Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R010XB096OR
Blue Mountain Foothills, Claypan South
12-16 PZ
Last updated: 5/16/2025
Accessed: 07/07/2026
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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): 010X–Central Rocky and Blue Mountain Foothills
This MLRA is characterized by gently rolling to steep hills, plateaus, and low mountains at the foothills of the Blue Mountains in Oregon and the Central Rocky Mountains in Idaho. The geology of this area is highly varied and ranges from Holocene volcanics to Cretaceous sedimentary rocks. Mollisols are the dominant soil order and the soil climate is typified by mesic or frigid soil temperature regimes, and xeric or aridic soil moisture regimes. Elevation ranges from 1,300 to 6,600 feet (395 to 2,010 meters), increasing from west to east. The climate is characterized by dry summers and snow dominated winters with precipitation averaging 8 to 16 inches (205 to 405 millimeters) and increasing from west to east. These factors support plant communities with shrub-grass associations with considerable acreage of sagebrush grassland. Big sagebrush, bluebunch wheatgrass, and Idaho fescue are the dominant species. Stiff sagebrush, low sagebrush, and Sandberg bluegrass are often dominant on sites with shallow restrictive layers. Western juniper is one of the few common tree species and since European settlement has greatly expanded its extent in Oregon. Nearly half of the MLRA is federally owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Most of the area is used for livestock grazing with areas accessible by irrigation often used for irrigated agriculture.
LRU notes
This ecological site is found across all of the land resource units within the Blue Mountain Foothills (Western) portion of MLRA 10. Within this extent, much of its range is concentrated in the John Day Sediments and John Day Mountain Foothills LRUs due to the influence of the John Day and Clarno formations on subsurface clay content.
Classification relationships
International Vegetation Classification System:
Macrogroup: M170. Great Basin-Intermountain Dwarf Sagebrush Steppe & Shrubland
Group: G308. Intermountain Low & Black Sagebrush Steppe & Shrubland
Landfire Biophysical Setting:
11240 - Columbia Plateau Low Sagebrush Steppe
Bunchgrass Plant Communities of the Blue and Ochoco Mountains:
SD1911 - Low sagebrush/Idaho fescue-bluebunch wheatgrass plant associationEcological site concept
In reference condition, this ecological site supports a plant community dominated by low sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula) and bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata). Abiotically, this site is characterized by occupying southerly aspects and claypan soils marked by a strong clay increase within 4 to 8 inches of the surface, facilitating the presence of little sagebrush. The site receives 12 to 16 inches of annual precipitation, the soil climate is frigid to mesic near frigid/xeric and resistance/resilience to disturbance is moderate to moderately low.
Associated sites
R010XC054OR SR Mountain Shallow South 12-16 PZ
Adjacent south slopes in the Snake River Mountain Foothills, in topographical positions where ashy soil surfaces are deeper than 8 inches, lacking little sagebrush
R010XC047OR SR Mountain South 12-16 PZ
In complex with this site in areas with loamy surfaces deeper than 8 inches, lacking little sagebrush
R010XB047OR JD Shallow South 12-16 PZ
Adjacent shallow south slopes over John Day sediments, in topographical positions where ashy soil surfaces are deeper than 8 inches, lacking little sagebrush
Similar sites
R010XB029OR Blue Mountain Foothills, Claypan 9-12 PZ
Non-aspect, slopes less than 12 percent, lower mean annual precipitation
R010XC047OR SR Mountain South 12-16 PZ
Clay subsoil deeper than 8 inches, lacking little sagebrush
R010XB081OR Blue Mountain Foothills, Claypan North 12-16 PZ
Northerly slopes greater than 20 percent
R010XB080OR Blue Mountain Foothills, Claypan 12-16 PZ
Non-aspect, slopes less than 12 percent
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Artemisia arbuscula
Herbaceous (1) Pseudoroegneria spicata
Physiographic features
This site occurs on south and west facing hillslopes, mountain slopes and rolling uplands. Slopes typically range from 12 to 30 percent. Elevations typically range from 4,000 to 5,000 feet. This site is not subject to ponding or flooding and no water table is present within the soil profile.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Slope shape across (1) Concave
(2) Linear
Slope shape up-down (1) Concave
(2) Linear
Landforms (1) Upland > Hill
(2) Upland > Mountain slope
(3) Valley > Valley side
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 4000 – 5000 ft Slope 12 – 30 % Water table depth 60 in Aspect W, SE, S, SW Table 3. Representative physiographic features (actual ranges)
Flooding frequency Not specified Ponding frequency Not specified Elevation 3500 – 5500 ft Slope 12 – 45 % Water table depth 60 in Climatic features
The annual precipitation ranges from 12 to 16 inches (300 to 400 mm), most of which occurs in the form of snow during the months of December through March. Localized convection storms occasionally occur during the summer. The mean air temperature is 45° F and temperature extremes range from over 100 to negative 20° F. The frost free period ranges from 60 to 75 days. The optimum growth period for plant growth is April through June. The graphs below are populated from the closest available weather station to representative site locations and are provided to indicate general climate patterns.
