Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R028AY243UT
Semidesert Shallow Loam (Wyoming Big Sagebrush) North
Last updated: 6/12/2025
Accessed: 10/19/2025
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.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 028A–Ancient Lake Bonneville
MLRA 28A occurs in Utah (82 percent), Nevada (16 percent), and Idaho (2 percent). It encompasses approximately 36,775 square miles (95,246 square kilometers). A large area west and southwest of Great Salt Lake is a salty playa. This area is the farthest eastern extent of the Great Basin Section of the Basin and Range Province of the Intermontane Plateaus. It is an area of nearly level basins between widely separated mountain ranges trending north to south. The basins are bordered by long, gently sloping alluvial fans. The mountains are uplifted fault blocks with steep side slopes. Most of the valleys are closed basins containing sinks or playa lakes. Elevation ranges from 3,950 to 6,560 feet (1,204 to 2,000 meters) in the basins and from 6,560 to 11,150 feet (1,996 to 3,398 meters) in the mountains. Much of the MLRA has alluvial valley fill and playa lakebed deposits at the surface from pluvial Lake Bonneville, which dominated this MLRA 13,000 years ago. A level line of remnant lake terraces on some mountain slopes indicates the former extent of this glacial lake. The Great Salt Lake is what remains of the pluvial lake.
Mountains in the interior of this MLRA consist of tilted blocks of marine sediments from Cambrian to Mississippian age with scattered outcrops of Tertiary continental sediments and volcanic rocks. The average annual precipitation is 5 to 12 inches (13 to 30 cm) in the valleys and ranges up to 49 inches (124 cm) in the mountains. Most of the rainfall in the southern LRU occurs as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms during the growing season (April through September). The driest period is from midsummer to early autumn in the northern LRU. Precipitation in winter typically occurs as snow. The average annual temperature is 39 to 53 °F (4 to 12 °C). The freeze-free period averages 165 days and ranges from 110 to 215 days, decreasing in length with increasing elevation. The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Aridisols, Entisols, and Mollisols. Soils are dominantly in the mesic or frigid soil temperature regime, aridic or xeric soil moisture regime, and mixed mineralogy. The soils are generally well drained, loamy or loamy-skeletal, and very deep.
LRU notes
The Basin and Range North LRU exhibits dry summer with stronger xeric patterns than the Basin and Range South LRU. Ranges in the north LRU are about 50 percent Paleozoic sedimentary/metasedimentary (limestone/quartzite dominant) and about 10 percent Tertiary volcanics. The basin floors are between 4,200 and 5,100 feet (1280 to 1554 meters) in elevation. Pinyon and juniper sites have a greater percentage of Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) in the plant community than pinyon pine (Pinus edulis or monophylla). The Basin and Range North have few semidesert ecological sites with Utah juniper. Cool season grasses, such as bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudorogneria spicata), are dominant in the plant community, while warm season grasses are largely absent or a small component of the plant community.
Ecological site concept
The Semidesert Shallow Loam (Wyoming Big Sagebrush) North site occurs on shallow soils over fractured bedrock with some bedrock exposure on the soil surface. It occurs at elevations ranging between 4,250 and 5,000 feet (1,295 to 1,524 meters). The bedrock is fractured enough to allow Wyoming big sagebrush to establish rather than black sagebrush which is typically found on shallow soils. This site occurs on mountain slopes and lake terraces at slopes typically between 10 and 30 percent, although it can occur at slopes less than 10 percent.
The Semidesert Shallow Loam site is found across the MLRA from north to south and crosses the proposed LRU division. Soils on this site need to be evaluated in the field to confirm the correct LRU.
Associated sites
| R028AY236UT |
Semidesert Shallow Loam (Black Sagebrush) North This site occurs over shallow soil to bedrock that is not as fractured. |
|---|---|
| R028AY252UT |
Semidesert Stony Loam (Black Sagebrush) This site has more rock fragments in the soil profile and is dominated by black sagebrush. |
Similar sites
| R028AY220UT |
Semidesert Loam (Wyoming Big Sagebrush) This site occurs on lake terraces and fan remnants on soils that are loamy that have less than 15% rock fragments in the soil profile. The dominant shrub is Wyoming big sagebrush. |
|---|---|
| R028AB243UT |
Semidesert Shallow Loam (Wyoming big sagebrush) South This site occurs in the southern Basin and Range LRU and will have more influence from summer convective storms and will have a component of warm season grasses in the community. |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
(1) Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Pseudoroegneria spicata |
Physiographic features
The Semidesert Shallow Loam (Wyoming Big Sagebrush) North site is located on lake terraces and mountain slopes. Slopes range from 10 to 30 percent but may occasionally be found at slopes less than 10 percent. Sites are located between 4,250 to 5,000 feet in elevation.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Lake terrace
(2) Mountain slope |
|---|---|
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 4,250 – 5,000 ft |
| Slope | 10 – 30% |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
The climate is dry subhumid and semiarid. It is characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. The average annual precipitation ranges from 10 to 14 inches. April, May and June are typically the wettest months with July, August and September being the driest. The most reliable sources of moisture for plant growth are the snow that accumulates over the winter, and spring rains. Summer thunderstorms are intermittent and sporadic in nature, and thus are not reliable sources of moisture to support vegetative growth on this site. The mean annual air temperature is 47 to 52 degrees.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (average) | 129 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | 154 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 14 in |
Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 2. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Influencing water features
There are no influencing water features on the Semidesert Shallow Loam (Wyoming Big Sagebrush) North ecological site.
Soil features
The soils formed in lacustrine sediments and residuum derived from basalt and cinder flows. They are mostly 10 to 20 inches deep over igneous bedrock or fractured basalt. The surface horizon is 3 to 4 inches thick and is typically a very stony or cobbly silt loam and loam. These soils can be non-calcareous or moderately calcareous, and moderately or strongly alkaline. They are well-drained with slow to moderate permeability. Available water capacity for the upper 40 inches of soil is 1 to 2 inches. The soil temperature regime is mesic, and the soil moisture regime is aridic.
Soil Survey Area: Soil Components:
Box Elder County - Eastern Part (UT602): Saxby (SMB, SN)
Millard County (UT618): Shotwell (81, 105)
Beaver County Area (UT628): Wala (214)
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Lacustrine deposits
–
basalt
(2) Residuum – basalt |
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Very stony silt loam (2) Very cobbly loam |
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Well drained |
| Permeability class | Slow to moderate |
| Soil depth | 10 – 20 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 8 – 19% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 23 – 40% |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
1.3 – 2.1 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
3 – 25% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
2 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
Not specified |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
7.9 – 9 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
6 – 17% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
6 – 31% |
Ecological dynamics
The Semidesert Shallow Loam (Wyoming Big Sagebrush) North site is found in the northern end of the Great Salt Lake Area of the Basin and Range Ecological Provence. It developed under the natural ecological conditions found there, including the normal influences of native wildlife herbivory, fire, and climate.
The Semidesert Shallow Loam (Wyoming Big Sagebrush) North sites plant species composition is typically dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush. A wide mixture of other shrubs including Nevada ephedra and shadscale are also commonly found. Bluebunch wheatgrass and Indian ricegrass are the most prominent herbaceous species. Needle and thread, western wheatgrass, and James' galleta are other common perennial grasses.
This ecological site has been grazed by domestic livestock since they were first introduced into the area in the mid 1800's. This introduction of livestock, mainly cattle and sheep, including the use of fencing to control those stock, and the development of reliable water sources, has in places altered the historic disturbance regimes associated with this ecological site. Improper livestock grazing that includes season long grazing and/or heavy stocking rates over long periods of time, will likely cause this site to depart from the reference plant community.
Periodic fire naturally occurred on this site with a burn period estimated at 80 to 90 years. Disturbances such as improper grazing, poorly designed brush treatments and OHV misuse can put this site at risk of entering a shorter burn cycle by allowing invasive annuals to enter the system. These annuals can produce flashy fuel loads which easily burn. Cheatgrass, Halogeton, various mustard species, alyssum, and Russian thistle are most likely to invade this site. These and other invasive weed species are capable of establishing themselves on this site, however, even in the absence of disturbance, but rarely increase to a point where they dominate the community.
