeline | |
| Pumping Plant | |
| Watering Facility | |
| Water Well | |
| Upland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
| Prescribed Grazing | |
| Fuel Break | |
| Fish and Wildlife Structure | |
| Grazing Management Plan - Written | |
| Grazing Management Plan - Applied | |
| Comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan - Written | |
| Comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan - Applied | |
| Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition - Written | |
| Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition - Applied | |
| Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Written | |
| Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Applied | |
| Agricultural Energy Management Plan, Landscape - Written | |
| Agricultural Energy Management Plan, Landscape - Applied |
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
Continuous unmanaged grazing with heavy to severe utilization results in persistently low perennial grass cover and extended fire free periods. Mesquite and juniper increase in size and number. Remnant native perennial grasses cannot re-colonize areas with shrub competition.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1
Woody species control either using mechanical or chemical treatment methods, native species seeding (as needed). Any restoration treatment needs to be supported by managed grazing. Shrub control can be maintained with either chemical treatment methods and/or prescribed burning. When selecting a shrub control method, consideration needs to be made regarding size/maturity the shrubs. Fire is not effective in killing larger shrubs.
Conservation practices
| Brush Management | |
|---|---|
| Prescribed Burning | |
| Fence | |
| Firebreak | |
| Livestock Pipeline | |
| Pumping Plant | |
| Grazing Land Mechanical Treatment | |
| Range Planting | |
| Watering Facility | |
| Water Well | |
| Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats | |
| Upland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
| Restoration and Management of Natural Ecosystems | |
| Prescribed Grazing | |
| TA Planning | |
| TA Design | |
| TA Application | |
| TA Check-Out | |
| Fuel Break | |
| Invasive Plant Species Control | |
| Fish and Wildlife Structure | |
| Grazing Management Plan - Written | |
| Grazing Management Plan - Applied | |
| Comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan - Written | |
| Comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan - Applied | |
| Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition - Written | |
| Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition - Applied | |
| Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Written | |
| Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Applied | |
| Agricultural Energy Management Plan, Landscape - Written | |
| Agricultural Energy Management Plan, Landscape - Applied |
Restoration pathway R3B
State 3 to 2
Restoration activities conducted when a non-native seed bank is present on site (African lovegrasses or yellow bluestem present along trails, roads or in disturbed areas) can result in an Exotic Grassland Community. Native species seeding may enhance the native grass component. Restoration practices are woody species control and native species seeding (as needed) supported by managed grazing. Shrub control maintained with herbicide may favor the native grasses while prescribed burning may favor 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 | |
| Fence | |
| Firebreak | |
| Grade Stabilization Structure | |
| Livestock Pipeline | |
| Pumping Plant | |
| Grazing Land Mechanical Treatment | |
| Range Planting | |
| Watering Facility | |
| Water Well | |
| Upland Wildlife Habitat Management | |
| Early Successional Habitat Development/Management | |
| Prescribed Grazing | |
| Existing Practice Payment | |
| Fuel Break | |
| Fish and Wildlife Structure | |
| Grazing Management Plan - Written | |
| Grazing Management Plan - Applied | |
| Comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan - Written | |
| Comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan - Applied | |
| Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition - Written | |
| Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition - Applied | |
| Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Written | |
| Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Applied | |
| Agricultural Energy Management Plan, Landscape - Written | |
| Agricultural Energy Management Plan, Landscape - Applied |
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4
Long-term, continuous, unmanaged grazing with heavy to severe utilization permanently reduces soil site stability and hydrologic functioning. Several factors interact resulting in increased surface water run-off rather than infiltration and reduced site productivity. These factors include decreased soil cover, increased compaction, A Horizon loss, impaired biotic integrity (increased shrub/decreased perennial grass community), and altered site hydrology. As erosion become more severe, more rainfall is lost from the site and the ability of perennial grasses to grow from seed becomes limited. Drought conditions accelerate this transition.