Table 4 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 60-80 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) Precipitation total (characteristic range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (actual range) Freeze-free period (actual range) Precipitation total (actual range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (average) 70 days Freeze-free period (average) Precipitation total (average) 10 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 6 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) BARNES STN [USC00350501], Prineville, OR
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(2) MITCHELL 2 E [USC00355638], Mitchell, OR
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(3) GRIZZLY [USC00353542], Madras, OR
">Influencing water features
This site is not influenced by water from a wetland or stream.
Soil features
The soils of this site are typified by a shallow depth to claypan marked by a strong increase in clay within 4 to 8 inches of the surface. Soils may be deep overall but these heavy clay layers restrict some root penetration and cause soils to function as effectively shallow. Ground cover on the soil surface ranges from stony or cobbly to extremely stony or cobbly. Typically, the surface soil horizon is typically an ashy loam, to a sometimes abrupt subsurface marked by a heavy clay loam or clay. Permeability is moderate to slow. The available water holding capacity (AWC) is about 2 to 4 inches for the profile. The erosion potential is moderate to severe. The soil temperature regime is frigid to mesic near frigid and the soil moisture regime is xeric. Parent materials are residuum and colluvium derived from tuff, basalt, rhyolite, or sediments.
Figure 7.
Figure 8.
Table 5. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Residuum – volcanic and sedimentary rock
(2) Colluvium – volcanic and sedimentary rock
(3) Volcanic ash
Surface texture (1) Very cobbly silt loam
(2) Very stony loam
(3) Ashy loam
Family particle size (1) Clayey-skeletal
(2) Clayey
(3) Fine
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Moderately slow to moderate Depth to restrictive layer 10 – 20 in Soil depth 17 – 40 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 15 – 25 % Surface fragment cover >3" 5 – 15 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)1.5 – 2.5 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)Not specified Clay content
(0-6in)10 – 25 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 2 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)Not specified Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.6 – 7.3 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(4-40in)5 – 20 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(4-40in)15 – 35 % Table 6. Representative soil features (actual values)
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Slow to moderate Depth to restrictive layer 5 – 40 in Soil depth 15 – 50 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 5 – 40 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 25 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)1 – 4.5 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 5 % Clay content
(0-6in)6 – 30 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 2 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.6 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(4-40in)0 – 30 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(4-40in)0 – 50 % Ecological dynamics
Indicators and Range in Characteristics:
Little sagebrush is a strong indicator of this ecological site; given its adaptation to the unique soil conditions that define the site. This site often exists within a matrix of stiff sagebrush (Artemisia rigida) ecological sites on very shallow soil and big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata spp.) ecological sites on deeper surface horizons. Old growth juniper may occur on this site in low density (0 to 9 trees per acre, BLM ESI data). Given the relatively low fuel loads and consequently infrequent fire regime, this site supports a greater likelihood of old growth juniper than other claypan ecological sites within MLRA 10. Sandberg bluegrass increases on shallower soils or soils with thinner surface horizons. Total production is proportional to surface soil depth, increasing with deeper surface soil layers.