As this sites ecological condition deteriorates, palatable perennial grasses and winterfat typically decrease while Wyoming big sagebrush, green rabbitbrush, and less palatable grasses and forbs increase.
Management practices that maintain or improve rangeland vegetation include prescribed grazing and the proper location of water and fencing developments. Severe drought may adversely affect the production of the herbaceous perennial vegetation.
Suitability for rangeland seeding is only fair on this site because of its shallow soils. This practice is being used, however, over extensive areas to improve forage quality and to control erosion. Treated pastures, including sagebrush spraying, brush beating and heavy disking are commonly found throughout this sites range. These treated areas are typically seeded to adapted forage plants including crested wheatgrass and intermediate wheatgrass.
Where vegetative communities have been impacted by changes in management or natural influences that moved them from one ecological state to another, a return to previous states is often not possible. The amount of energy needed to affect desired vegetative shifts on this site depends on both its present biotic and abiotic features and the desired results.
The following State and Transition diagram shows some of the most commonly occurring plant communities found on this ecological site. These plant communities may not represent every possibility, but they are the most prevalent and repeatable. As more data are collected, some of these plant communities may be revised or removed, and new ones may be added. This model was developed using range data collected over the last 40 years in MLRA D28A in western Utah. Both ocular and measured data was collected and utilized.
State and transition model
Figure 3. R028AY243UT
More interactive model formats are also available.
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Ecosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
The Reference State describes the various biotic communities that are expected to be found on this ecological site under natural conditions. This reference state has a well developed shrub layer with Wyoming big sagebrush dominating. Nevada ephedra, winterfat, and shadscale are other common shrub species. Bluebunch wheatgrass and Indian ricegrass are the most dominant herbaceous species with needle-and-thread, western wheatgrass and James' galleta commonly occurring. The percentage of warm season species including James' galleta and blue grama found in the communities in this state will increase as one travels from north to south. Other native grasses, forbs, and shrubs will often produce a significant portion of vegetative composition in the plant community. The Reference State is self-sustaining and resistant to change due to a good natural resilience to its natural disturbances. The primary natural disturbance mechanisms are livestock grazing and wildlife population densities which can affect the shrub layer composition, weather fluctuations, and fire period. Definitions: Reference State: Natural plant communities as influenced by shrub canopy density, long term weather fluctuations, and periodic fire. Indicators: These communities are dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush and bluebunch wheatgrass. The density of the shrub canopy determines the amount and composition of the other native species present in the community. Feedbacks: Natural fluctuations in weather patterns that allow for a self-sustaining shrub and native grass community. Prolonged drought, an increase in fire frequency, or other disturbances may allow for the establishment of invasive species. At-risk Community Phase: All communities are at risk when native plants are stressed and conditions are created that may allow invasive plants to establish. Trigger: The establishment of invasive plant species.
Community 1.1
Wyoming Big Sagebrush/Bluebunch Wheatgrass
Figure 4. Community Phase 1.1
Community Phase 1.1 is dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush. Other significant shrubs include Nevada ephedra, winterfat, and shadscale. Bluebunch wheatgrass and Indian ricegrass dominate the herbaceous layer. This site is mature and may be nearing the end of its natural fire cycle. The sites vegetative composition by air-dry weight is approximately 45 percent perennial grasses, 10 percent forbs, and 45 percent shrubs.
Figure 5. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 130 | 300 | 420 |
| Shrub/Vine | 130 | 290 | 400 |
| Forb | 40 | 60 | 80 |
| Total | 300 | 650 | 900 |
Table 6. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 10-20% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 15-40% |
| Forb foliar cover | 2-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 0% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 0% |
Table 7. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | – | – | – | – |
| >0.5 <= 1 | – | – | – | – |
| >1 <= 2 | – | – | 35-45% | 0-10% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | – | 15-25% | – | – |
| >4.5 <= 13 | – | – | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Figure 6. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). UT2141, PNC. Excellent Condition.
| 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 | 5 | 15 | 40 | 30 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Community 1.2
Bluebunch Wheatgrass, Herebaceous Grass
Figure 7. Community Phase 1.2
Community Phase 1.2 is dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass and Indian ricegrass. Significant shrubs are present and typically include Wyoming big sagebrush, Nevada ephedra, winterfat, and green rabbitbrush. Other commonly occurring grasses include western wheatgrass and needle and thread. This site is early in its natural fire cycle and a slow transition from herbaceous species to woody species is occurring. Vegetative composition by air-dry weight is approximately 65 percent perennial grasses, 15 percent forbs, and 20 percent shrubs.
Figure 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 8. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 130 | 300 | 420 |
| Shrub/Vine | 130 | 290 | 400 |
| Forb | 40 | 60 | 80 |
| Total | 300 | 650 | 900 |
Table 9. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 10-20% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 15-40% |
| Forb foliar cover | 2-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 0% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 0% |
Table 10. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | – | – | – | – |
| >0.5 <= 1 | – | – | – | – |
| >1 <= 2 | – | – | 35-45% | 0-10% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | – | 15-25% | – | – |
| >4.5 <= 13 | – | – | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). UT2141, PNC. Excellent Condition.
| 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 | 5 | 15 | 40 | 30 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2
This community pathway occurs when weather patterns are within normal ranges and some level of fire reduces the Wyoming big sagebrush canopy, significantly opening the site. This more open canopy allows understory vegetation to increase in production, and under some circumstances, flourish on the site. Proper livestock grazing during these periods can facilitate this process.
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1
This community pathway occurs when long-term drought and/or extended periods without fire allows canopies, mainly Wyoming big sagebrush to significantly increase. This closing canopy event causes understory vegetation to be reduced and eventually nearly eliminated from the site. Drought alone can also reduce native perennial grass production and eventually eliminate some species from the system. Improper livestock grazing during these periods can facilitate this process.
State 2
Current Potential State
The Current Potential State is similar to the Reference State except that non-native species are now present. This state describes the plant communities that may or have become established on this ecological site under various successional sequences and disturbance conditions. This state typically has a well developed shrub layer with Wyoming big sagebrush often dominating. Nevada ephedra and shadscale are other common shrub species. Bluebunch wheatgrass and Indian ricegrass are the dominant herbaceous species. Other perennial grasses and forbs are also commonly found in abundance. These other native grasses, forbs, and shrubs may produce significant composition in the plant community. Cheatgrass, Halogeton, alyssum, various mustard species, and other non-native species are present on the site and under certain circumstances, may visually dominate the sites aspect. The primary disturbance mechanisms are the shrub layer density; the amount of invasive species present; weather fluctuations; and fire. The current potential state is still self-sustaining but may be losing its resistance to change due to the impact of disturbances with less resilience following those disturbances. Definitions: Current Potential State: Plant communities influenced by shrub canopy density, long term weather fluctuations, and periodic fire. Invasive species are present in various amounts. Indicators: A community dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush and bluebunch wheatgrass. The density of the shrub canopy determines the amount and composition of the other native and introduced grasses and forbs that may be present. Feedbacks: Natural fluctuations in weather patterns that allow for a self sustaining shrub and native grass community. Prolonged drought, more frequent fires, and/or other disturbances that may allow for the increase of invasive species. At-risk Community Phase: All communities are at risk when native plants are stressed and nutrients become available for invasive plants to increase. Trigger: A reduction of perennial grass and forb species combined with an increase of invasive plant species.
Community 2.1
Wyoming Big Sagebrush/Bluebunch Wheatgrass/Invasive Weed
Figure 10. Community Phase 2.1
Community Phase 2.1 is dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush. Other significant shrubs include Nevada ephedra, winterfat, and shadscale. Bluebunch wheatgrass and Indian ricegrass co-dominate the herbaceous layer. Non-native species are now present in the all plant communities and are expected to remain a permanent part of these communities. This site is mature and may be nearing the end of its natural fire cycle. Vegetative composition by air-dry weight is approximately 45 percent perennial grasses, 10 percent forbs, and 45 percent shrubs.