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 perennial grasses | 350–800 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 300–700 | – | ||
| sprucetop grama | BOCH | Bouteloua chondrosioides | 25–200 | – | ||
| black grama | BOER4 | Bouteloua eriopoda | 25–100 | – | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 0–100 | – | ||
| purple grama | BORA | Bouteloua radicosa | 0–100 | – | ||
| curly-mesquite | HIBE | Hilaria belangeri | 5–50 | – | ||
| 2 | Subdominant perennial grasses | 70–200 | ||||
| tobosagrass | PLMU3 | Pleuraphis mutica | 0–150 | – | ||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 50–100 | – | ||
| plains lovegrass | ERIN | Eragrostis intermedia | 10–100 | – | ||
| vine mesquite | PAOB | Panicum obtusum | 5–50 | – | ||
| spiked crinkleawn | TRSP12 | Trachypogon spicatus | 0–50 | – | ||
| cane bluestem | BOBA3 | Bothriochloa barbinodis | 5–50 | – | ||
| 3 | Perennial threeawns | 5–40 | ||||
| poverty threeawn | ARDI5 | Aristida divaricata | 1–25 | – | ||
| Fendler threeawn | ARPUL | Aristida purpurea var. longiseta | 1–25 | – | ||
| spidergrass | ARTE3 | Aristida ternipes | 2–20 | – | ||
| spidergrass | ARTEG | Aristida ternipes var. gentilis | 0–10 | – | ||
| Wright's threeawn | ARPUW | Aristida purpurea var. wrightii | 0–10 | – | ||
| Orcutt's threeawn | ARSCO | Aristida schiedeana var. orcuttiana | 0–5 | – | ||
| Havard's threeawn | ARHA3 | Aristida havardii | 0–5 | – | ||
| Wooton's threeawn | ARPA9 | Aristida pansa | 0–5 | – | ||
| 4 | Miscellaneous perennial grasses | 5–100 | ||||
| green sprangletop | LEDU | Leptochloa dubia | 0–50 | – | ||
| Arizona cottontop | DICA8 | Digitaria californica | 0–25 | – | ||
| silver bluestem | BOSA | Bothriochloa saccharoides | 0–25 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–15 | – | ||
| Arizona muhly | MUAR3 | Muhlenbergia arizonica | 1–15 | – | ||
| bullgrass | MUEM | Muhlenbergia emersleyi | 0–10 | – | ||
| purple muhly | MURI3 | Muhlenbergia rigida | 0–10 | – | ||
| woolyspike balsamscale | ELBA | Elionurus barbiculmis | 0–10 | – | ||
| Texas bluestem | SCCI2 | Schizachyrium cirratum | 0–10 | – | ||
| plains bristlegrass | SEVU2 | Setaria vulpiseta | 0–10 | – | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–5 | – | ||
| big sacaton | SPWR2 | Sporobolus wrightii | 0–5 | – | ||
| tanglehead | HECO10 | Heteropogon contortus | 0–5 | – | ||
| fall witchgrass | DICO6 | Digitaria cognata | 0–5 | – | ||
| bulb panicgrass | PABU | Panicum bulbosum | 0–5 | – | ||
| Hall's panicgrass | PAHA | Panicum hallii | 0–5 | – | ||
| pinyon ricegrass | PIFI | Piptochaetium fimbriatum | 0–5 | – | ||
| slender grama | BORE2 | Bouteloua repens | 0–5 | – | ||
| Rothrock's grama | BORO2 | Bouteloua rothrockii | 0–5 | – | ||
| densetuft hairsedge | BUCA2 | Bulbostylis capillaris | 0–2 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 0–2 | – | ||
| flatsedge | CYPER | Cyperus | 0–2 | – | ||
| low woollygrass | DAPU7 | Dasyochloa pulchella | 0–2 | – | ||
| burrograss | SCBR2 | Scleropogon brevifolius | 0–2 | – | ||
| nineawn pappusgrass | ENDE | Enneapogon desvauxii | 0–1 | – | ||
| 5 | Annual grasses | 1–100 | ||||
| Mexican panicgrass | PAHI5 | Panicum hirticaule | 0–25 | – | ||
| sixweeks threeawn | ARAD | Aristida adscensionis | 1–25 | – | ||
| prairie threeawn | AROL | Aristida oligantha | 0–25 | – | ||
| little barley | HOPU | Hordeum pusillum | 0–20 | – | ||