Ecological Dynamics and Disturbance Response:
Ecological dynamics of this site are primarily driven by interactions between climatic patterns and disturbance regimes. Infrequent fires were the primary historical disturbance that maintained the reference state and drove plant community shifts within the state. Mean fire return intervals for little sagebrush communities are estimated at 100 to 200 years across their range and 97 to 183 for communities within Oregon (Landfire 2009, Bukowski and Baker 2013). Intensity and frequency of these fires is driven by relatively low fuel loads and strongly influence by drought cycles and insect or disease attacks on the plant community.
Livestock grazing is a common land use of this ecological site. Under improper grazing management, especially repeated over utilization during the growing season, cover of deep-rooted perennial grasses, such as Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass, will decrease. If improper management continues, cover of shallow-rooted perennial grasses, such as Sandberg bluegrass, and shrubs such as little sagebrush, may increase. Ongoing deterioration due to improper management will increase bare ground and release soil resources, facilitating invasion by annual grasses and forbs.
Little sagebrush has extensive fibrous roots with a greater capacity to tolerate poor aeration and extract water from lower depths than big sagebrush (Steinberg 2002); an important adaptation allowing it to thrive on seasonally saturated, claypan soils. Little sagebrush is killed by fire and will not resprout (Young 1983). Establishment after fire is from seed, which typically does not persist in the seedbank and must be dispersed from offsite (Bradley et al. 1992). After fire, if regeneration conditions are favorable, little sagebrush may recover in as little as five years, however during drought periods or on sites with low potential, recovery may require more than ten years (Young 1983). One study in Oregon found no recruitment of little sagebrush eight years post-fire (Bates and Davies 2022).
The primary perennial bunchgrass species found on this ecological site differ somewhat in their response to fire. While both Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass can survive low severity fires, Idaho fescue is characterized by somewhat higher growing points than bluebunch wheatgrass, rendering it more susceptible to damage and mortality following high severity fire (Conrad and Poulton 1966). Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda) is generally unharmed by fire given its low litter production and early dormancy. While increases in Sandberg bluegrass have been documented in some sagebrush systems following fire (Howard 1997), one study in a little sagebrush community found no change after eight years post-fire (Bates and Davies 2022).
Perennial forbs are an important component of the species composition of this site. Mat forming forbs such as phlox (p. hoodii and longiloba), low pussytoes (Antenaria dimorpha) and desert yellow fleabane (Erigeron linearis), are common as are geophytes such as desert parsley (Lomatium spp.) and bitter root (Lewisia rediviva); and other forbs such as lupine (Lupinus spp.) and hawksbeard (Crepis spp.). Mat forming forbs may be particularly vulnerable to decreases in cover and density following fire (Bates and Davies 2022). Interannual variation is often a significant driver of forb expression in little sagebrush communities (Bates and Davies 2022).
Western juniper is intolerant of fire and historically was restricted to sites with lower fuel loads and infrequent fire regimes, such as characterizes this ecological site. Given these conditions, this site may act as refugia that allow some scattered old growth juniper to persist (Miller et al. 1999). With the increased suppression of wildfire and livestock grazing which reduces ground fuels and understory competition, western juniper has increased in range and density and expanded into suitable sites previously dominated by sagebrush (Miller and Tausch 2008, Burns and Honkala 1990). However, post settlement western juniper expansion is also likely due at least in part to changing climate and may be accelerated by increasing atmospheric CO2 levels (Miller 2019). On this site, high clay content in the soil subsurface slows the rate at which juniper infill and encroachment occur.
The introduced annual grass species most likely to invade these sites are cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) and North Africa grass (Ventenata dubia). All of these species compete with native herbaceous species for finite site resources and may increase fine fuel loads. Annual grass invasion, particularly cheatgrass, has been linked to increases in fire frequency in the intermountain west (Bradley et al. 2018). Medusahead invasion may promote thick, decomposition resistant thatch layers that suppress establishment of other species. Invasions by North Africa grass are increasing in recent years and research as to cause and effect of these invasions is ongoing.
