Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R047XA320UT
Upland Shallow Loam (Wyoming big sagebrush)
Last updated: 2/05/2025
Accessed: 03/11/2025
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): 047X–Wasatch and Uinta Mountains
MLRA 47 occurs in Utah (86 percent), Wyoming (8 percent), Colorado (4 percent), and Idaho (2 percent). It encompasses approximately 23,825 square miles (61,740 square kilometers). The northern half of this area is in the Middle Rocky Mountains Province of the Rocky Mountain System. Parts of the western edge of this MLRA are in the Great Basin Section of the Basin and Range Province of the Intermontane Plateaus. The MLRA includes the Wasatch Mountains, which trend north and south. The steeply sloping, precipitous Wasatch Mountains have narrow crests and deep valleys. Active faulting and erosion are a dominant force in controlling the geomorphology of the area.
The mountains in this area are primarily fault blocks that have been tilted up. Alluvial fans at the base of the mountains are recharge zones for the basin fill aquifers. An ancient shoreline of historic Bonneville Lake is evident on the footslopes along the western edge of the area. Rocks exposed in the mountains are mostly Mesozoic and Paleozoic sediments.
The average precipitation is from 12 to 16 inches in the valleys and can range up to 73 inches in the mountains. Peak precipitation occurs in the winter months. The average annual temperature is 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 to 15 C). The freeze-free period averages 140 days and ranges from 60 to 220 days, generally decreasing in length with elevation.
The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Entisols, Inceptisols, and Mollisols. The lower elevations are dominated by a frigid temperature regime, while the higher elevations experience cryic temperature regimes. The soil moisture regime is typically xeric. The minerology is generally mixed and the soils are very shallow to very deep, generally well drained, and loamy or loamy-skeletal.
LRU notes
This LRU includes the Wasatch Mountains which tend to run north and south. These steeply sloping, precipitous mountains have narrow crests and deep valleys. They are primarily fault blocks that have been tilted up. The alluvial fans located at the base of these mountains are important recharge zones for valley aquifers.
Classification relationships
Modal Soil: loamy, mixed (calcareous), frigid Lithic Xerorthents
Ecological site concept
The soils that support this site are shallow and very gravelly. They formed in colluvium and residuum derived from sandtone, conglomerate and shale parent materials. The surface layers are typically dark brown gravelly or stony loams and are subtended by sandstone gravels or conglomerate rock. Water holding capacity is low, ranging from 1.1 to 2.4 inches. The soil moisture regime is xeric and the soil temperature regime is frigid and sometimes mesic.
Associated sites
| R047XA308UT |
Upland Loam (basin big sagebrush) |
|---|
Similar sites
| R047XA338UT |
Upland Stony Loam (Wyoming big sagebrush) |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
(1) Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Pseudoroegneria spicata |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on mountain slopes, ridges, foothills and valley sides at elevations between 5,400 and 8,000 feet. It is common on southern exposures but can occur on all aspects. This site occurs on virtually all slopes, as long as the soil is shallow. Runoff ranges from medium to very high.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Ridge
(2) Mountain slope (3) Foothills |
|---|---|
| Runoff class | Medium to very high |
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 5,400 – 8,000 ft |
| Slope | 5 – 50% |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Table 3. Representative physiographic features (actual ranges)
| Runoff class | Not specified |
|---|---|
| Flooding frequency | Not specified |
| Ponding frequency | Not specified |
| Elevation | 4,710 – 8,730 ft |
| Slope | 1 – 70% |
Climatic features
The climate for this site is characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. The average annual precipitation is 14 to 16 inches with most of the moisture coming in the spring and fall. Winter snowpack provides additional moisture to the soil as it melts in the spring. However, much of the spring moisture is unavailable to plants by mid-June, and reduced precipitation causes many herbaceous species to go dormant by July 1. July and August are typically the driest months of the year for this site.
Table 4. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 56-78 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 105-117 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 14-16 in |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 47-80 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 105-122 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 14-17 in |
| Frost-free period (average) | 66 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 112 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 15 in |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range
Figure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range
Figure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 7. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) COALVILLE [USW00024120], Coalville, UT
-
(2) ECHO DAM [USC00422385], Coalville, UT
-
(3) LAKETOWN [USC00424856], Laketown, UT
Influencing water features
Due to its landscape position, this site is not typically influenced by streams or wetlands.
Wetland description
N/A
Soil features
The soils that support this site are shallow and very gravelly. They formed in colluvium and slope alluvium derived from sandstone, conglomerate and shale parent materials. The surface layers are typically dark brown gravelly or stony loams and are subtended by sandstone gravels or conglomerate rock. Water holding capacity is low, ranging from 1.1 to 2.4 inches. The soil moisture regime is aridic xeric and the soil temperature regime is frigid.
Table 5. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Colluvium
–
sedimentary rock
(2) Slope alluvium – sedimentary rock |
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Gravelly loam (2) Very gravelly loam (3) Stony loam |
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy-skeletal |
| Drainage class | Well drained to somewhat excessively drained |
| Permeability class | Moderate to moderately rapid |
| Depth to restrictive layer | 10 – 20 in |
| Soil depth | 10 – 20 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 10 – 30% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 15% |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
1.1 – 2.4 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
5 – 20% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
2 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
5 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.6 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (0-40in) |
25 – 40% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (0-40in) |
20% |
Table 6. Representative soil features (actual values)
| Drainage class | Not specified |
|---|---|
| Permeability class | Not specified |
| Depth to restrictive layer | Not specified |
| Soil depth | Not specified |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 5 – 45% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 30% |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
0.4 – 2.8 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
30% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
Not specified |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
Not specified |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.6 – 9 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (0-40in) |
8 – 69% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (0-40in) |
30% |
Ecological dynamics
The plant community dynamics of this site are presumed to have been driven by fire historically. The Reference Plant Community consists of very diverse shrubs, forbs and grasses. Wyoming big sagebrush would have co-dominated with bluebuch wheatgrass and other perennial bunchgrasses in the Reference State, with grasses increasing in dominance immediately following fire (or possibly other shrub-removing disturbance i.e. aroga moth, snow mold, etc.) and big sagebrush increasing in dominance over time without fire. When sprouting shrubs are abundant in the community, they tend to co-dominate with grasses on this site following fire.