| Mexican sprangletop | LEFUU | Leptochloa fusca ssp. uninervia | 0–20 | – | ||
| mucronate sprangeltop | LEPAB | Leptochloa panicea ssp. brachiata | 0–20 | – | ||
| sixweeks fescue | VUOC | Vulpia octoflora | 0–20 | – | ||
| Arizona signalgrass | URAR | Urochloa arizonica | 0–10 | – | ||
| pitscale grass | HAGR3 | Hackelochloa granularis | 0–10 | – | ||
| sticky sprangletop | LEVI5 | Leptochloa viscida | 0–10 | – | ||
| feather fingergrass | CHVI4 | Chloris virgata | 0–10 | – | ||
| tapertip cupgrass | ERACA | Eriochloa acuminata var. acuminata | 0–10 | – | ||
| needle grama | BOAR | Bouteloua aristidoides | 0–10 | – | ||
| sixweeks grama | BOBA2 | Bouteloua barbata | 0–5 | – | ||
| Mexican lovegrass | ERME | Eragrostis mexicana | 0–5 | – | ||
| tufted lovegrass | ERPEP2 | Eragrostis pectinacea var. pectinacea | 0–5 | – | ||
| delicate muhly | MUFR | Muhlenbergia fragilis | 0–2 | – | ||
| littleseed muhly | MUMI | Muhlenbergia microsperma | 0–2 | – | ||
| witchgrass | PACA6 | Panicum capillare | 0–2 | – | ||
| matted grama | BOSI2 | Bouteloua simplex | 0–2 | – | ||
| Arizona brome | BRAR4 | Bromus arizonicus | 0–2 | – | ||
| fragilegrass | AETE | Aegopogon tenellus | 0–2 | – | ||
| poverty dropseed | SPVA | Sporobolus vaginiflorus | 0–2 | – | ||
| prairie false oat | TRIN5 | Trisetum interruptum | 0–2 | – | ||
| Eastwood fescue | VUMIC | Vulpia microstachys var. ciliata | 0–2 | – | ||
| Pacific fescue | VUMIP | Vulpia microstachys var. pauciflora | 0–2 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 6 | Perennial forbs | 10–40 | ||||
| spreading fleabane | ERDI4 | Erigeron divergens | 0–10 | – | ||
| trailing fleabane | ERFL | Erigeron flagellaris | 0–10 | – | ||
| bluedicks | DICA14 | Dichelostemma capitatum | 1–10 | – | ||
| spreading snakeherb | DYSCD | Dyschoriste schiedeana var. decumbens | 1–5 | – | ||
| orange fameflower | PHAU13 | Phemeranthus aurantiacus | 0–5 | – | ||
| largeflower onion | ALMA4 | Allium macropetalum | 0–5 | – | ||
| weakleaf bur ragweed | AMCO3 | Ambrosia confertiflora | 1–5 | – | ||
| sheep milkvetch | ASNO3 | Astragalus nothoxys | 0–5 | – | ||
| brownplume wirelettuce | STPA4 | Stephanomeria pauciflora | 0–5 | – | ||
| Louisiana vetch | VILUL2 | Vicia ludoviciana ssp. ludoviciana | 0–5 | – | ||
| gooseberryleaf globemallow | SPGR2 | Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia | 0–3 | – | ||
| chaparral asphead | ASHI3 | Aspicarpa hirtella | 0–3 | – | ||
| rose heath | CHER2 | Chaetopappa ericoides | 1–3 | – | ||
| fingerleaf gourd | CUDI | Cucurbita digitata | 0–3 | – | ||
| Cooley's bundleflower | DECO2 | Desmanthus cooleyi | 1–3 | – | ||
| lacy tansyaster | MAPI | Machaeranthera pinnatifida | 0–3 | – | ||
| wild dwarf morning-glory | EVAR | Evolvulus arizonicus | 1–3 | – | ||
| pearly globe amaranth | GONI | Gomphrena nitida | 0–2 | – | ||
| small matweed | GUDED | Guilleminea densa var. densa | 1–2 | – | ||
| Indian rushpea | HOGL2 | Hoffmannseggia glauca | 0–2 | – | ||
| Wright's deervetch | LOWR | Lotus wrightii | 1–2 | – | ||
| variableleaf bushbean | MAGI2 | Macroptilium gibbosifolium | 0–2 | – | ||
| dwarf prairie clover | DANA | Dalea nana | 0–2 | – | ||
| whiteflower prairie clover | DAAL | Dalea albiflora | 0–2 | – | ||
| Texas bindweed | COEQ | Convolvulus equitans | 0–2 | – | ||
| whitemouth dayflower | COER | Commelina erecta | 0–2 | – | ||