Within the natural range of variability, this site is considered to have moderate to moderately low resistance and resilience to disturbance. These attributes are driven by the southerly aspects, warm annual temperatures and Mediterranean precipitation patterns (Mesic near Frigid/Xeric soil climate) (Chambers, et al. 2014). Resistance is further bolstered by the very shallow restrictive features and high clay content in the soil which slow establishment of western juniper. However, in an altered state where erosion of the surface horizon occurs, this site may lose resilience more rapidly than sites supporting deeper surface horizons.State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
SWAPAEHSWAPAEHSWAPAEHSWAPAEHSWAPAEHStates 2 and 5 (additional transitions)
SWAPAEHSWAPAEHT1A - Introduction of non-native species; long-term overutilization by livestock. T2A - Inappropriate grazing management T2B - Time T2C - Fire, soil disruption, inappropriate grazing management T3B - Time T3A - Catastrophic fire, multiple fires, and/or soil disturbing treatments, Inappropriate grazing management R4A - Tree thinning; seeding R4B - Mechanical tree thinning; seeding (failed) T4A - Failed mechanical treatment, catastrophic fire R5A - Annual grass treatment; reseeding State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1A - Time and lack of disturbance 1.2A - Fire State 2 submodel, plant communities
2.1A - Time, growing season grazing 2.1B - Inappropriate grazing management 2.2A - Fire, dormant season grazing, brush treatments, aroga moth outbreak 2.2B - Inappropriate grazing management, brush management 2.3B - Time, rest from grazing, reseeding 2.3A - Time and rest from grazing, reseeding State 3 submodel, plant communities
3.1A - Time 3.2A - Fire State 4 submodel, plant communities
4.1A - Time State 5 submodel, plant communities
5.1A - Fire, mechanical shrub removal State 1
Reference
The Reference state is representative of the natural range of variability under pristine condition. While occurrence is rare, this is not considered a "Historical" reference since for this ecological site, examples of these conditions may still occur on the landscape. No introduced species occur and repeated disturbance has not fundamentally altered soil quality or plant community composition. The reference state has two general plant communities; a grass-shrub dominant community, and a shrub-grass dominant community). State dynamics are maintained by interactions between climatic patterns and disturbance regimes. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These include the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads, and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Plant community changes are primarily driven by fire, time and periodic drought.
Characteristics and indicators. • Lack of introduced plant species • Presence of all functional and structural groups • High plant vigor and reproductive capacity in most years • Lack of widespread soil erosion
Resilience management. Reference sites should be prioritized in landscape health strategies wherever possible. Management should focus on land conservation and protection of these rare conditions above other uses. Surrounding landscapes should be carefully managed to prevent species introductions and other impacts on reference sites. See the "Defend the Core" strategy for additional information (Maestas et al. 2021).
Dominant plant species
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little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
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bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
Community 1.1
Deep-rooted Bunchgrass and Little Sagebrush
The reference plant community is dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass with little sagebrush sub-dominant. Idaho fescue, Thurbers needlegrass, and a variety of forbs are present. Sandberg bluegrass is the dominant shallow-rooted perennial grass. Following fire, little sagebrush cover will be very patchy or absent. Vegetative composition of the community is approximately 70 percent grasses, 10 percent forbs and 20 percent shrubs. In an analysis of 78 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, two plots (3 percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
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little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
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bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
Figure 9. 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)Grass/Grasslike 275 410 550 Forb 60 90 120 Shrub/Vine 55 85 110 Tree 10 15 20 Total 400 600 800 Table 8. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 10-20% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 20-40% Forb foliar cover 10-20% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 20-40% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0-10% Surface fragments >3" 0-10% Bedrock 0.0-0.5% Water 0% Bare ground 0-20% Table 9. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.0-0.1% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0.0-0.5% Grass/grasslike basal cover 1.5-8.5% Forb basal cover 0.1-2.0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 0.0-0.1% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-20% Surface fragments >3" 0-20% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 20-40% Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4281 , Claypan Warm Dry. JD Claypan South 12-16 PZ and JD Claypan 9-12 moderate to high 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 10 20 30 20 5 0 10 5 0 0 Community 1.2
Little Sagebrush and Deep-rooted Bunchgrass
Little sagebrush is dominant, deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses are sub-dominant; forbs may increase. A diverse forb component is typically present. Young juniper may be increasing. Annual non-native species are present but not dominant. In an analysis of 78 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, one plot (1 percent) were classified to this community, for this reason production values have largely been extrapolated from expert knowledge and high functioning current potential plots.