The introduction of non-native plants and domestic livestock since the time of European settlement has altered the plant community dynamics of this site, as diagrammed in the State-and-Transition Model. Although this site is resilient to properly managed livestock grazing, it is susceptible to grass loss and sagebrush dominance under excessive grazing pressures. When grazing pressures repeatedly remove the growing points (apical meristems) of perennial grasses, they will tend to lose vigor and decrease on the site.
This site has been documented to support introduced perennial grass species when these species are seeded under the proper conditions for germination and establishment.
Although cheatgrass and other non-native species can occur on this site, there is currently no documentation of non-native annual species dominance. However, the conditions of this site are similar to many sagebrush sites where cheatgrass has become dominant, so care should be taken to decrease the likelihood of cheatgrass invasion. Soil surface disturbance, removal of existing perennial plants, and introduction of cheatgrass seeds via hay, livestock, or vehicles will increase the likelihood of cheatgrass dominance on this site.
State and transition model
Figure 8. State-and-Transition Model
More interactive model formats are also available.
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More interactive model formats are also available.
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Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
| T1a | - | non-native plants and domestic livestock are introduced to the site |
|---|---|---|
| T2a | - | Extended drought in combination with excessive grazing |
| T2b | - | non-native perennial grass seed is established on the site following tillage, wildfire, or other removal of the existing vegetation |
| T3a | - | non-native perennial grass seed is established on the site following tillage, wildfire, or other removal of the existing vegetation |
| T4a | - | Extended drought in combination with excessive grazing |
State 1 submodel, plant communities
| 1.1a | - | fire or other shrub-removal disturbance |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1b | - | fire or other shrub-removal disturbance |
| 1.2a | - | Time following disturbance |
| 1.2b | - | an increase in sprouting shrubs, possibly due to repeated fires over a short time period |
| 1.3a | - | Time following disturbance |
State 2 submodel, plant communities
| 2.1a | - | fire or other shrub-removal disturbance |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1b | - | fire or other shrub-removal disturbance |
| 2.2a | - | Time following disturbance |
| 2.2b | - | an increase in sprouting shrubs, possibly due to repeated fires over a short time period |
| 2.3a | - | Time following disturbance |
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
The plant community dynamics of this site are presumed to have been driven by fire historically. The Reference Plant Community consists of very diverse shrubs, forbs and grasses. Wyoming big sagebrush would have co-dominated with bluebunch wheatgrass and other perennial bunchgrasses in the Reference State, with grasses increasing in dominance immediately following fire (or possibly other shrub-removing disturbance i.e. aroga moth, snow mold, etc.) and big sagebrush increasing in dominance over time without fire. When sprouting shrubs are abundant in the community, they tend to co-dominate with grasses on this site following fire.
Community 1.1
Wyoming Big Sagebrush / Perennial Grass
Figure 9. Phase 1.1
The Reference Plant community is dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush and diverse shrubs in the overstory, and by perennial bunchgrasses in the understory. Dominant perennial grasses are bluebunch wheatgrass, muttongrass, and Idaho fescue. Diverse perennial grasses and forbs are also abundant in the understory. Composition by air-dry weight is 25 to 50 percent grasses, 10 to 20 percent forbs, and 35 to 60 percent shrubs.
Figure 10. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 7. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrub/Vine | 300 | 425 | 550 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 225 | 350 | 450 |
| Forb | 75 | 125 | 200 |
| Total | 600 | 900 | 1200 |
Table 8. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 10-20% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 8-15% |
| Forb foliar cover | 2-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0-2% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 10-20% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 20-33% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0-12% |
| Bedrock | 0-20% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 10-20% |
Table 9. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | 0% | 0% | 0-10% | 0-5% |
| >0.5 <= 1 | 0% | 0-5% | 5-10% | 2-10% |
| >1 <= 2 | 0% | 5-10% | 5-10% | 0-5% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | 0% | 10-20% | 0-5% | 0-5% |
| >4.5 <= 13 | 0% | 0-5% | 0-1% | 0% |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Community 1.2
Perennial Grassland
The Perennial Grassland Community is dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue. Diverse perennial grasses and forbs are also abundant in the plant community. Sprouting shrubs may be present in small numbers, but are not abundant in this community phase. Wyoming big sagebrush has been removed from the plant community, but may also be present (not dominant) due to natural succession as it slowly increases in the community following removal. Composition by air-dry weight is 50 to 90 percent grasses, 10 to 20 percent forbs, and 0 to 35 percent shrubs.
Figure 11. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 10. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 450 | 625 | 800 |
| Shrub/Vine | 0 | 150 | 300 |
| Forb | 75 | 125 | 200 |
| Total | 525 | 900 | 1300 |
Table 11. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 0-10% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 20-35% |
| Forb foliar cover | 2-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0-2% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 10-20% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 20-33% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0-12% |
| Bedrock | 0-20% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 10-20% |
Table 12. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | 0% | 0% | 0-10% | 0-5% |
| >0.5 <= 1 | 0% | 0-5% | 10-20% | 2-10% |
| >1 <= 2 | 0% | 0-5% | 15-25% | 0-5% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | 0% | 0-10% | 0-10% | 0-5% |
| >4.5 <= 13 | – | – | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Community 1.3
Rabbitbrush / Perennial Grass
This plant community is dominated by sprouting shrubs in the overstory (usually yellow rabbitbrush) and by perennial bunchgrasses in the understory. In moist areas, such as northern exposures or higher elevations, other sprouting shrubs, such as bitterbrush, may co-dominate with grasses. Dominant perennial grasses are typically bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue. Diverse perennial grasses and forbs are also abundant. Wyoming big sagebrush does not co-dominate the site, but it may be present due to natural succession as it slowly increases in the community. Composition by air-dry weight is 25 to 50 percent grasses, 10 to 20 percent forbs, and 35 to 60 percent shrubs.