| leatherweed | CRPO5 | Croton pottsii | 0–2 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–2 | – | ||
| winged buckwheat | ERAL4 | Eriogonum alatum | 0–2 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–2 | – | ||
| Texas snoutbean | RHSET | Rhynchosia senna var. texana | 0–2 | – | ||
| slimleaf plainsmustard | SCLI12 | Schoenocrambe linearifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| twinleaf senna | SEBA3 | Senna bauhinioides | 0–1 | – | ||
| Lemmon's ragwort | SELE8 | Senecio lemmonii | 0–1 | – | ||
| New Mexico fanpetals | SINE | Sida neomexicana | 0–1 | – | ||
| silverleaf nightshade | SOEL | Solanum elaeagnifolium | 0–1 | – | ||
| Missouri goldenrod | SOMI2 | Solidago missouriensis | 0–1 | – | ||
| copper globemallow | SPAN3 | Sphaeralcea angustifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| white prairie aster | SYFAC | Symphyotrichum falcatum var. commutatum | 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 | – | ||
| copper zephyrlily | ZELO | Zephyranthes longifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| Rocky Mountain zinnia | ZIGR | Zinnia grandiflora | 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 | – | ||
| Mexican yellowshow | AMPA3 | Amoreuxia palmatifida | 0–1 | – | ||
| tuber anemone | ANTU | Anemone tuberosa | 0–1 | – | ||
| melon loco | APUN | Apodanthera undulata | 0–1 | – | ||
| horsetail milkweed | ASSU2 | Asclepias subverticillata | 0–1 | – | ||
| dense ayenia | AYMI | Ayenia microphylla | 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 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| birdbill dayflower | CODI4 | Commelina dianthifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| dwarf milkweed | ASIN14 | Asclepias involucrata | 0–1 | – | ||
| broadleaf milkweed | ASLA4 | Asclepias latifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| Lemmon's milkweed | ASLE13 | Asclepias lemmonii | 0–1 | – | ||
| woolly locoweed | ASMOB | Astragalus mollissimus var. bigelovii | 0–1 | – | ||
| James' prairie clover | DAJA | Dalea jamesii | 0–1 | – | ||
| coyote gourd | CUPA | Cucurbita palmata | 0–1 | – | ||
| downy prairie clover | DANE | Dalea neomexicana | 0–1 | – | ||
| trailing windmills | ALIN | Allionia incarnata | 0–1 | – | ||
| Torrey's craglily | ECFL | Echeandia flavescens | 0–1 | – | ||
| ivyleaf groundcherry | PHHE4 | Physalis hederifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| white milkwort | POAL4 | Polygala alba | 0–1 | – | ||
| velvetseed milkwort | POOB | Polygala obscura | 0–1 | – | ||
| shrubby purslane | POSU3 | Portulaca suffrutescens | 0–1 | – | ||
| slimflower scurfpea | PSTE5 | Psoralidium tenuiflorum | 0–1 | – | ||
| buffpetal | RHPH2 | Rhynchosida physocalyx | 0–1 | – | ||
| lemon beebalm | MOCIA | Monarda citriodora ssp. austromontana | 0–1 | – | ||
| tufted evening primrose | OECA10 | Oenothera caespitosa | 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 | – | ||
| red bluet | HORU | Houstonia rubra | 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 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| Mexican fireplant | EUHE4 | Euphorbia heterophylla | 0–1 | – | ||
| sun spurge | EURA2 | Euphorbia radians | 0–1 | – | ||
| 7 | Annual Forbs | 1–150 | ||||
| longleaf false goldeneye | HELOA2 | Heliomeris longifolia var. annua | 1–150 | – | ||
| camphorweed | HESU3 | Heterotheca subaxillaris | 0–25 | – | ||