Figure 11. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 11. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 130 | 300 | 420 |
| Shrub/Vine | 130 | 290 | 400 |
| Forb | 40 | 60 | 80 |
| Total | 300 | 650 | 900 |
Table 12. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 10-20% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 15-40% |
| Forb foliar cover | 2-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 0% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 0% |
Table 13. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | – | – | – | – |
| >0.5 <= 1 | – | – | – | – |
| >1 <= 2 | – | – | 35-45% | 0-10% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | – | 15-25% | – | – |
| >4.5 <= 13 | – | – | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). UT2141, PNC. Excellent Condition.
| 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 | 5 | 15 | 40 | 30 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Community 2.2
Wyoming Big Sagebrush/Invasive Weed
Figure 13. Community Phase 2.2
Community Phase 2.2 is dominated by shrubs and invasive annual weeds. Wyoming big sagebrush, Nevada ephedra, horsebrush species, and shadscale often dominate the shrub layer. Non-native species including cheatgrass, bulbous bluegrass, Russian thistle, and various annual mustard species comprise most of the herbaceous understory. Bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass and other native perennial grasses are much reduced or missing. This site may be nearing the end of its natural fire cycle. The sites vegetative composition by air-dry weight is approximately 50 percent perennial grasses, 10 percent forbs, and 50 percent shrubs.
Figure 14. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 14. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 130 | 300 | 420 |
| Shrub/Vine | 130 | 290 | 400 |
| Forb | 40 | 60 | 80 |
| Total | 300 | 650 | 900 |
Table 15. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 10-20% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 15-40% |
| Forb foliar cover | 2-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 0% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 0% |
Table 16. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | – | – | – | – |
| >0.5 <= 1 | – | – | – | – |
| >1 <= 2 | – | – | 35-45% | 0-10% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | – | 15-25% | – | – |
| >4.5 <= 13 | – | – | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Figure 15. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). UT2141, PNC. Excellent Condition.
| 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 | 5 | 15 | 40 | 30 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Community 2.3
Burned/Sprayed and Seeded
Figure 16. Community Phase 2.3
Community Phase 2.3 is found following successful burning or chemical spraying to remove Wyoming big sagebrush. Other shrubs including Nevada ephedra, winterfat, and shadscale may also be impacted. Bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, needle and thread, and James' galleta, where present, may be increasing. Introduced species including crested and intermediate wheatgrass may dominate the site where seeded. Non-native species are still present and are expected to remain a permanent part of these communities. This site can be very productive for forage production where well managed. The sites vegetative composition by air-dry weight is approximately 65 percent perennial grasses, 10 percent forbs, and 25 percent shrubs.
Figure 17. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 17. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 130 | 300 | 420 |
| Shrub/Vine | 130 | 290 | 400 |
| Forb | 40 | 60 | 80 |
| Total | 300 | 650 | 900 |
Table 18. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 10-20% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 15-40% |
| Forb foliar cover | 2-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 0% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 0% |
Table 19. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | – | – | – | – |
| >0.5 <= 1 | – | – | – | – |
| >1 <= 2 | – | – | 35-45% | 0-10% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | – | 15-25% | – | – |
| >4.5 <= 13 | – | – | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Figure 18. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). UT2141, PNC. Excellent Condition.
| 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 | 5 | 15 | 40 | 30 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2
This community pathway occurs when long-term drought and/or extended periods without fire allows canopies, mainly Wyoming big sagebrush to significantly increase. This closing canopy event causes understory vegetation to be reduced and eventually, nearly eliminated from the site. Drought alone can also reduce native perennial grass production and eventually eliminate some species from the system. Improper livestock grazing during these periods can facilitate this process.
Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.1
This community pathway occurs when weather patterns are within normal or above normal ranges and some level of fire reduces the Wyoming big sagebrush canopy, significantly opening the site. This more open canopy allows understory vegetation to increase in production, and under some circumstances, flourish on the site. Proper livestock grazing during these periods can facilitate this process.
Pathway 2.2b
Community 2.2 to 2.3
This community pathway occurs when the site is either burned or treated with herbicide to reduce or remove the Wyoming big sagebrush canopy, significantly opening the site. This more open canopy allows understory native vegetation to increase in production, and under some circumstances, flourish on the site. Where there are not sufficient native species available, site is often seeded to introduced forage species. Proper livestock grazing during these periods can facilitate this process.
Pathway 2.3a
Community 2.3 to 2.2
This community pathway occurs when long-term drought and/or extended periods without fire allows canopies, mainly Wyoming big sagebrush to significantly increase. This closing canopy event causes understory vegetation to be reduced and eventually nearly eliminated from the site. Drought alone can also reduce native perennial grass production and eventually eliminate some species from the system. Improper livestock grazing during these periods can facilitate this process.
State 3
Seeded State
The Seeded State describes plant community phases that have been mechanically treated to remove Wyoming big sagebrush. Common treatment methods include brush beating, heavy disking, and occasionally, chaining. These treated pastures are then typically seeded to introduced forage species such as intermediate or crested wheatgrass, or managed to allow native perennial grasses to recover. Invasive weedy species, including cheatgrass, Halogeton, alyssum, various mustard species and other non-native species, are present and, in some cares, may visually dominate the sites herbaceous layer. On pastures where seedings fail or native species do not respond to management, the site is often covered with annuals which can prevent site recovery and may periodically burn and re-burn. The primary disturbance mechanisms include; the amount of of invasive herbaceous species present; weather fluctuations, and fire patterns. This state may have lost its resistance to change due to the impact of these disturbances and has less resilience following those disturbances. Definitions: Seeded State: Plant communities that have been manipulated to remove Wyoming big sagebrush; long term weather fluctuations; and periodic fire. Indicators: The composition of the herbaceous community determines any additional treatment needs including range seeding and/or proper grazing management to allow native and introduced grasses and forbs to recover. Feedbacks: Natural fluctuations in weather patterns that impact herbaceous communities. Prolonged drought, less frequent fire, and/or other disturbances that allow for the increase of all invasive species. At-risk Community Phase: All communities are at risk when native plants are stressed and nutrients become available for invasive plants to increase. Trigger: A reduction of perennial grass and forb species combined with an increase of invasive plant species.
Community 3.1
Brush Beating/Disked - Perennial Grass
Figure 19. Community Phase 3.1
This mechanically altered phase is found following successful brush beating, heavy disking, or chaining to remove Wyoming big sagebrush. Other shrubs, including Nevada ephedra, winterfat, and shadscale may also be removed from the site. Where sufficient stands of bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, needle and thread, and James' galleta are present, they may be recovering under good grazing management practices. In most cases, however, introduced species including crested and intermediate wheatgrass are seeded and will often provide most of the sites forage. Non-native species are still present and are expected to remain a permanent part of these communities. This site can be every productive for forage production where well managed. Vegetative composition by air-dry weight is approximately 70 percent perennial grasses, 10 percent forbs, and 20 percent shrubs.
Figure 20. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 20. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 130 | 300 | 420 |
| Shrub/Vine | 130 | 290 | 400 |
| Forb | 40 | 60 | 80 |
| Total | 300 | 650 | 900 |
Table 21. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 10-20% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 15-40% |
| Forb foliar cover | 2-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 0% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 0% |
Table 22. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | – | – | – | – |
| >0.5 <= 1 | – | – | – | – |
| >1 <= 2 | – | – | 35-45% | 0-10% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | – | 15-25% | – | – |
| >4.5 <= 13 | – | – | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Figure 21. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). UT2141, PNC. Excellent Condition.
| 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 | 5 | 15 | 40 | 30 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Community 3.2
Brush Beating/Disked - Invasive Weed
Figure 22. Community Pahse 3.2
This community phase is found following successful brush beating, heavy disking, or chaining to remove Wyoming big sagebrush. Other shrubs, including Nevada ephedra, winterfat, and shadscale may also be removed from the site. Native herbaceous species such as bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, and needle-and-thread are either much reduced or missing. Site is either not seeded, or the seeding is a failure. Non-native species are present and produce most of the sites herbage. Annuals such as cheatgrass, Russian thistle, and various mustards readily burn and re-burn every few years. This short burn cycle may lock the site into a potentially permanent annual weed community phase. This site has little value for forage production. The sites vegetative composition by air-dry weight is approximately 60 percent annual grasses, 10 percent perennial grasses, 20 percent annual forbs, and 10 percent shrubs.