Figure 12. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 13. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrub/Vine | 300 | 425 | 550 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 225 | 350 | 450 |
| Forb | 75 | 125 | 200 |
| Total | 600 | 900 | 1200 |
Table 14. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 10-20% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 8-15% |
| Forb foliar cover | 2-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0-2% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 10-20% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 20-33% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0-12% |
| Bedrock | 0-20% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 10-20% |
Table 15. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | 0% | 0% | 0-10% | 0-5% |
| >0.5 <= 1 | 0% | 0-5% | 5-10% | 2-10% |
| >1 <= 2 | 0% | 5-10% | 5-10% | 0-5% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | 0% | 10-20% | 0-5% | 0-5% |
| >4.5 <= 13 | 0% | 0-5% | 0-1% | 0% |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2
This pathway occurs as fire or other shrub-removal disturbance (drought, herbivory, etc.) removes Wyoming big sagebrush from the plant community. Historic fire regime is expected to be mostly patchy, mixed-severity fires that occurred ever 10 to 70 years (Howard 1999). This pathway occurs when phase 1.1 does not have a significant amount of sprouting shrubs in the community, and results in a community dominated by perennial bunchgrasses.
Pathway 1.1b
Community 1.1 to 1.3
This pathway occurs as fire or other shrub-removal disturbance (drought, herbivory, etc.) removes Wyoming big sagebrush from the plant community. Historic fire regime is expected to have been patchy, mixed-severity fires that occurred ever 10 to 70 years (Howard 1999). This pathway occurs when phase 1.1 has a significant amount of sprouting shrubs in the community, and results in a community co-dominated by perennial bunchgrasses and sprouting shrubs, most commonly yellow rabbitbrush.
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1
This pathway occurs as Wyoming big sagebrush slowly increases in the plant community following fire or other shrub-removal events. It may take 10 to 40 years for sagebrush to regain dominance in the community, depending on subsequent weather events and distance to sagebrush seed source. The resulting community is co-dominated by sagebrush and perennial bunchgrasses.
Pathway 1.2b
Community 1.2 to 1.3
This pathway is expected to occur when perennial grasslands experience an increase in sprouting shrubs, possibly due to repeated fires over a short time period.
Pathway 1.3a
Community 1.3 to 1.1
This pathway occurs as Wyoming big sagebrush slowly increases in the plant community, while sprouting shrubs decrease. It may take 10 to 40 years for sagebrush to regain dominance in the community following fire or other sagebrush-removal event, depending on subsequent weather and distance to sagebrush seed source. The resulting community is co-dominated by sagebrush and perennial bunchgrasses, with abundant sprouting shrubs remaining in the community.
State 2
Invaded State
Community 2.1
Wyoming Big Sagebrush / Perennial Grass
Figure 13. Phase 2.1
This plant community is dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush and diverse shrubs in the overstory, and by perennial bunchgrasses in the understory. Dominant perennial grasses are bluebunch wheatgrass, muttongrass, and/or Idaho fescue. Diverse perennial grasses and forbs are also abundant in the understory. Non-native species are present but not dominant. Composition by air-dry weight is 25 to 50 percent grasses, 10 to 20 percent forbs, and 35 to 60 percent shrubs.
Figure 14. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 16. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrub/Vine | 300 | 425 | 550 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 175 | 350 | 450 |
| Forb | 25 | 100 | 200 |
| Total | 500 | 875 | 1200 |
Table 17. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 10-20% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 8-15% |
| Forb foliar cover | 2-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0-2% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 10-20% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 20-33% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0-12% |
| Bedrock | 0-20% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 10-20% |
Table 18. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | 0% | 0% | 0-10% | 0-5% |
| >0.5 <= 1 | 0% | 0-5% | 5-10% | 2-10% |
| >1 <= 2 | 0% | 5-10% | 5-10% | 0-5% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | 0% | 10-20% | 0-5% | 0-5% |
| >4.5 <= 13 | 0% | 0-5% | 0-1% | 0% |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Community 2.2
Perennial Grassland
Figure 15. Phase 2.2
The perennial grassland community is dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue. Diverse perennial grasses and forbs are also abundant in the plant community. Sprouting shrubs may be present in small numbers, but are not abundant in this community phase. Wyoming big sagebrush has been removed from the plant community, but may also be present (not dominant) due to natural succession as it slowly increases in the community following removal. Non-native species are present but not dominant. Composition by air-dry weight is 50 to 90 percent grasses, 10 to 20 percent forbs, and 0 to 35 percent shrubs.
Figure 16. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 19. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 450 | 625 | 800 |
| Shrub/Vine | 0 | 150 | 300 |
| Forb | 25 | 100 | 200 |
| Total | 475 | 875 | 1300 |
Table 20. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 0-10% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 20-35% |
| Forb foliar cover | 2-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0-2% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 10-20% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 20-33% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0-12% |
| Bedrock | 0-20% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 10-20% |
Table 21. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | 0% | 0% | 0-10% | 0-5% |
| >0.5 <= 1 | 0% | 0-5% | 10-20% | 2-10% |
| >1 <= 2 | 0% | 0-5% | 15-25% | 0-5% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | 0% | 0-10% | 0-10% | 0-5% |
| >4.5 <= 13 | – | – | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Community 2.3
Rabbitbrush / Perennial Grass
Figure 17. Phase 2.3
This plant community is dominated by sprouting shrubs in the overstory (usually yellow rabbitbrush) and by perennial bunchgrasses in the understory. In moist areas, such as northern exposures or higher elevations, other sprouting shrubs, such as bitterbrush, may co-dominate with grasses. Dominant perennial grasses are typically bluebunch wheatgrass and/or Idaho fescue. Diverse perennial grasses and forbs are also abundant. Wyoming big sagebrush does not co-dominate the site, but it may be present due to natural succession as it slowly increases in the community. Non-native species are present but not dominant. Composition by air-dry weight is 25 to 50 percent grasses, 10 to 20 percent forbs, and 35 to 60 percent shrubs.
Figure 18. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 22. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrub/Vine | 300 | 425 | 550 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 175 | 350 | 450 |
| Forb | 25 | 100 | 200 |
| Total | 500 | 875 | 1200 |
Table 23. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 10-20% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 8-15% |
| Forb foliar cover | 2-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0-2% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 10-20% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 20-33% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0-12% |
| Bedrock | 0-20% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 10-20% |
Table 24. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | 0% | 0% | 0-10% | 0-5% |
| >0.5 <= 1 | 0% | 0-5% | 5-10% | 2-10% |
| >1 <= 2 | 0% | 5-10% | 5-10% | 0-5% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | 0% | 10-20% | 0-5% | 0-5% |
| >4.5 <= 13 | 0% | 0-5% | 0-1% | 0% |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2
This pathway occurs as fire or other shrub-removal disturbance (drought, herbivory, etc.) removes Wyoming big sagebrush from the plant community. Historic fire regime is expected to have been patchy, mixed-severity fires that occurred ever 10 to 70 years (Howard 1999). This pathway occurs when phase 2.1 does not have a significant amount of sprouting shrubs in the community, and results in a community dominated by perennial bunchgrasses. This pathway may result in an increase in annual non-native species.