Dominant plant species
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little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
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bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
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 180 200 355 Shrub/Vine 140 250 270 Forb 20 30 70 Tree 10 20 30 Total 350 500 725 Table 11. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 20-30% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 20-30% Forb foliar cover 10-20% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 20-40% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0-10% Surface fragments >3" 0-10% Bedrock 0.0-0.5% Water 0% Bare ground 0-20% Table 12. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.0-0.1% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0.5-1.0% Grass/grasslike basal cover 0-10% Forb basal cover 0.1-2.0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 0.0-0.1% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-20% Surface fragments >3" 0-30% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 20-40% Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4281 , Claypan Warm Dry. JD Claypan South 12-16 PZ and JD Claypan 9-12 moderate to high 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 10 20 30 20 5 0 10 5 0 0 Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Deep-rooted Bunchgrass and Little Sagebrush
Little Sagebrush and Deep-rooted BunchgrassTime and lack of disturbance allows for shrub regeneration and growth.
Context dependence.Ungulate grazing of perennial grasses may favor increases in shrub cover
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Little Sagebrush and Deep-rooted Bunchgrass
Deep-rooted Bunchgrass and Little SagebrushLow severity fire creates a grass and sagebrush mosaic; higher severity fire significantly reduces sagebrush cover and leads to a community dominated by grasses and forbs.
Context dependence.Fire may be more likely following wet years that increase herbaceous production
State 2
Current Potential
This state is similar to the reference state yet some amount of introduced species occur and species composition or soil quality has been altered by long-term overutilization by livestock. Ecological function is largely intact, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced. This state has two general communities; a grass-shrub dominant community, a shrub-grass dominant community and a shallow-rooted grass dominant community (considered an at risk-community). Introduced species may increase in abundance but will not become dominant within this state. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These feedbacks include the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads, and retention of organic matter and nutrients.
Characteristics and indicators. • Low cover of introduced plant species (less than twice as much as deep rooted perennial bunchgrass cover) • Deep rooted perennial grasses typically greater than 10 percent cover • Presence of most or all functional and structural groups • High plant vigor and reproductive capacity in most years • Lack of widespread soil erosion
Resilience management. Current potential sites in high condition should be prioritized in landscape health strategies wherever possible. Management should focus on protection, minimization of disturbance, and early detection and treatment of plant invasions. Plant community management should focus on preserving deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses in particular. Surrounding landscapes should be carefully managed to prevent impacts to these sites. See the "Defend the Core" strategy for additional information (Maestas et al. 2021).