Figure 23. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 23. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 130 | 300 | 420 |
| Shrub/Vine | 130 | 290 | 400 |
| Forb | 40 | 60 | 80 |
| Total | 300 | 650 | 900 |
Table 24. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 10-20% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 15-40% |
| Forb foliar cover | 2-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 0% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 0% |
Table 25. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | – | – | – | – |
| >0.5 <= 1 | – | – | – | – |
| >1 <= 2 | – | – | 35-45% | 0-10% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | – | 15-25% | – | – |
| >4.5 <= 13 | – | – | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Figure 24. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). UT2141, PNC. Excellent Condition.
| 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 | 5 | 15 | 40 | 30 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Pathway 3.1a
Community 3.1 to 3.2
This community pathway occurs when long-term drought and/or improper livestock grazing reduces native perennial grass production or introduced forage species, and eventually eliminates them from the site.
Pathway 3.2a
Community 3.2 to 3.1
This community pathway occurs when normal or above normal weather pattern return to the site. Range seeding may be required to re-introduce perennial grasses. Good livestock grazing management facilitates this process.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
This transitional pathway occurs when any combination of improper livestock grazing, prolonged drought or other disturbance causes the perennial herbaceous community to become significantly reduced allowing non-native species such as cheatgrass, Halogeton, alyssum, Russian thistle, and other invasive weeds to become established. Broom snakeweed may also increase during this time. Once invasive species occupy the site, a threshold has been crossed. Cheatgrass, however, has been known to become established in healthy communities.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
This transitional pathway occurs when the site is brush beat, disked, or chained to remove Wyoming big sagebrush and other unwanted shrubs. The perennial herbaceous community responds positively to this treatment. Where insufficient desirable forage species are available, introduced species are seeded onto the site. Non-native species such as cheatgrass, Halogeton, alyssum, Russian thistle and other invasive weeds are also present. Broom snakeweed may also increase during this time.
Additional community tables
Table 26. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Primary Grasses | 225–325 | ||||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 150–180 | – | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 120–140 | – | ||
| 4 | Secondary Grasses | 75–125 | ||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 20–40 | – | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 20–40 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 20–40 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 20–40 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 20–40 | – | ||
| basin wildrye | LECI4 | Leymus cinereus | 20–40 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 20–40 | – | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 20–40 | – | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 20–40 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 20–40 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Primary Forbs | 40–60 | ||||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 10–20 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 10–20 | – | ||
| tapertip onion | ALAC4 | Allium acuminatum | 10–20 | – | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 10–20 | – | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 10–20 | – | ||
| northwestern Indian paintbrush | CAAN7 | Castilleja angustifolia | 10–20 | – | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 10–20 | – | ||
| Douglas' dustymaiden | CHDO | Chaenactis douglasii | 10–20 | – | ||
| maiden blue eyed Mary | COPA3 | Collinsia parviflora | 10–20 | – | ||
| bastard toadflax | COUM | Comandra umbellata | 10–20 | – | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 10–20 | – | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 10–20 | – | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 10–20 | – | ||
| shaggy fleabane | ERPU2 | Erigeron pumilus | 10–20 | – | ||
| pingue rubberweed | HYRI | Hymenoxys richardsonii | 10–20 | – | ||
| Gray's biscuitroot | LOGR | Lomatium grayi | 10–20 | – | ||
| hoary tansyaster | MACA2 | Machaeranthera canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
| pale evening primrose | OEPA | Oenothera pallida | 10–20 | – | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 10–20 | – | ||
| Tolmie's owl's-clover | ORTO | Orthocarpus tolmiei | 10–20 | – | ||
| low beardtongue | PEHU | Penstemon humilis | 10–20 | – | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 10–20 | – | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 10–20 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 10–20 | – | ||
| yellow salsify | TRDU | Tragopogon dubius | 10–20 | – | ||
| salsify | TRPO | Tragopogon porrifolius | 10–20 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 3 | Primary Shrubs | 150–250 | ||||
| Wyoming big sagebrush | ARTRW8 | Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis | 100–175 | – | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 20–40 | – | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 20–40 | – | ||
| 5 | Secondary Shrubs | 40–80 | ||||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 20–40 | – | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 20–40 | – | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 20–40 | – | ||
| spineless horsebrush | TECA2 | Tetradymia canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 10–20 | – | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 10–20 | – | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 10–20 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 10–20 | – | ||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 10–20 | – | ||
| basin big sagebrush | ARTRT | Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata | 10–20 | – | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
Table 27. Community 1.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Primary Grasses | 400–500 | ||||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 200–275 | – | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 175–250 | – | ||
| 4 | Secondary Grasses | 75–125 | ||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 20–40 | – | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 20–40 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 20–40 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 20–40 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 20–40 | – | ||
| basin wildrye | LECI4 | Leymus cinereus | 20–40 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 20–40 | – | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 20–40 | – | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 20–40 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 20–40 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Primary Forbs | 40–60 | ||||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 10–20 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 10–20 | – | ||
| tapertip onion | ALAC4 | Allium acuminatum | 10–20 | – | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 10–20 | – | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 10–20 | – | ||
| northwestern Indian paintbrush | CAAN7 | Castilleja angustifolia | 10–20 | – | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 10–20 | – | ||
| Douglas' dustymaiden | CHDO | Chaenactis douglasii | 10–20 | – | ||
| maiden blue eyed Mary | COPA3 | Collinsia parviflora | 10–20 | – | ||
| bastard toadflax | COUM | Comandra umbellata | 10–20 | – | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 10–20 | – | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 10–20 | – | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 10–20 | – | ||
| shaggy fleabane | ERPU2 | Erigeron pumilus | 10–20 | – | ||
| pingue rubberweed | HYRI | Hymenoxys richardsonii | 10–20 | – | ||
| hoary tansyaster | MACA2 | Machaeranthera canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
| pale evening primrose | OEPA | Oenothera pallida | 10–20 | – | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 10–20 | – | ||
| Tolmie's owl's-clover | ORTO | Orthocarpus tolmiei | 10–20 | – | ||
| low beardtongue | PEHU | Penstemon humilis | 10–20 | – | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 10–20 | – | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 10–20 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 10–20 | – | ||
| yellow salsify | TRDU | Tragopogon dubius | 10–20 | – | ||
| salsify | TRPO | Tragopogon porrifolius | 10–20 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 3 | Primary Shrubs | 75–125 | ||||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 20–40 | – | ||
| Wyoming big sagebrush | ARTRW8 | Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis | 20–40 | – | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 20–40 | – | ||
| 5 | Secondary Shrubs | 40–80 | ||||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 20–40 | – | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 20–40 | – | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 20–40 | – | ||
| spineless horsebrush | TECA2 | Tetradymia canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 10–20 | – | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 10–20 | – | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 10–20 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 10–20 | – | ||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 10–20 | – | ||
| basin big sagebrush | ARTRT | Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata | 10–20 | – | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
Table 28. Community 2.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Primary Grasses | 225–325 | ||||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 150–180 | – | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 120–140 | – | ||
| 4 | Secondary Grasses | 75–125 | ||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 20–40 | – | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 20–40 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 20–40 | – | ||
| red brome | BRRU2 | Bromus rubens | 20–40 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 20–40 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 20–40 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 20–40 | – | ||
| basin wildrye | LECI4 | Leymus cinereus | 20–40 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 20–40 | – | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 20–40 | – | ||
| bulbous bluegrass | POBU | Poa bulbosa | 20–40 | – | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 20–40 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 20–40 | – | ||
| sixweeks fescue | VUOC | Vulpia octoflora | 20–40 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Primary Forbs | 40–60 | ||||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 10–20 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 10–20 | – | ||