Pathway 2.1b
Community 2.1 to 2.3
This pathway occurs as fire or other shrub-removal disturbance (drought, herbivory, etc.) removes Wyoming big sagebrush from the plant community. Historic fire regime is expected to have been patchy, mixed-severity fires that occurred ever 10 to 70 years (Howard 1999). This pathway occurs when phase 2.1 has a significant amount of sprouting shrubs in the community, and results in a community co-dominated by perennial bunchgrasses and sprouting shrubs, most commonly yellow rabbitbrush. This pathway may result in an increase in annual non-native species.
Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.1
This pathway occurs as Wyoming big sagebrush slowly increases in the plant community following fire or other shrub-removal events. It may take 10 to 40 years for sagebrush to regain dominance in the community, depending on subsequent weather events and distance to sagebrush seed source. The resulting community is co-dominated by sagebrush and perennial bunchgrasses.
Pathway 2.2b
Community 2.2 to 2.3
This pathway is expected to occur when perennial grasslands experience an increase in sprouting shrubs, possibly due to repeated fires over a short time period. This pathway may also result in an increase in non-native annual plants.
Pathway 2.3a
Community 2.3 to 2.1
This pathway occurs as Wyoming big sagebrush slowly increases in the plant community, while sprouting shrubs decrease. It may take 10 to 40 years for sagebrush to regain dominance in the community following fire or other sagebrush-removal event, depending on subsequent weather and distance to sagebrush seed source. The resulting community is co-dominated by sagebrush and perennial bunchgrasses, with abundant sprouting shrubs remaining in the community.
State 3
Sagebrush / Sparse Understory State
Community 3.1
Wyoming Big Sagebrush / Sparse Understory
Figure 19. Phase 3.1
This plant community is dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush and diverse shrubs, with few perennial forbs and bunchgrasses in the understory. Herbaceous species are unable to increase in the community due to shrub dominance. Non-native species are present but not dominant. Composition by air-dry weight is 0 to 10 percent grasses, 2 to 15 percent forbs, and 70 to 95 percent shrubs.
Figure 20. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 25. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrub/Vine | 500 | 650 | 800 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 25 | 100 | 175 |
| Forb | 25 | 50 | 100 |
| Total | 550 | 800 | 1075 |
Table 26. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 30-45% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 0-2% |
| Forb foliar cover | 0-3% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0-2% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 2-10% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 20-33% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0-12% |
| Bedrock | 0-20% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 10-20% |
Table 27. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | 0% | 0% | 0-2% | 0-3% |
| >0.5 <= 1 | 0% | 0-5% | 0-2% | 0-3% |
| >1 <= 2 | 0% | 5-10% | 0-2% | 0-3% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | 0% | 25-35% | 0-1% | 0-1% |
| >4.5 <= 13 | 0% | 0-5% | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
State 4
Seeded Range State
The Seeded Range State occurs following a successful rangeland seeding, in which sufficient soil moisture was available for seed germination and growth at critical times in the spring. This site is suitable for rangeland seedings, but even when properly applied, these seedings run the risk of failure due to incertain soil moisture conditions. Transitions out of this state are likely possible, but have not yet been documented.
Community 4.1
Introduced Perennial Grass
Figure 21. Phase 4.1
This plant community is dominated by introduced perennial bunchgrasses. It is possible to have some sprouting shrubs assuming they were present in the community before seeding.
Figure 22. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 28. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 450 | 625 | 800 |
| Shrub/Vine | 0 | 150 | 300 |
| Forb | 25 | 75 | 150 |
| Total | 475 | 850 | 1250 |
Table 29. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 0-10% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 20-35% |
| Forb foliar cover | 2-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0-2% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 10-20% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 20-33% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0-12% |
| Bedrock | 0-20% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 10-20% |
Table 30. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | 0% | 0% | 0-10% | 0-5% |
| >0.5 <= 1 | 0% | 0-5% | 10-20% | 2-10% |
| >1 <= 2 | 0% | 0-5% | 15-25% | 0-5% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | 0% | 0-10% | 0-10% | 0-5% |
| >4.5 <= 13 | – | – | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Transition T1a
State 1 to 2
This transition occurs as non-native plants and domestic livestock are introduced to the site. This state is similar to the Reference State in plant community structure and ecological process, but the presence of domestic livestock and exotic plants decreases the resilience of the site.
Transition T2a
State 2 to 3
This transition occurs when perennial grasses are reduced on the site to the point that they can no longer perpetuate themselves. Wyoming big sagebrush increases on the site, as perennial grasses lose vigor and reproductive capability due to excessive livestock grazing. Extended drought in combination with excessive grazing may accelerate this transition.
Transition T2b
State 2 to 4
This transition occurs when non-native perennial grass seed is established on the site following tillage, wildfire, or other removal of the existing vegetation. Crested wheatgrass is a common seeded species on this site.
Transition T3a
State 3 to 4
This transition occurs when non-native perennial grass seed is established on the site following tillage, wildfire, or other removal of the existing vegetation. Crested wheatgrass is a common seeded species on this site.
Transition T4a
State 4 to 3
This transition occurs when perennial grasses are reduced on the site to the point that they can no longer perpetuate themselves. Wyoming big sagebrush increases on the site, as perennial grasses lose vigor and reproductive capability due to excessive livestock grazing. Extended drought in combination with excessive grazing may accelerate this transition.