| curlytop gumweed | GRNUA | Grindelia nuda var. aphanactis | 0–20 | – | ||
| Wright's cudweed | PSCAC2 | Pseudognaphalium canescens ssp. canescens | 0–20 | – | ||
| slender goldenweed | MAGR10 | Machaeranthera gracilis | 0–20 | – | ||
| tanseyleaf tansyaster | MATA2 | Machaeranthera tanacetifolia | 0–20 | – | ||
| bitter rubberweed | HYOD | Hymenoxys odorata | 0–15 | – | ||
| New Mexico thistle | CINE | Cirsium neomexicanum | 0–10 | – | ||
| pitseed goosefoot | CHBE4 | Chenopodium berlandieri | 0–10 | – | ||
| New Mexico goosefoot | CHNE3 | Chenopodium neomexicanum | 0–10 | – | ||
| sensitive partridge pea | CHNI2 | Chamaecrista nictitans | 0–10 | – | ||
| smallflowered milkvetch | ASNU4 | Astragalus nuttallianus | 0–10 | – | ||
| Thurber's milkvetch | ASTH | Astragalus thurberi | 0–10 | – | ||
| woolly plantain | PLPA2 | Plantago patagonica | 0–10 | – | ||
| Abert's buckwheat | ERAB2 | Eriogonum abertianum | 0–5 | – | ||
| Arizona poppy | KAGR | Kallstroemia grandiflora | 0–5 | – | ||
| carelessweed | AMPA | Amaranthus palmeri | 0–5 | – | ||
| western tansymustard | DEPI | Descurainia pinnata | 0–5 | – | ||
| sorrel buckwheat | ERPO4 | Eriogonum polycladon | 0–5 | – | ||
| wedgeleaf draba | DRCU | Draba cuneifolia | 0–2 | – | ||
| scrambled eggs | COAU2 | Corydalis aurea | 0–2 | – | ||
| New Mexico copperleaf | ACNE | Acalypha neomexicana | 0–2 | – | ||
| intermediate pepperweed | LEVIM | Lepidium virginicum var. medium | 0–2 | – | ||
| sawtooth sage | SASU7 | Salvia subincisa | 0–2 | – | ||
| spreading fanpetals | SIAB | Sida abutifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| sleepy silene | SIAN2 | Silene antirrhina | 0–1 | – | ||
| streptanthella | STREP | Streptanthella | 0–1 | – | ||
| golden crownbeard | VEEN | Verbesina encelioides | 0–1 | – | ||
| miniature woollystar | ERDI2 | Eriastrum diffusum | 0–1 | – | ||
| spreading fleabane | ERDI4 | Erigeron divergens | 0–1 | – | ||
| Abert's creeping zinnia | SAAB | Sanvitalia abertii | 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 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| warty caltrop | KAPA | Kallstroemia parviflora | 0–1 | – | ||
| Coulter's horseweed | LACO13 | Laennecia coulteri | 0–1 | – | ||
| Gordon's bladderpod | LEGO | Lesquerella gordonii | 0–1 | – | ||
| broadleaved pepperweed | LELA2 | Lepidium latifolium | 0–1 | – | ||
| whitestem blazingstar | MEAL6 | Mentzelia albicaulis | 0–1 | – | ||
| green carpetweed | MOVE | Mollugo verticillata | 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 | – | ||
| crested anoda | ANCR2 | Anoda cristata | 0–1 | – | ||
| southwestern pricklypoppy | ARPL3 | Argemone pleiacantha | 0–1 | – | ||
| halfmoon milkvetch | ASAL6 | Astragalus allochrous | 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 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| royal sandmat | CHDI5 | Chamaesyce dioica | 0–1 | – | ||
| pillpod sandmat | CHHI3 | Chamaesyce hirta | 0–1 | – | ||
| hyssopleaf sandmat | CHHY3 | Chamaesyce hyssopifolia | 0–1 | – | ||
| poorjoe | DITE2 | Diodia teres | 0–1 | – | ||
| crestrib morning-glory | IPCO2 | Ipomoea costellata | 0–1 | – | ||
| flaxflowered ipomopsis | IPLOL | Ipomopsis longiflora ssp. longiflora | 0–1 | – | ||
| El Paso skyrocket | IPTH2 | Ipomopsis thurberi | 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 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 8 | Dominant half shrubs | 10–50 | ||||