| tapertip onion | ALAC4 | Allium acuminatum | 10–20 | – | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 10–20 | – | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 10–20 | – | ||
| northwestern Indian paintbrush | CAAN7 | Castilleja angustifolia | 10–20 | – | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 10–20 | – | ||
| lambsquarters | CHAL7 | Chenopodium album | 10–20 | – | ||
| Douglas' dustymaiden | CHDO | Chaenactis douglasii | 10–20 | – | ||
| crossflower | CHTE2 | Chorispora tenella | 10–20 | – | ||
| maiden blue eyed Mary | COPA3 | Collinsia parviflora | 10–20 | – | ||
| bastard toadflax | COUM | Comandra umbellata | 10–20 | – | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 10–20 | – | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 10–20 | – | ||
| western tansymustard | DEPI | Descurainia pinnata | 10–20 | – | ||
| herb sophia | DESO2 | Descurainia sophia | 10–20 | – | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 10–20 | – | ||
| shaggy fleabane | ERPU2 | Erigeron pumilus | 10–20 | – | ||
| saltlover | HAGL | Halogeton glomeratus | 10–20 | – | ||
| common sunflower | HEAN3 | Helianthus annuus | 10–20 | – | ||
| pingue rubberweed | HYRI | Hymenoxys richardsonii | 10–20 | – | ||
| prickly lettuce | LASE | Lactuca serriola | 10–20 | – | ||
| hoary tansyaster | MACA2 | Machaeranthera canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
| pale evening primrose | OEPA | Oenothera pallida | 10–20 | – | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 10–20 | – | ||
| Tolmie's owl's-clover | ORTO | Orthocarpus tolmiei | 10–20 | – | ||
| low beardtongue | PEHU | Penstemon humilis | 10–20 | – | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 10–20 | – | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 10–20 | – | ||
| Russian thistle | SAKA | Salsola kali | 10–20 | – | ||
| tall tumblemustard | SIAL2 | Sisymbrium altissimum | 10–20 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 10–20 | – | ||
| yellow salsify | TRDU | Tragopogon dubius | 10–20 | – | ||
| salsify | TRPO | Tragopogon porrifolius | 10–20 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 3 | Primary Shrubs | 150–250 | ||||
| Wyoming big sagebrush | ARTRW8 | Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis | 100–175 | – | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 20–40 | – | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 20–40 | – | ||
| 5 | Secondary Shrubs | 40–80 | ||||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 20–40 | – | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 20–40 | – | ||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 20–40 | – | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 10–20 | – | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 10–20 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 10–20 | – | ||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 10–20 | – | ||
| basin big sagebrush | ARTRT | Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata | 10–20 | – | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
| spineless horsebrush | TECA2 | Tetradymia canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 10–20 | – | ||
Table 29. Community 2.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Primary Grasses | 225–325 | ||||
| sixweeks fescue | VUOC | Vulpia octoflora | 100–150 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 100–150 | – | ||
| bulbous bluegrass | POBU | Poa bulbosa | 100–150 | – | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 20–40 | – | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 20–40 | – | ||
| 4 | Secondary Grasses | 75–125 | ||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 20–40 | – | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 20–40 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 20–40 | – | ||
| red brome | BRRU2 | Bromus rubens | 20–40 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 20–40 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 20–40 | – | ||
| basin wildrye | LECI4 | Leymus cinereus | 20–40 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 20–40 | – | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 20–40 | – | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 20–40 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 20–40 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Primary Forbs | 40–60 | ||||
| Russian thistle | SAKA | Salsola kali | 100–150 | – | ||
| crossflower | CHTE2 | Chorispora tenella | 50–100 | – | ||
| western tansymustard | DEPI | Descurainia pinnata | 50–100 | – | ||
| herb sophia | DESO2 | Descurainia sophia | 50–100 | – | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 10–20 | – | ||
| shaggy fleabane | ERPU2 | Erigeron pumilus | 10–20 | – | ||
| saltlover | HAGL | Halogeton glomeratus | 10–20 | – | ||
| common sunflower | HEAN3 | Helianthus annuus | 10–20 | – | ||
| pingue rubberweed | HYRI | Hymenoxys richardsonii | 10–20 | – | ||
| prickly lettuce | LASE | Lactuca serriola | 10–20 | – | ||
| hoary tansyaster | MACA2 | Machaeranthera canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
| pale evening primrose | OEPA | Oenothera pallida | 10–20 | – | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 10–20 | – | ||
| Tolmie's owl's-clover | ORTO | Orthocarpus tolmiei | 10–20 | – | ||
| low beardtongue | PEHU | Penstemon humilis | 10–20 | – | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 10–20 | – | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 10–20 | – | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 10–20 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 10–20 | – | ||
| tapertip onion | ALAC4 | Allium acuminatum | 10–20 | – | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 10–20 | – | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 10–20 | – | ||
| northwestern Indian paintbrush | CAAN7 | Castilleja angustifolia | 10–20 | – | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 10–20 | – | ||
| lambsquarters | CHAL7 | Chenopodium album | 10–20 | – | ||
| Douglas' dustymaiden | CHDO | Chaenactis douglasii | 10–20 | – | ||
| maiden blue eyed Mary | COPA3 | Collinsia parviflora | 10–20 | – | ||
| bastard toadflax | COUM | Comandra umbellata | 10–20 | – | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 10–20 | – | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 10–20 | – | ||
| tall tumblemustard | SIAL2 | Sisymbrium altissimum | 10–20 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 10–20 | – | ||
| yellow salsify | TRDU | Tragopogon dubius | 10–20 | – | ||
| salsify | TRPO | Tragopogon porrifolius | 10–20 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 3 | Primary Shrubs | 250–350 | ||||
| Wyoming big sagebrush | ARTRW8 | Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis | 200–270 | – | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 20–40 | – | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 20–40 | – | ||
| 5 | Secondary Shrubs | 40–80 | ||||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 20–40 | – | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 20–40 | – | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 20–40 | – | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 10–20 | – | ||
| spineless horsebrush | TECA2 | Tetradymia canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 10–20 | – | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 10–20 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 10–20 | – | ||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 10–20 | – | ||
| basin big sagebrush | ARTRT | Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata | 10–20 | – | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
Table 30. Community 2.3 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Primary Grasses | 225–325 | ||||
| intermediate wheatgrass | THIN6 | Thinopyrum intermedium | 300–400 | – | ||
| crested wheatgrass | AGCR | Agropyron cristatum | 300–400 | – | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 60–90 | – | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 40–60 | – | ||
| 4 | Secondary Grasses | 75–125 | ||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 20–40 | – | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 20–40 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 20–40 | – | ||
| red brome | BRRU2 | Bromus rubens | 20–40 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 20–40 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 20–40 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 20–40 | – | ||
| basin wildrye | LECI4 | Leymus cinereus | 20–40 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 20–40 | – | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 20–40 | – | ||
| bulbous bluegrass | POBU | Poa bulbosa | 20–40 | – | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 20–40 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 20–40 | – | ||
| sixweeks fescue | VUOC | Vulpia octoflora | 20–40 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Primary Forbs | 40–60 | ||||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 10–20 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 10–20 | – | ||
| tapertip onion | ALAC4 | Allium acuminatum | 10–20 | – | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 10–20 | – | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 10–20 | – | ||
| northwestern Indian paintbrush | CAAN7 | Castilleja angustifolia | 10–20 | – | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 10–20 | – | ||
| lambsquarters | CHAL7 | Chenopodium album | 10–20 | – | ||
| Douglas' dustymaiden | CHDO | Chaenactis douglasii | 10–20 | – | ||
| crossflower | CHTE2 | Chorispora tenella | 10–20 | – | ||
| maiden blue eyed Mary | COPA3 | Collinsia parviflora | 10–20 | – | ||
| bastard toadflax | COUM | Comandra umbellata | 10–20 | – | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 10–20 | – | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 10–20 | – | ||
| western tansymustard | DEPI | Descurainia pinnata | 10–20 | – | ||
| herb sophia | DESO2 | Descurainia sophia | 10–20 | – | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 10–20 | – | ||
| shaggy fleabane | ERPU2 | Erigeron pumilus | 10–20 | – | ||
| saltlover | HAGL | Halogeton glomeratus | 10–20 | – | ||
| common sunflower | HEAN3 | Helianthus annuus | 10–20 | – | ||
| pingue rubberweed | HYRI | Hymenoxys richardsonii | 10–20 | – | ||
| prickly lettuce | LASE | Lactuca serriola | 10–20 | – | ||
| hoary tansyaster | MACA2 | Machaeranthera canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
| pale evening primrose | OEPA | Oenothera pallida | 10–20 | – | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 10–20 | – | ||
| Tolmie's owl's-clover | ORTO | Orthocarpus tolmiei | 10–20 | – | ||
| low beardtongue | PEHU | Penstemon humilis | 10–20 | – | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 10–20 | – | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 10–20 | – | ||
| Russian thistle | SAKA | Salsola kali | 10–20 | – | ||
| tall tumblemustard | SIAL2 | Sisymbrium altissimum | 10–20 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 10–20 | – | ||
| yellow salsify | TRDU | Tragopogon dubius | 10–20 | – | ||