Additional community tables
Table 31. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 1 | Dominant Shrubs | 250–500 | ||||
| Wyoming big sagebrush | ARTRW8 | Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis | 100–300 | 8–20 | ||
| antelope bitterbrush | PUTR2 | Purshia tridentata | 0–200 | 0–12 | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 0–150 | 0–10 | ||
| Saskatoon serviceberry | AMAL2 | Amelanchier alnifolia | 0–100 | 0–8 | ||
| 3 | Sub-Dominant Shrubs | 50–150 | ||||
| spineless horsebrush | TECA2 | Tetradymia canescens | 0–65 | 0–4 | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| mountain snowberry | SYOR2 | Symphoricarpos oreophilus | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Woods' rose | ROWO | Rosa woodsii | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| little sagebrush | ARARA | Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Utah juniper | JUOS | Juniperus osteosperma | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| creeping barberry | MARE11 | Mahonia repens | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–2 | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 2 | Dominant Grasses | 175–400 | ||||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 50–300 | 4–22 | ||
| Idaho fescue | FEID | Festuca idahoensis | 0–125 | 0–10 | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 25–125 | 1–10 | ||
| 1 | Sub-Dominant Grasses | 50–150 | ||||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–75 | 0–5 | ||
| oniongrass | MEBU | Melica bulbosa | 0–65 | 0–4 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Letterman's needlegrass | ACLE9 | Achnatherum lettermanii | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Geyer's sedge | CAGE2 | Carex geyeri | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| basin wildrye | LECI4 | Leymus cinereus | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| Grass, annual | 2GA | Grass, annual | 0–35 | 0–2 | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 75–200 | ||||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 25–75 | 2–5 | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 10–50 | 1–4 | ||
| low beardtongue | PEHU | Penstemon humilis | 10–50 | 1–4 | ||
| rock goldenrod | PEPU7 | Petradoria pumila | 10–50 | 1–4 | ||
| arrowleaf balsamroot | BASA3 | Balsamorhiza sagittata | 10–50 | 1–3 | ||
| povertyweed | IVAX | Iva axillaris | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| western stoneseed | LIRU4 | Lithospermum ruderale | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 5–25 | 1–2 | ||
| shortstem buckwheat | ERBR5 | Eriogonum brevicaule | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| scarlet gilia | IPAG | Ipomopsis aggregata | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| borage | BORAG | Borago | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| onion | ALLIU | Allium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 5–25 | 1–2 | ||
| vetch | VICIA | Vicia | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| primrose | PRIMU | Primula | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| Douglas' dustymaiden | CHDO | Chaenactis douglasii | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
Table 32. Community 1.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 0 | Dominant Grasses | 400–700 | ||||
| 1 | Sub-Dominant Grasses | 50–250 | ||||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–75 | 0–5 | ||
| oniongrass | MEBU | Melica bulbosa | 0–65 | 0–4 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 10–50 | 1–3 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Letterman's needlegrass | ACLE9 | Achnatherum lettermanii | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Geyer's sedge | CAGE2 | Carex geyeri | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| basin wildrye | LECI4 | Leymus cinereus | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| Grass, annual | 2GA | Grass, annual | 0–35 | 0–2 | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 75–200 | ||||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 25–75 | 2–5 | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 10–50 | 1–4 | ||
| low beardtongue | PEHU | Penstemon humilis | 10–50 | 1–4 | ||
| rock goldenrod | PEPU7 | Petradoria pumila | 10–50 | 1–4 | ||
| arrowleaf balsamroot | BASA3 | Balsamorhiza sagittata | 10–50 | 1–3 | ||
| povertyweed | IVAX | Iva axillaris | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| western stoneseed | LIRU4 | Lithospermum ruderale | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 5–25 | 1–2 | ||
| shortstem buckwheat | ERBR5 | Eriogonum brevicaule | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| scarlet gilia | IPAG | Ipomopsis aggregata | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| borage | BORAG | Borago | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| onion | ALLIU | Allium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 5–25 | 1–2 | ||
| vetch | VICIA | Vicia | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| primrose | PRIMU | Primula | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| Douglas' dustymaiden | CHDO | Chaenactis douglasii | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 3 | Shrubs | 0–300 | ||||
| spineless horsebrush | TECA2 | Tetradymia canescens | 0–65 | 0–4 | ||
| antelope bitterbrush | PUTR2 | Purshia tridentata | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| Saskatoon serviceberry | AMAL2 | Amelanchier alnifolia | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| mountain snowberry | SYOR2 | Symphoricarpos oreophilus | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| little sagebrush | ARARA | Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Woods' rose | ROWO | Rosa woodsii | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| creeping barberry | MARE11 | Mahonia repens | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–2 | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
Table 33. Community 1.3 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 1 | Dominant Shrubs | 250–400 | ||||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 150–350 | 10–20 | ||
| antelope bitterbrush | PUTR2 | Purshia tridentata | 0–300 | 0–15 | ||
| mountain snowberry | SYOR2 | Symphoricarpos oreophilus | 0–150 | 0–10 | ||
| Saskatoon serviceberry | AMAL2 | Amelanchier alnifolia | 0–150 | 0–10 | ||
| 3 | Sub-dominant Shrubs | 50–150 | ||||
| spineless horsebrush | TECA2 | Tetradymia canescens | 0–65 | 0–4 | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| little sagebrush | ARARA | Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Utah juniper | JUOS | Juniperus osteosperma | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| creeping barberry | MARE11 | Mahonia repens | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Woods' rose | ROWO | Rosa woodsii | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–2 | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 2 | Dominant Grasses | 200–400 | ||||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 100–400 | 4–22 | ||
| Idaho fescue | FEID | Festuca idahoensis | 0–200 | 0–15 | ||
| 1 | Sub-Dominant Grasses | 50–200 | ||||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–75 | 0–5 | ||
| oniongrass | MEBU | Melica bulbosa | 0–65 | 0–4 | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 10–50 | 1–4 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Letterman's needlegrass | ACLE9 | Achnatherum lettermanii | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Geyer's sedge | CAGE2 | Carex geyeri | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| basin wildrye | LECI4 | Leymus cinereus | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| Grass, annual | 2GA | Grass, annual | 0–35 | 0–2 | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 75–200 | ||||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 25–75 | 2–5 | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 10–50 | 1–4 | ||
| low beardtongue | PEHU | Penstemon humilis | 10–50 | 1–4 | ||
| rock goldenrod | PEPU7 | Petradoria pumila | 10–50 | 1–4 | ||
| arrowleaf balsamroot | BASA3 | Balsamorhiza sagittata | 10–50 | 1–3 | ||
| povertyweed | IVAX | Iva axillaris | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| western stoneseed | LIRU4 | Lithospermum ruderale | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 5–25 | 1–2 | ||