Dominant plant species
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little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
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bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
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Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass
Community 2.1
Deep-rooted Bunchgrass and Little Sagebrush
Deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses, bluebunch wheatgrass, are dominant and little sagebrush is sub-dominant. Following fire, little sagebrush may be very patchily distributed or nearly absent. A diverse forb component is typically present and may be increasing. Annual non-native species are present but not dominant. In an analysis of 78 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, 22 plots (28 percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
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little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
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bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
Figure 13. 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)Grass/Grasslike 265 400 575 Shrub/Vine 30 85 145 Forb 20 45 75 Tree 10 20 30 Total 325 550 825 Table 14. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 10-20% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 20-40% Forb foliar cover 10-20% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 10-30% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0-10% Surface fragments >3" 0-10% Bedrock 0.0-0.5% Water 0% Bare ground 0-20% Table 15. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.0-0.1% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0.0-0.5% Grass/grasslike basal cover 10-20% Forb basal cover 0.1-2.0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 0.0-0.1% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-30% Surface fragments >3" 10-30% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 20-60% Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4281 , Claypan Warm Dry. JD Claypan South 12-16 PZ and JD Claypan 9-12 moderate to high 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 10 20 30 20 5 0 10 5 0 0 Community 2.2
Little Sagebrush and Deep-rooted Bunchgrass
Little sagebrush is dominant and deep-rooted perennial bunchgrass, particularly bluebunch wheatgrass, are sub-dominant. A diverse forb component is typically present. Young juniper may be increasing. Annual non-native species are present but not dominant. In an analysis of 78 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, 14 plots (18 percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
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little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
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bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
Figure 15. 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)Grass/Grasslike 170 190 385 Shrub/Vine 125 200 270 Forb 10 30 70 Tree 20 30 50 Total 325 450 775 Table 17. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 20-30% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 20-30% Forb foliar cover 10-20% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 10-40% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0-10% Surface fragments >3" 0-10% Bedrock 0.0-0.5% Water 0% Bare ground 0-20% Table 18. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.0-0.5% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0.5-1.0% Grass/grasslike basal cover 0-10% Forb basal cover 0.1-2.0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-20% Litter 0.0-0.1% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-20% Surface fragments >3" 10-30% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 20-40% Figure 16. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4281 , Claypan Warm Dry. JD Claypan South 12-16 PZ and JD Claypan 9-12 moderate to high 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 10 20 30 20 5 0 10 5 0 0 Community 2.3
Shallow-rooted Bunchgrass and Little Sagebrush
Shallow-rooted perennial bunchgrass, particularly Sandberg bluegrass, is dominant and deep-rooted perennial bunchgrass are sub-dominant but still typically occupy at least 10 percent cover. Some of the soil surface may have been degraded due to compaction or minor erosion. Young juniper may be increasing. Introduced annual species present to increasing. This is considered an at-risk phase due to the loss of some of the deep-rooted bunchgrass component and typically an increase in introduced annual species, bare ground, and gap cover. In an analysis of 78 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, 13 plots (17 percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
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little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
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Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
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bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), grass
Figure 17. 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 140 225 340 Shrub/Vine 60 140 220 Forb 30 50 65 Tree 20 35 50 Total 250 450 675 Table 20. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 10-20% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 20-40% Forb foliar cover 10-20% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 10-20% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-20% Surface fragments >3" 0-10% Bedrock 0.0-0.5% Water 0% Bare ground 10-30% Table 21. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.0-0.5% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0.0-0.5% Grass/grasslike basal cover 10-10% Forb basal cover 0.1-2.0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 0.0-0.1% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-40% Surface fragments >3" 10-30% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 20-40% Figure 18. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4282 , Claypan Warm Dry, poor condition. JD Claypan South 12-16 PZ and JD Claypan 9-12 poor condition. This curve is extrapolated from the OR4281 curve..
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 10 25 30 15 5 0 10 5 0 0 Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2
Deep-rooted Bunchgrass and Little Sagebrush
Little Sagebrush and Deep-rooted BunchgrassTime and lack of disturbance allows for shrub growth and regeneration.
Context dependence.Ungulate grazing during the growing season may also reduce deep-rooted perennial bunchgrass composition relative to little sagebrush.
Pathway 2.1B
Community 2.1 to 2.3
Deep-rooted Bunchgrass and Little Sagebrush
Shallow-rooted Bunchgrass and Little SagebrushInappropriate grazing management, or excessive wildlife grazing, especially during the growing season may reduce deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses. Soil compaction as a result of inappropriate grazing management may also favor shallow-rooted bunchgrass dominance.
Context dependence.Drought may accelerate or exacerbate change; soils are particularly susceptible to compaction when moist.
Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1
Little Sagebrush and Deep-rooted Bunchgrass
Deep-rooted Bunchgrass and Little SagebrushLow severity fire creates a grass and shrub mosaic; higher severity fire significantly reduces sagebrush cover and leads to community dominated by grasses and forbs. Agora moth outbreaks may decrease little sagebrush. Brush treatments with minimal soil disturbance may reduce the shrub overstory. Dormant season grazing by ungulates, particularly sheep, may also decrease little sagebrush composition.
Context dependence.Soil disturbance will be influenced by season of treatment or grazing
Pathway 2.2B
Community 2.2 to 2.3
Little Sagebrush and Deep-rooted Bunchgrass
Shallow-rooted Bunchgrass and Little SagebrushInappropriate year-round grazing may reduce deep-rooted bunchgrasses and little sagebrush relative to Sandberg bluegrass. Brush treatments that lead to soil compaction may reduce shrubs and deep-rooted bunchgrasses. Soil compaction as a result of inappropriate grazing management may also favor shallow-rooted bunchgrass dominance.
Context dependence.Drought may accelerate or exacerbate change; soils are particularly susceptible to compaction when moist.
Pathway 2.3B
Community 2.3 to 2.1
Shallow-rooted Bunchgrass and Little Sagebrush
Deep-rooted Bunchgrass and Little SagebrushTime and rest from growing season grazing may promote an increase in deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses. Brush treatments with minimal soil disturbance may reduce the shrub overstory. Dormant season grazing by ungulates, particularly sheep, may also decrease little sagebrush composition.
Context dependence.Above average growing season precipitation may increase establishment success; if deep-rooted bunchgrass establishment is limited by reproductive vigor, reseeding may be required
Pathway 2.3A
Community 2.3 to 2.2
Shallow-rooted Bunchgrass and Little Sagebrush
Little Sagebrush and Deep-rooted BunchgrassTime and rest from excessive grazing allows the shrub overstory to mature. Deep-rooted bunchgrasses may increase in the absence of disturbance if conditions are favorable.
Context dependence.If deep-rooted bunchgrass establishment is limited by reproductive vigor, reseeding may be required
State 3
Degraded
This state is a product of many years of heavy grazing during growth periods of cool season, perennial bunchgrasses. Much of the deep-rooted perennial bunchgrass component has been lost and cover rarely exceeds 5 to 7 percent. Erosion and compaction of surface soil horizon may have occurred and may be ongoing. Sandberg bluegrass will increase with a reduction in deep-rooted perennial bunchgrass competition and become the dominant grass. This state consists of two plant communities, a shallow-rooted bunchgrass dominant community and a little sagebrush, shallow-rooted bunchgrass community. Introduced species cover is typically higher than in the current potential state. The shrub overstory and bluegrass understory dominate site resources such that soil water, nutrient capture, nutrient cycling and soil organic matter are temporally and spatially redistributed.
Characteristics and indicators. • Low cover and production of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses (typically less than 7 percent cover) • Moderate to high cover of shallow-rooted perennial bunchgrasses • Variable cover of little sagebrush • Evidence of soil erosion and/or compaction
Resilience management. Management should focus on preserving and reintroducing deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses and treating introduced annual species to prevent a transition to an annual state.
Dominant plant species
-
little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
-
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
Community 3.1
Shallow-rooted Bunchgrass and AnnualsSandberg bluegrass is dominant and little sagebrush decreased. Deep-rooted perennial grasses are a minor component or missing. Non-native annual species present to increasing. Western juniper present to increasing. In an analysis of 78 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, two plots (3 percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
-
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
Figure 19. 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)Grass/Grasslike 115 200 265 Shrub/Vine 20 55 90 Forb 20 40 55 Tree 20 30 40 Total 175 325 450 Table 23. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 10-20% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-20% Forb foliar cover 0-10% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-0% Litter 10-30% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0-20% Surface fragments >3" 10-20% Bedrock 0.0-0.5% Water 0% Bare ground 20-40% Table 24. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.0-0.1% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0.0-0.1% Grass/grasslike basal cover 0-10% Forb basal cover 0.1-1.0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 0.0-0.1% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-30% Surface fragments >3" 10-40% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 30-40% Figure 20. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4282 , Claypan Warm Dry, poor condition. JD Claypan South 12-16 PZ and JD Claypan 9-12 poor condition. This curve is extrapolated from the OR4281 curve..