| salsify | TRPO | Tragopogon porrifolius | 10–20 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 3 | Primary Shrubs | 75–125 | ||||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 60–90 | – | ||
| Wyoming big sagebrush | ARTRW8 | Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis | 30–60 | – | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 20–40 | – | ||
| 5 | Secondary Shrubs | 40–80 | ||||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 20–40 | – | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 20–40 | – | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 20–40 | – | ||
| spineless horsebrush | TECA2 | Tetradymia canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 10–20 | – | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 10–20 | – | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 10–20 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 10–20 | – | ||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 10–20 | – | ||
| basin big sagebrush | ARTRT | Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata | 10–20 | – | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
Table 31. Community 3.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Primary Grasses | 350–450 | ||||
| intermediate wheatgrass | THIN6 | Thinopyrum intermedium | 300–400 | – | ||
| crested wheatgrass | AGCR | Agropyron cristatum | 300–400 | – | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 100–150 | – | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 100–150 | – | ||
| 4 | Secondary Grasses | 75–125 | ||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 20–40 | – | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 20–40 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 20–40 | – | ||
| red brome | BRRU2 | Bromus rubens | 20–40 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 20–40 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 20–40 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 20–40 | – | ||
| basin wildrye | LECI4 | Leymus cinereus | 20–40 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 20–40 | – | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 20–40 | – | ||
| bulbous bluegrass | POBU | Poa bulbosa | 20–40 | – | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 20–40 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 20–40 | – | ||
| sixweeks fescue | VUOC | Vulpia octoflora | 20–40 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Primary Forbs | 40–60 | ||||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 10–20 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 10–20 | – | ||
| tapertip onion | ALAC4 | Allium acuminatum | 10–20 | – | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 10–20 | – | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 10–20 | – | ||
| northwestern Indian paintbrush | CAAN7 | Castilleja angustifolia | 10–20 | – | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 10–20 | – | ||
| lambsquarters | CHAL7 | Chenopodium album | 10–20 | – | ||
| Douglas' dustymaiden | CHDO | Chaenactis douglasii | 10–20 | – | ||
| crossflower | CHTE2 | Chorispora tenella | 10–20 | – | ||
| maiden blue eyed Mary | COPA3 | Collinsia parviflora | 10–20 | – | ||
| bastard toadflax | COUM | Comandra umbellata | 10–20 | – | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 10–20 | – | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 10–20 | – | ||
| western tansymustard | DEPI | Descurainia pinnata | 10–20 | – | ||
| herb sophia | DESO2 | Descurainia sophia | 10–20 | – | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 10–20 | – | ||
| shaggy fleabane | ERPU2 | Erigeron pumilus | 10–20 | – | ||
| saltlover | HAGL | Halogeton glomeratus | 10–20 | – | ||
| common sunflower | HEAN3 | Helianthus annuus | 10–20 | – | ||
| pingue rubberweed | HYRI | Hymenoxys richardsonii | 10–20 | – | ||
| prickly lettuce | LASE | Lactuca serriola | 10–20 | – | ||
| hoary tansyaster | MACA2 | Machaeranthera canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
| pale evening primrose | OEPA | Oenothera pallida | 10–20 | – | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 10–20 | – | ||
| Tolmie's owl's-clover | ORTO | Orthocarpus tolmiei | 10–20 | – | ||
| low beardtongue | PEHU | Penstemon humilis | 10–20 | – | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 10–20 | – | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 10–20 | – | ||
| Russian thistle | SAKA | Salsola kali | 10–20 | – | ||
| tall tumblemustard | SIAL2 | Sisymbrium altissimum | 10–20 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 10–20 | – | ||
| yellow salsify | TRDU | Tragopogon dubius | 10–20 | – | ||
| salsify | TRPO | Tragopogon porrifolius | 10–20 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 3 | Primary Shrubs | 75–125 | ||||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 60–90 | – | ||
| Wyoming big sagebrush | ARTRW8 | Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis | 30–60 | – | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 20–40 | – | ||
| 5 | Secondary Shrubs | 40–80 | ||||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 20–40 | – | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 20–40 | – | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 20–40 | – | ||
| spineless horsebrush | TECA2 | Tetradymia canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 10–20 | – | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 10–20 | – | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 10–20 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 10–20 | – | ||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 10–20 | – | ||
| basin big sagebrush | ARTRT | Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata | 10–20 | – | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
Table 32. Community 3.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Primary Grasses | 350–450 | ||||
| sixweeks fescue | VUOC | Vulpia octoflora | 100–200 | – | ||
| red brome | BRRU2 | Bromus rubens | 100–200 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 100–200 | – | ||
| bulbous bluegrass | POBU | Poa bulbosa | 100–200 | – | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 20–40 | – | ||
| intermediate wheatgrass | THIN6 | Thinopyrum intermedium | 20–40 | – | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 20–40 | – | ||
| crested wheatgrass | AGCR | Agropyron cristatum | 20–40 | – | ||
| 4 | Secondary Grasses | 75–125 | ||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 20–40 | – | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 20–40 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 20–40 | – | ||
| red brome | BRRU2 | Bromus rubens | 20–40 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 20–40 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 20–40 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 20–40 | – | ||
| basin wildrye | LECI4 | Leymus cinereus | 20–40 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 20–40 | – | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 20–40 | – | ||
| bulbous bluegrass | POBU | Poa bulbosa | 20–40 | – | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 20–40 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 20–40 | – | ||
| sixweeks fescue | VUOC | Vulpia octoflora | 20–40 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Primary Forbs | 140–240 | ||||
| saltlover | HAGL | Halogeton glomeratus | 60–90 | – | ||
| Russian thistle | SAKA | Salsola kali | 60–90 | – | ||
| prickly lettuce | LASE | Lactuca serriola | 60–90 | – | ||
| crossflower | CHTE2 | Chorispora tenella | 60–90 | – | ||
| western tansymustard | DEPI | Descurainia pinnata | 60–90 | – | ||
| herb sophia | DESO2 | Descurainia sophia | 60–90 | – | ||
| cushion buckwheat | EROV | Eriogonum ovalifolium | 10–20 | – | ||
| shaggy fleabane | ERPU2 | Erigeron pumilus | 10–20 | – | ||
| maiden blue eyed Mary | COPA3 | Collinsia parviflora | 10–20 | – | ||
| bastard toadflax | COUM | Comandra umbellata | 10–20 | – | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 10–20 | – | ||
| roundspike cryptantha | CRHU2 | Cryptantha humilis | 10–20 | – | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 10–20 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 10–20 | – | ||
| tapertip onion | ALAC4 | Allium acuminatum | 10–20 | – | ||
| low pussytoes | ANDI2 | Antennaria dimorpha | 10–20 | – | ||
| Utah milkvetch | ASUT | Astragalus utahensis | 10–20 | – | ||
| northwestern Indian paintbrush | CAAN7 | Castilleja angustifolia | 10–20 | – | ||
| sego lily | CANU3 | Calochortus nuttallii | 10–20 | – | ||
| lambsquarters | CHAL7 | Chenopodium album | 10–20 | – | ||
| Douglas' dustymaiden | CHDO | Chaenactis douglasii | 10–20 | – | ||
| hoary tansyaster | MACA2 | Machaeranthera canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
| pale evening primrose | OEPA | Oenothera pallida | 10–20 | – | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 10–20 | – | ||
| Tolmie's owl's-clover | ORTO | Orthocarpus tolmiei | 10–20 | – | ||
| low beardtongue | PEHU | Penstemon humilis | 10–20 | – | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 10–20 | – | ||
| longleaf phlox | PHLO2 | Phlox longifolia | 10–20 | – | ||
| tall tumblemustard | SIAL2 | Sisymbrium altissimum | 10–20 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 10–20 | – | ||
| yellow salsify | TRDU | Tragopogon dubius | 10–20 | – | ||
| salsify | TRPO | Tragopogon porrifolius | 10–20 | – | ||
| common sunflower | HEAN3 | Helianthus annuus | 10–20 | – | ||
| pingue rubberweed | HYRI | Hymenoxys richardsonii | 10–20 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 3 | Primary Shrubs | 75–125 | ||||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 60–90 | – | ||
| Wyoming big sagebrush | ARTRW8 | Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis | 30–60 | – | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 20–40 | – | ||
| 5 | Secondary Shrubs | 40–80 | ||||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 20–40 | – | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 20–40 | – | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 20–40 | – | ||
| spineless horsebrush | TECA2 | Tetradymia canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 10–20 | – | ||
| slender buckwheat | ERMI4 | Eriogonum microthecum | 10–20 | – | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 10–20 | – | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 10–20 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 10–20 | – | ||
| black sagebrush | ARNO4 | Artemisia nova | 10–20 | – | ||
| basin big sagebrush | ARTRT | Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata | 10–20 | – | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 10–20 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
--Wildlife Interpretation--
The Semidesert Shallow Loam (Wyoming Big Sagebrush) North ecological site, in Reference State, produces significant amounts of nutritious forage that was utilized by native herbivores including Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope who lived here along their associated predators. Although much of this site is presently different from the Reference State, it is still very important as wildlife habitat. Other wildlife commonly observed using this site include mountain lions, rabbits, coyotes, badgers, and red fox's.