| shortstem buckwheat | ERBR5 | Eriogonum brevicaule | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| scarlet gilia | IPAG | Ipomopsis aggregata | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| borage | BORAG | Borago | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| onion | ALLIU | Allium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 5–25 | 1–2 | ||
| vetch | VICIA | Vicia | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| primrose | PRIMU | Primula | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| Douglas' dustymaiden | CHDO | Chaenactis douglasii | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
Table 34. Community 2.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 1 | Dominant Shrubs | 250–500 | ||||
| Wyoming big sagebrush | ARTRW8 | Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis | 100–300 | 8–20 | ||
| antelope bitterbrush | PUTR2 | Purshia tridentata | 0–200 | 0–12 | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 0–150 | 0–10 | ||
| Saskatoon serviceberry | AMAL2 | Amelanchier alnifolia | 0–100 | 0–8 | ||
| 3 | Sub-Dominant Shrubs | 50–150 | ||||
| spineless horsebrush | TECA2 | Tetradymia canescens | 0–65 | 0–4 | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| mountain snowberry | SYOR2 | Symphoricarpos oreophilus | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Woods' rose | ROWO | Rosa woodsii | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| little sagebrush | ARARA | Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Utah juniper | JUOS | Juniperus osteosperma | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| creeping barberry | MARE11 | Mahonia repens | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–2 | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 2 | Dominant Grasses | 175–400 | ||||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 50–300 | 4–22 | ||
| Idaho fescue | FEID | Festuca idahoensis | 0–125 | 0–10 | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 25–125 | 1–10 | ||
| 1 | Sub-Dominant Grasses | 50–150 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 1–100 | 1–7 | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–75 | 0–5 | ||
| oniongrass | MEBU | Melica bulbosa | 0–65 | 0–4 | ||
| crested wheatgrass | AGCR | Agropyron cristatum | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Geyer's sedge | CAGE2 | Carex geyeri | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Letterman's needlegrass | ACLE9 | Achnatherum lettermanii | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| basin wildrye | LECI4 | Leymus cinereus | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| Grass, annual | 2GA | Grass, annual | 0–35 | 0–2 | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 25–200 | ||||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 10–100 | 1–7 | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 25–75 | 2–5 | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| low beardtongue | PEHU | Penstemon humilis | 10–50 | 1–4 | ||
| rock goldenrod | PEPU7 | Petradoria pumila | 10–50 | 1–4 | ||
| arrowleaf balsamroot | BASA3 | Balsamorhiza sagittata | 10–50 | 1–3 | ||
| povertyweed | IVAX | Iva axillaris | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| prickly lettuce | LASE | Lactuca serriola | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| western stoneseed | LIRU4 | Lithospermum ruderale | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| vetch | VICIA | Vicia | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 5–25 | 1–2 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 5–25 | 1–2 | ||
| shortstem buckwheat | ERBR5 | Eriogonum brevicaule | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| scarlet gilia | IPAG | Ipomopsis aggregata | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| borage | BORAG | Borago | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| onion | ALLIU | Allium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| Douglas' dustymaiden | CHDO | Chaenactis douglasii | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| primrose | PRIMU | Primula | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
Table 35. Community 2.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 0 | Dominant Grasses | 400–700 | ||||
| 1 | Sub-Dominant Grasses | 50–250 | ||||
| crested wheatgrass | AGCR | Agropyron cristatum | 0–150 | 0–10 | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 1–100 | 1–7 | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–75 | 0–5 | ||
| oniongrass | MEBU | Melica bulbosa | 0–65 | 0–4 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 10–50 | 1–3 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Letterman's needlegrass | ACLE9 | Achnatherum lettermanii | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Geyer's sedge | CAGE2 | Carex geyeri | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| basin wildrye | LECI4 | Leymus cinereus | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| Grass, annual | 2GA | Grass, annual | 0–35 | 0–2 | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 25–200 | ||||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 10–100 | 1–7 | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 25–75 | 2–5 | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| low beardtongue | PEHU | Penstemon humilis | 10–50 | 1–4 | ||
| rock goldenrod | PEPU7 | Petradoria pumila | 10–50 | 1–4 | ||
| arrowleaf balsamroot | BASA3 | Balsamorhiza sagittata | 10–50 | 1–3 | ||
| povertyweed | IVAX | Iva axillaris | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| prickly lettuce | LASE | Lactuca serriola | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| western stoneseed | LIRU4 | Lithospermum ruderale | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| vetch | VICIA | Vicia | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 5–25 | 1–2 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 5–25 | 1–2 | ||
| shortstem buckwheat | ERBR5 | Eriogonum brevicaule | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| scarlet gilia | IPAG | Ipomopsis aggregata | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| borage | BORAG | Borago | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| onion | ALLIU | Allium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| Douglas' dustymaiden | CHDO | Chaenactis douglasii | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| primrose | PRIMU | Primula | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 3 | Shrubs | 0–300 | ||||
| spineless horsebrush | TECA2 | Tetradymia canescens | 0–65 | 0–4 | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| antelope bitterbrush | PUTR2 | Purshia tridentata | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| Saskatoon serviceberry | AMAL2 | Amelanchier alnifolia | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| mountain snowberry | SYOR2 | Symphoricarpos oreophilus | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| little sagebrush | ARARA | Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Woods' rose | ROWO | Rosa woodsii | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| creeping barberry | MARE11 | Mahonia repens | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–2 | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
Table 36. Community 2.3 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 1 | Dominant Shrubs | 250–400 | ||||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 150–350 | 10–20 | ||
| antelope bitterbrush | PUTR2 | Purshia tridentata | 0–300 | 0–15 | ||
| mountain snowberry | SYOR2 | Symphoricarpos oreophilus | 0–150 | 0–10 | ||
| Saskatoon serviceberry | AMAL2 | Amelanchier alnifolia | 0–150 | 0–10 | ||
| 3 | Sub-dominant Shrubs | 50–150 | ||||
| spineless horsebrush | TECA2 | Tetradymia canescens | 0–65 | 0–4 | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| little sagebrush | ARARA | Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Woods' rose | ROWO | Rosa woodsii | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Utah juniper | JUOS | Juniperus osteosperma | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| creeping barberry | MARE11 | Mahonia repens | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–2 | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 2 | Dominant Grasses | 150–400 | ||||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 100–400 | 4–22 | ||