| fairyduster | CAER | Calliandra eriophylla | 1–15 | – | ||
| bastardsage | ERWR | Eriogonum wrightii | 1–15 | – | ||
| littleleaf ratany | KRER | Krameria erecta | 0–5 | – | ||
| trailing krameria | KRLA | Krameria lanceolata | 0–5 | – | ||
| prairie acacia | ACAN | Acacia angustissima | 0–5 | – | ||
| yerba de pasmo | BAPT | Baccharis pteronioides | 1–5 | – | ||
| 9 | Miscellaneous shrubs | 0–15 | ||||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–5 | – | ||
| burroweed | ISTE2 | Isocoma tenuisecta | 0–2 | – | ||
| threadleaf snakeweed | GUMI | Gutierrezia microcephala | 0–2 | – | ||
| catclaw mimosa | MIACB | Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera | 0–2 | – | ||
| velvetpod mimosa | MIDY | Mimosa dysocarpa | 0–2 | – | ||
| Sonoran scrub oak | QUTU2 | Quercus turbinella | 0–1 | – | ||
| skunkbush sumac | RHTR | Rhus trilobata | 0–1 | – | ||
| threadleaf ragwort | SEFLF | Senecio flaccidus var. flaccidus | 0–1 | – | ||
| catclaw acacia | ACGR | Acacia greggii | 0–1 | – | ||
| Pringle manzanita | ARPR | Arctostaphylos pringlei | 0–1 | – | ||
| pale desert-thorn | LYPA | Lycium pallidum | 0–1 | – | ||
| 10 | Succulents | 1–15 | ||||
| sacahuista | NOMI | Nolina microcarpa | 0–5 | – | ||
| Palmer's century plant | AGPA3 | Agave palmeri | 1–5 | – | ||
| walkingstick cactus | CYSP8 | Cylindropuntia spinosior | 0–2 | – | ||
| rainbow hedgehog cactus | ECRI3 | Echinocereus rigidissimus | 1–2 | – | ||
| 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 | – | ||
| scarlet hedgehog cactus | ECCOC | Echinocereus coccineus var. coccineus | 0–1 | – | ||
| pinkflower hedgehog cactus | ECFEF3 | Echinocereus fendleri ssp. fendleri | 0–1 | – | ||
| white fishhook cactus | ECIN2 | Echinomastus intertextus | 0–1 | – | ||
| cactus apple | OPEN3 | Opuntia engelmannii | 0–1 | – | ||
| twistspine pricklypear | OPMA2 | Opuntia macrorhiza | 0–1 | – | ||
| tulip pricklypear | OPPH | Opuntia phaeacantha | 0–1 | – | ||
| banana yucca | YUBA | Yucca baccata | 0–1 | – | ||
| soaptree yucca | YUEL | Yucca elata | 0–1 | – | ||
| Parry's agave | AGPA4 | Agave parryi | 0–1 | – | ||
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 11 | Trees | 0–20 | ||||
| Arizona white oak | QUAR | Quercus arizonica | 0–15 | – | ||
| Emory oak | QUEM | Quercus emoryi | 0–15 | – | ||
| alligator juniper | JUDE2 | Juniperus deppeana | 0–5 | – | ||
| oneseed juniper | JUMO | Juniperus monosperma | 0–5 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
The plant community on this site is suitable for grazing by all classes of livestock at any season. The plant community will be low in digestible protein in the winter. Phosphorous may be deficient throughout the year. Grazing should be managed to maintain an effective herbaceous cover. This site can erode easily if perennial grass cover is depleted, because the soil surface is heavy textured and rainfall is high. Annual goldeneye can cause poisoning problems after flowering in El Nino years following summer drought. Filaree and a few other winter annuals can cause nitrate poisoning problems in the spring during wet winters at these elevations. Perennial locoweeds can be a serious problem in years with dry springs following a wet fall season.