The Semidesert Shallow Loam (Wyoming Big Sagebrush) North site also provides habitat to raptors and other bird species including golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, ferruginous hawks, and several species of owls. Ringneck pheasant, sage grouse, chukars, and California quail are also commonly found.
--Grazing Interpretations--
The Semidesert Shallow Loam (Wyoming Big Sagebrush) North site provides good spring, fall, and winter grazing conditions for domestic livestock due to its accessibility and its supply of nutritious forage. The herbaceous plant community is primarily grasses, with the majority of canopy cover being attributed to bluebunch wheatgrass and Indian ricegrass. Improper livestock grazing can cause these species to decrease while annual forbs, Wyoming big sagebrush, and rabbitbrush species to increase.
When this site is stressed, cheatgrass, alyssum, Russian thistle, and Halogeton are likely to invade.
Hydrological functions
The soils are generally in Hydrologic Soil Group D due to the shallow depth (NRCS National Engineering Handbook). These soils are saturated quickly due to high infiltration rates and shallow depth; once soils are saturated, run off potential is high. Hydrological groups are used in equations that estimate runoff from rainfall. These estimates are needed for solving hydrologic problems that arise in planning watershed-protection and flood-prevention projects and for designing structures for the use, control and disposal of water. Heavy grazing can alter the hydrology by decreasing plant cover and increasing bare ground. Fire can also affect hydrology, but its affect is variable. Fire intensity, fuel type, soil, climate, and topography can each have different influences. Fires can increase areas of bare ground and hydrophobic layers that reduce infiltration and increase runoff (National Range and Pasture Handbook, 2003).
Recreational uses
Recreation activities include aesthetic value and good opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and off-road vehicle use. Due to the high erosion potential after a surface disturbance, care should be taken when planning recreational activities. Camp sites are usually limited due to lack of sheltering trees or rock outcrop.
Wood products
None
Other products
None.
Other information
--Poisonous and Toxic Plant Communities--
Toxic plants possibly associated with the Semidesert Shallow Loam (Wyoming Big Sagebrush) North site include woolly locoweed, broom snakeweed, and Russian thistle.
Woolly locoweed is toxic to all classes of livestock and wildlife. Locoweed is palatable and has similar nutrient value to alfalfa, which may cause animals to consume it even when other forage is available. Locoweed contains swainsonine (indolizdine alkaloid) and is poisonous at all stages of growth. Poisoning will become evident after 2 to 3 weeks of continuous grazing and is associated with 4 major symptoms: 1) neurological damage, 2) emaciation, 3) reproductive failure and abortion, and 4) congestive heart failure linked with “high mountain disease”.
Broom snakeweed contains steroids, terpenoids, saponins, and flavones that can cause abortions or reproductive failure in sheep and cattle, however, cattle are most susceptible. These toxins are most abundant during active growth and leafing stage. Cattle and sheep generally will only graze broom snakeweed when other forage is unavailable, typically in winter when toxicity levels are at their lowest (Knight and Walter, 2001).
Russian thistle is an invasive toxic plant, causing nitrate and to a lesser extent oxalate poisoning, which affects all classes of livestock. The buildup of nitrates in these plants is highly dependent upon environmental factors such as after a rain storm, during a drought, during periods with cool/cloudy days, and when growing on soils high in nitrogen and low in sulfur and phosphorus. Nitrate collects in the stems and can persist throughout the growing season. Clinical signs of nitrate poisoning include drowsiness, weakness, muscular tremors, increased heart and respiratory rates, staggering gait, and death. Conversely, oxalate poisoning causes kidney failure; clinical signs include muscle tremors, tetany, weakness, and depression. Poisoning generally occurs when livestock consume and are not accustomed to grazing oxalate-containing plants. Animals with prior exposure to oxalates have increased numbers of oxalate-degrading rumen microflora, and thus, are able to degrade the toxin before clinical poisoning can occur.
--Invasive Plant Communities--
Generally, as ecological conditions deteriorate and perennial vegetation decreases due to disturbance (fire, drought, off road vehicle overuse, erosion, etc.) annual forbs and grasses may invade the site. Of particular concern in semi-arid environments are annual invaders including cheatgrass, Russian thistle, alyssum, and annual mustards. The presence of these species will depend on soil properties and moisture availability; however, these invaders are highly adaptive and can flourish in many locations. Once established, complete removal is difficult, but suppression may be possible. Very few invaded locations have been observed to date and so documentation is very limited.
--Fire Ecology--
The ability for an ecological site to carry fire depends primarily on its' present fuel load and plant moisture content. Sites with small fuel loads will burn more slowly and less intensely than sites with large fuel loads. Most research agrees that historic fire return intervals are at a minimum 100 years, indicating that fire may have not played an important role in short term community dynamics. Fires are more common when plants are stressed or dead due to drought. Fire tolerant shrubs will recover quickly following fire. Sagebrush will reestablish either by seeds dispersed from adjacent unburned patches or by unburned seeds found at the burn site. Continuous (every 20 to 40 years) burning of these ecological sites can result in herbaceous dominated communities, due to the relatively fast recovery of grasses and forbs when compared to shrubs. If invasive annual grasses are allowed to establish, fires may become more frequent, inhibiting the site’s ability to recover.
Supporting information
Type locality
| Location 1: Box Elder County, UT | |
|---|---|
| Township/Range/Section | T9N R8W S25 |
| General legal description | 13 miles southwest of Golden Spike National Monument; Box Elder County; 1,550 feet west and 1,400 feet north from the center of section 25, Township 9N, Range 8W. |
Other references
Baily, R.G. 1995. Description of the ecoregions of the United Sates. Available http://www.fs.fed.us/land/ecosysmgmt/ecoreg1_home.html. Accessed February 27, 2008.
Belnap, J. and S.L. Phillips. 2001. Soil biota in an ungrazed grassland: response to annual grass (Bromus tectorum) invasion. Ecological Applications. 11:1261-1275
Chapin, S.F., B.H. Walker, R.J. Hobbs, D.U. Hooper, J.H. Lawton, O.E. Sala, and D. Tilman. 1997. Biotic control over the functioning of ecosystems. Science. 277:500-504
Cox R.D. and V.J. Anderson. 2004. Increasing native diversity of cheatgrass-dominated rangeland through assisted succession. Journal of Range Management. 57:203-210,
Howard, Janet L. 2003. Atriplex canescens. In: Fire Effects Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/. Accessed on February 25, 2008.