| Idaho fescue | FEID | Festuca idahoensis | 0–200 | 0–15 | ||
| 1 | Sub-Dominant Grasses | 50–200 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 1–100 | 1–7 | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–75 | 0–5 | ||
| oniongrass | MEBU | Melica bulbosa | 0–65 | 0–4 | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 10–50 | 1–4 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Letterman's needlegrass | ACLE9 | Achnatherum lettermanii | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Geyer's sedge | CAGE2 | Carex geyeri | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| crested wheatgrass | AGCR | Agropyron cristatum | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| basin wildrye | LECI4 | Leymus cinereus | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| Grass, annual | 2GA | Grass, annual | 0–35 | 0–2 | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 25–200 | ||||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 25–75 | 2–5 | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 10–50 | 1–4 | ||
| prickly lettuce | LASE | Lactuca serriola | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| low beardtongue | PEHU | Penstemon humilis | 10–50 | 1–4 | ||
| rock goldenrod | PEPU7 | Petradoria pumila | 10–50 | 1–4 | ||
| arrowleaf balsamroot | BASA3 | Balsamorhiza sagittata | 10–50 | 1–3 | ||
| western stoneseed | LIRU4 | Lithospermum ruderale | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| povertyweed | IVAX | Iva axillaris | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| vetch | VICIA | Vicia | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 5–25 | 1–2 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 5–25 | 1–2 | ||
| shortstem buckwheat | ERBR5 | Eriogonum brevicaule | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| scarlet gilia | IPAG | Ipomopsis aggregata | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| borage | BORAG | Borago | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| onion | ALLIU | Allium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| Douglas' dustymaiden | CHDO | Chaenactis douglasii | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| primrose | PRIMU | Primula | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
Table 37. Community 3.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 0 | Dominant Shrubs | 400–700 | ||||
| 3 | Sub-Dominant Shrubs | 100–200 | ||||
| mountain snowberry | SYOR2 | Symphoricarpos oreophilus | 0–100 | 0–7 | ||
| spineless horsebrush | TECA2 | Tetradymia canescens | 0–100 | 0–7 | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Utah juniper | JUOS | Juniperus osteosperma | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| creeping barberry | MARE11 | Mahonia repens | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| little sagebrush | ARARA | Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Woods' rose | ROWO | Rosa woodsii | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–2 | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Grasses | 25–175 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 15–100 | 1–7 | ||
| Idaho fescue | FEID | Festuca idahoensis | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Grass, annual | 2GA | Grass, annual | 0–35 | 0–2 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–30 | 0–1 | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| basin wildrye | LECI4 | Leymus cinereus | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| oniongrass | MEBU | Melica bulbosa | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Geyer's sedge | CAGE2 | Carex geyeri | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Letterman's needlegrass | ACLE9 | Achnatherum lettermanii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| crested wheatgrass | AGCR | Agropyron cristatum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 25–100 | ||||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 10–50 | 1–4 | ||
| povertyweed | IVAX | Iva axillaris | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 5–25 | 1–2 | ||
| shortstem buckwheat | ERBR5 | Eriogonum brevicaule | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| scarlet gilia | IPAG | Ipomopsis aggregata | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| onion | ALLIU | Allium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| arrowleaf balsamroot | BASA3 | Balsamorhiza sagittata | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| borage | BORAG | Borago | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| vetch | VICIA | Vicia | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 5–25 | 1–2 | ||
| low beardtongue | PEHU | Penstemon humilis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| rock goldenrod | PEPU7 | Petradoria pumila | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| western stoneseed | LIRU4 | Lithospermum ruderale | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Douglas' dustymaiden | CHDO | Chaenactis douglasii | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| primrose | PRIMU | Primula | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
Table 38. Community 4.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 0 | Dominant Grasses | 400–700 | ||||
| 1 | Sub-dominant Grasses | 50–250 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–100 | 0–7 | ||
| Idaho fescue | FEID | Festuca idahoensis | 0–75 | 0–5 | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 0–75 | 0–5 | ||
| oniongrass | MEBU | Melica bulbosa | 0–65 | 0–4 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 10–50 | 1–3 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Geyer's sedge | CAGE2 | Carex geyeri | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Letterman's needlegrass | ACLE9 | Achnatherum lettermanii | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| basin wildrye | LECI4 | Leymus cinereus | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| Grass, annual | 2GA | Grass, annual | 0–35 | 0–2 | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 25–150 | ||||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| povertyweed | IVAX | Iva axillaris | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| vetch | VICIA | Vicia | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 5–25 | 1–2 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 5–25 | 1–2 | ||
| shortstem buckwheat | ERBR5 | Eriogonum brevicaule | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| scarlet gilia | IPAG | Ipomopsis aggregata | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| onion | ALLIU | Allium | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| arrowleaf balsamroot | BASA3 | Balsamorhiza sagittata | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| borage | BORAG | Borago | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| western stoneseed | LIRU4 | Lithospermum ruderale | 0–20 | 0–2 | ||
| low beardtongue | PEHU | Penstemon humilis | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| rock goldenrod | PEPU7 | Petradoria pumila | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| Douglas' dustymaiden | CHDO | Chaenactis douglasii | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
| primrose | PRIMU | Primula | 0–15 | 0–1 | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 3 | Shrubs | 0–300 | ||||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 0–200 | 0–15 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–75 | 0–5 | ||
| spineless horsebrush | TECA2 | Tetradymia canescens | 0–65 | 0–4 | ||
| antelope bitterbrush | PUTR2 | Purshia tridentata | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| Saskatoon serviceberry | AMAL2 | Amelanchier alnifolia | 0–50 | 0–4 | ||
| mountain snowberry | SYOR2 | Symphoricarpos oreophilus | 0–50 | 0–3 | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–40 | 0–3 | ||
| little sagebrush | ARARA | Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| Woods' rose | ROWO | Rosa woodsii | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| creeping barberry | MARE11 | Mahonia repens | 0–30 | 0–2 | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–25 | 0–2 | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–20 | 0–2 | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 0–20 | 0–1 | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Livestock use:
This site provides good grazing for cattle, sheep and horses for spring, summer, and fall use.