This site is a primary habitat for pronghorn antelope in southeastern Arizona. Water developments are very important to both large and small wildlife species on this site. Being open grassland and rich in grass and forb species, this site is home to a great variety of insect, bird, small mammal and reptile species. In areas adjacent to wooded bottoms or hill-sites, this site is used as a forage area by mule and Coues whitetail deer and javalina. The lesser long-nosed bat uses the nectar of the flowers of Agave Palmeri during its Jun-Aug flowering season.
Hydrological functions
This site has heavy (sandy clayloam to clayloam) soil textures at the surface. Natural rates of runoff are higher than most other upland sites in this PZ.
Recreational uses
Hunting, hiking, horseback riding, photography, bird watching, camping.
Wood products
None, unless in areas where mesquite or juniper has invaded and increased.
Other products
Grass seed, medicinal herbs like yerba de pasmo, agave for making mescal.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Range 417s include 2 in good condition.
Type locality
| Location 1: Santa Cruz County, AZ | |
|---|---|
| Township/Range/Section | T23S R17E S35 |
| General legal description | San Rafael Ranch |
| Location 2: Pima County, AZ | |
| Township/Range/Section | T22S R17E S25 |
| General legal description | Little Outfit Ranch - Tucson |
| Location 3: Cochise County, AZ | |
| Township/Range/Section | T11S R21E S35 |
| General legal description | Broken Dipper Ranch - Willcox |
| Location 4: Graham County, AZ | |
| Township/Range/Section | T9S R21E S19 |
| General legal description | Eureka Ranch - Safford |
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 [07/24/2013].
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 [07/24/2013].
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 [07/24/2013].
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Web Soil Survey. Available online at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/. Accessed [07/24/2013].
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database for [Survey Area, State]. Available online at http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov. Accessed [07/24/2013].
Contributors
Dan Robinett
Larry D. Ellicott
Steve Barker
Wilma Renken
Approval
Curtis Talbot, 4/09/2021
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
| Author(s)/participant(s) | |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | |
| Date | 09/07/2022 |
| Approved by | Curtis Talbot |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
-
Presence of water flow patterns:
-
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
-
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
-
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
-
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
-
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
-
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
-
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
-
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
-
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
-
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
-
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
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Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
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Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
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Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.