Knight, A.P. and R.G. Walter. 2001. A guide to plant poisoning of animals in North America. Teton NewMedia. Jackson, WY.
National Engineering Handbook. US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Available: http://www.info.usda.gov/CED/Default.cfm#National%20Engineering%20Handbook. Accessed February 25, 2008.
NRCS Grazing Lands Technology Institute. 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook. Fort Worth, TX, USA: US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 190-VI-NRPH.
Tilley, D.J. 2007. Reintroducing native plants to the American West. Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID, USA: US Department of Agriculture. Available: http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/idpmc/publications.html. Accessed February 22, 2008.
Utah Climate Summaries. 2008. Available: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/summary/climsmut.html. Accessed on February 25, 2008.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. 2007.
Woods, A.J., D.A. Lammers, S.A. Bryce, J.M. Omernik, R.L. Denton, M. Domeier, and J.A. Comstock. 2001. Ecoregions of Utah (color poster with map, descriptive text, summary tables, and photographs). Reston, Virginia, U.S. Geological Survey (map scale 1:1,175,000).
Contributors
David J. Somorville
V. Keith Wadman
Approval
Kendra Moseley, 6/12/2025
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) |
Jack Alexander, Range Specialist, Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc. Julia Kluck, Soil Scientist, Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc. Shane Green, State Range Specialist, Utah NRCS V. Keith Wadman (NRCS Retired). |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | Shane Green, Shane.Green@ut.usda.gov |
| Date | 02/27/2013 |
| Approved by | Kendra Moseley |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
Few to Some. A few rills may development in sparsely vegetated areas. They should be fairly widely spaced and not connected. Rill development may increase following large storm events, but should begin to heal during the following growing season. Frost heaving will accelerate recovery. Rill development may increase when run inflow enters site from adjacent sites that produce large amounts of runoff (i.e. steeper sites, slickrock, rock outcrop). Site is essentially level and rills do not normally form. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Some very minor evidence of water flow patterns may be found around perennial plant bases. They show little evidence of current erosion. They are expected to be short (3-6 feet), stable, sinuous and not connected. There may be very minor evidence of deposition. Evidence of water flow may increase somewhat with slope. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Plants may have small pedestals (1”) where they are adjacent to water flow patterns, but without exposed roots. Terracettes should be few and stable. Terracettes should be small (3-6”) and show little sign of active erosion. Some plants may appear to have a pedestal but rather than be formed by erosion, the only place litter accumulates and soil collects is at plant bases forming the appearance of a pedestal.
Well-developed biological crusts may appear pedestalled, but are actually a characteristic of the crust formation. Some plants may appear to have a pedestal but rather than be formed by erosion, the only place litter accumulates and soil collects is at plant bases forming the appearance of a pedestal. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
25-35% bare ground (soil with no protection from raindrop impact). Herbaceous communities are most likely to have lower values. As species composition by shrubs increases, bare ground is likely to increase. Poorly developed biological soil crust that is susceptible to raindrop splash erosion should be recorded as bare ground. Very few if any bare spaces of greater than 1 square foot. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
No gullies present on site. A very few gullies may be present in landscape settings where they transport runoff from areas of greater water flow such as exposed bedrock. These gullies will be limited to slopes exceeding 10% and adjacent to sites where this runoff accumulation occurs. Any gullies present should show little sign of accelerated erosion and should be stabilized with perennial vegetation. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Very minor evidence of active wind-generated soil movement. Wind scoured (blowouts) and depositional areas are rarely present. If present they have muted features and are mostly stabilized with vegetation and/or biological crust. Gravel or desert pavement protects the site from wind scour. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Most litter resides in place with some redistribution caused by water and wind movement. Very minor litter removal may occur in flow patterns and rills with deposition occurring at points of obstruction. The majority of litter accumulates at the base of plants. Some leaves, stems, and small twigs may accumulate in soil depressions adjacent to plants. Woody stems are not likely to move. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
This site should have an erosion rating of 5 or 6 under plant canopies and a rating of 4 to 5 in the interspaces with an average rating of 5 using the soil stability kit test. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
(Saxby) Soil surface horizon is typically 4 inches deep. Structure is typically weak fine granular. Color is light brownish gray (10YR 6/2). An ochric horizon extends to a depth of 1 inches. An ochric horizon is a surface horizon lacking fine stratification and which is either light colored, or thin, or has an low organic carbon content, or is massive and (very) hard when dry. The A horizon would be expected to be more strongly developed under plant canopies. It is important if you are sampling to observe the A horizon under plant canopies as well as the interspaces. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Bunchgrasses and shrubs are equally important for increasing infiltration and reducing runoff. Litter plays a role in increasing infiltration and decreasing runoff. Plants provide microhabitat for seedlings, catch litter and soil, and slow raindrops and runoff. Vascular plants and/or well-developed biological soil crusts (where present) will break raindrop impact and splash erosion. Spatial distribution of vascular plants and interspaces between well-developed biological soil crusts (where present) provide detention storage and surface roughness that slows runoff allowing time for infiltration. Interspaces between plants and any well-developed biological soil crusts (where present) may serve as water flow patterns during episodic runoff events, with natural erosion expected in severe storms. When perennial grasses decrease, reducing ground cover and increasing bare ground, runoff is expected to increase and any associated infiltration reduced. Shrubs catch snow, slow wind evaporation, and provide microhabitat for seedling establishment. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None. Naturally occurring soil horizons may be harder than the surface because of an accumulation of clay or calcium carbonate and should not be considered as compaction layers. Fractured basalt bedrock occurs at 18”. -
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:
Non-sprouting Shrub (Wyoming big sagebrush) > Perennial Bunchgrasses (bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass), >> Sprouting Shrubs (winterfat, green rabbitbrush)Sub-dominant:
Rhizomatous Grasses (western wheatgrass, James galleta) > Perennial Forbs (Scarlet globemallow)Other:
A wide variety of other perennial grasses and both perennial and annual forbs are expected to occur on this site.Additional:
In the northern portion of the MLRA cool-season perennial grasses (bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, needle-and-thread) dominate. In the southernmost portion of the MLRA warm-season perennial grasses (galleta, sand dropseed) dominate. The two groups share dominance in the middle portion of the MLRA.
Functional/structural groups may appropriately contain non-native species if their ecological function is the same as the native species in the reference state (e.g. crested wheatgrass and Russian wildrye may substitute for mid stature cool season perennial native bunchgrasses.). Biological soil crust is variable in its expression on this site and is measured as a component of ground cover. Forbs can be expected to vary widely in their expression in the plant community based upon departures from average growing conditions. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
During years with average to above average precipitation, there should be very little recent mortality or decadence apparent in either the shrubs or grasses. Some mortality of bunchgrass and other shrubs may occur during very severe (long-term) droughts. There may be partial mortality of individual bunchgrasses and shrubs during less severe drought. Long-lived species dominate site. Open spaces from disturbance are quickly filled by new plants through seedlings and reproductive reproduction (tillering). -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter cover includes litter under plants. Most litter will be fine litter. Depth should be 1-2 leaf thickness in the interspaces and up to 1/2” under canopies. Litter cover may increase to 20-30% following years with favorable growing conditions. Excess litter may accumulate in absence of disturbance. Vegetative production may be reduced if litter cover exceeds 40%. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Annual production in air-dry herbage should be approximately 650#/acre on an average year but could range from 300 - 900#/acre during periods of prolonged drought or above average precipitation. Even the most stable communities exhibit a range of production values. Production will vary between communities and across the MRLA. Refer to the community descriptions in the ESD. Production will differ across the MLRA due to the naturally occurring variability in weather, soils, and aspect. The biological processes on this site are complex; therefore, representative values are presented in a land management context. -
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, Russian thistle, alyssum, various mustard species and annual forbs. Utah juniper may invade this site if a seed source is available. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All perennial plants should have the ability to reproduce sexually or asexually, except in drought years. Density of plants indicates that plants reproduce at level sufficient to fill available resource. Within capability of site there are no restrictions on seed or vegetative reproductive capacity. Some seedling recruitment should be observed during years with average or above average precipitation.
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