Wildlife use:
This site is fair habitat for hawks, upland game birds and other small birds as well as jack rabbits, cottontails, coyotes and other small mammals. It frequently provides food for mule deer and pronghorn antelope during the winter.
Hydrological functions
This site has high runoff potential. Soils are in hydrologic group d.
Recreational uses
This site has fair to good aesthetic appeal and is valued for open space. In good condition it has a relatively large number of forbs and a few shrubs which bloom in the spring and early summer. It has very little value for screening because of the low growing nature of the plants and is therefore not good for camping and picnicking. Hunting is good for upland game birds, particularly sage grouse, chukars, and for jack rabbits and cottontails. This site has value for snowmobiling as a recreational use in winter, but this type of use may conflict with large populations of wintering mule deer or pronghorn antelope.
Wood products
none
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range trained personnel were also used.
Other references
Galatowitsch, S. M. 1990. Using the original land survey notes to reconstruct pre-settlement landscapes in the American West. Great Basin Naturalist 50:181-191. Keywords: [Western U.S., conservation, history, human impact]
Howard, Janet L. 1999. Artemisia tridentata subsp. wyomingensis. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2013, December 13].
Parson, R. E. 1996. A History of Rich County. Utah State Historical Society, County Commission, Rich County, Utah. Keywords: [Rich County, Utah, Historic land use, European settlements]
USDA-NRCS. 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook. in USDA, editor, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service-Grazing Lands Technology Institute. Keywords: [Western US, Federal guidelines, Range pasture management]
Staggs, T. 2005. Early vegetational responses to supplemented and unsupplemented fall sheep grazing treatments in a sagebrush steppe. M.S. Thesis. Utah State University, Logan, UT.
Woodland, R.D., 2007. Influence of fall grazing by sheep on plant productivity, shrub age class structure, and herbaceous species diversity in sagebrush steppe. Master’s Thesis, Utah State University, Utah, USA.
Western Regional Climate Center, Western U.S. Climate Historical Summaries. Available at: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/summary/Climsmut.html. Accessed 5 February 2009.
Web Soil Survey, Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available at: http://soils.usda.gov/technical/classification/osd/index.html. Accessed 20 February 2009.
Contributors
Darryl Trickler
Jamin Johanson
Approval
Kendra Moseley, 2/05/2025
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) | V. Keith Wadman |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | shane.green@ut.usda.gov |
| Date | 06/24/2004 |
| Approved by | Kendra Moseley |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Minor rill development in exposed areas. Rills present should be short on flatter slopes but may become longer (4 to 12 feet) as slope steepens. They should be somewhat widely spaced (4 to 6 feet), and follow the surface micro-features. Old rills should be weathered and muted in appearance. The presence of surface coarse fragments may reduce rill formation. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Flow patterns wind around surface rock & perennial plant bases and show minor evidence of erosion. They are somewhat short and stable and there is only minor evidence of deposition. Evidence of flow will increase somewhat with slope. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Plants may show very minor pedestialing on their down slope side. There should be no exposed roots. Terracettes should be few and stable. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
20 – 30%. (Soil surface is typically covered with 30% rock). -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Very few. Gullies should show only minor signs of active erosion and should be mostly stabilized with vegetation. Gullies may show slightly more indication of erosion as slope steepens. The presence of surface rock may mask erosion indicators. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Little evidence of wind generated soil movement. Wind caused blowouts and deposition are not present. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Some down slope redistribution caused by water. Some litter removal may occur in flow channels with deposition occurring at points of obstruction. Litter movement will increase with slope. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
70 to 80% of this site should have an erosion rating of 4 or 5. 20 to 30% may have a rating of 3 to 4. The average should be a 4. Litter accumulation and cryptogamic crusts reduce erosion. The presence of surface rock also reduces site erosion. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Soil surface varies from 0 to 6 inches. Structure is subangular blocky. Color is red (2.5YR4/6). An orhric epipedon goes to a depth of 6 inches. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
When perennial grasses decrease, reducing ground cover and increasing bare ground, runoff will increase and infiltration will be reduced. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None. Bedrock occurs at approximately 17 inches. -
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:
Cool Season Perennial bunchgrasses > Non-sprouting shrubsSub-dominant:
Sprouting shrubs = forbsOther:
Additional:
Assumed fire cycle of 40-60 years. Perennial bunchgrasses, non-sprouting shrubs > sprouting shrubs, perennial & annual forbs > invaders such as Cheatgrass, Peppergrass & Annual mustards. The perennial bunchgrass/non-sprouting shrub functioning groups are expected on this site. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
All age classes of perennial bunchgrasses should be present. Slight decadence in the principle shrubs could occur near the end of the fire cycle. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
850 - 950 #/acre on an 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:
Cheatgrass, Green rabbitbrush, Snakeweed, Sandberg bluegrass & Annual forbs.
-
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All perennial plants should have the ability to reproduce in all years, except in extreme drought years.
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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.
Ecosystem states
| T1a | - | non-native plants and domestic livestock are introduced to the site |
|---|---|---|
| T2a | - | Extended drought in combination with excessive grazing |
| T2b | - | non-native perennial grass seed is established on the site following tillage, wildfire, or other removal of the existing vegetation |
| T3a | - | non-native perennial grass seed is established on the site following tillage, wildfire, or other removal of the existing vegetation |
| T4a | - | Extended drought in combination with excessive grazing |
State 1 submodel, plant communities
| 1.1a | - | fire or other shrub-removal disturbance |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1b | - | fire or other shrub-removal disturbance |
| 1.2a | - | Time following disturbance |
| 1.2b | - | an increase in sprouting shrubs, possibly due to repeated fires over a short time period |
| 1.3a | - | Time following disturbance |
State 2 submodel, plant communities
| 2.1a | - | fire or other shrub-removal disturbance |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1b | - | fire or other shrub-removal disturbance |
| 2.2a | - | Time following disturbance |
| 2.2b | - | an increase in sprouting shrubs, possibly due to repeated fires over a short time period |
| 2.3a | - | Time following disturbance |