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 10 25 30 15 5 0 10 5 0 0 Community 3.2
Little Sagebrush, Shallow-rooted Bunchgrass and Annuals
Little sagebrush is dominant. Sandberg bluegrass increases. Deep-rooted perennial grasses are a minor component or missing. Non-native annual species present to increasing. Western juniper present to increasing. In an analysis of 78 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, three plots (4 Percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
-
little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
-
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
Figure 21. 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)Grass/Grasslike 120 170 205 Shrub/Vine 85 130 155 Forb 25 70 115 Tree 20 35 50 Total 250 405 525 Table 26. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 10-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 10-20% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-20% Forb foliar cover 10-20% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 10-20% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-20% Surface fragments >3" 0-10% Bedrock 0.0-0.5% Water 0% Bare ground 10-40% Table 27. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.1-0.5% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0.1-1.0% Grass/grasslike basal cover 0-10% Forb basal cover 0.1-2.0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 10-20% Litter 0.0-0.1% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 20-50% Surface fragments >3" 0-30% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 40-60% Figure 22. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4282 , Claypan Warm Dry, poor condition. JD Claypan South 12-16 PZ and JD Claypan 9-12 poor condition. This curve is extrapolated from the OR4281 curve..
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 10 25 30 15 5 0 10 5 0 0 Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2Time without disturbance
Context dependence.Shrub regeneration and growth may depend on nearby availability of seed source and/or shrub reproductive vigor
Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1Fire reduces shrub component
Context dependence.Years of above average precipitation may increase herbaceous fuels and increase the probability of fire
State 4
Encroached
In this state the site has crossed a threshold and is dominated by western juniper. Low sagebrush and perennial bunchgrasses may still be present, but they are no longer controlling site resources. As juniper cover increases, shrub cover typically decreases, therefore this site is characterized by two communities, a western juniper/shrub community and a western juniper dominated community. Soil moisture, soil nutrients and soil organic matter distribution and cycling have been spatially and temporally altered. Soil erosion may accelerate as perennial herbaceous cover decreases. Relative to other claypan sites, juniper is more common on this ecological site and a transition to this state is more likely.
Characteristics and indicators. • Western juniper canopy cover typically at least 10 to 25 percent (or greater) (see Miller et al. 2007 for additional context) • Deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses and little sagebrush decreased • Evidence of soil erosion common
Resilience management. Management should focus on preserving and reintroducing deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses and treating western juniper to prevent further loss of other plant functional groups. Communities at earlier stages of invasion will have the highest likelihood of restoration success (See Miller et al. 2007). Special care should be taken to avoid removal of old growth western juniper.
Dominant plant species
-
western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), tree
-
little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
-
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
Community 4.1
Western Juniper and Little Sagebrush
Western juniper is co-dominant relative to sagebrush and deep-rooted perennial grasses. Sandberg bluegrass may be increasing in the understory. Introduced annual species are often common. The site will be expressing late stage 1 or early stage 2 juniper invasion (see Miller et al. USGS, 2007). In an analysis of 78 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, nine plots (12 percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
-
western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), tree
-
little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
-
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
Figure 23. 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)Tree 150 200 250 Grass/Grasslike 85 135 200 Shrub/Vine 90 135 185 Forb 25 30 40 Total 350 500 675 Table 29. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 10-20% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 10-20% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-30% Forb foliar cover 0-20% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-0% Litter 20-40% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-20% Surface fragments >3" 0-10% Bedrock 0.0-0.5% Water 0% Bare ground 10-30% Table 30. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.1-1.0% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0.5-1.0% Grass/grasslike basal cover 0-10% Forb basal cover 0.1-2.0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 0.0-0.1% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-30% Surface fragments >3" 10-30% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 20-40% Figure 24. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4281 , Claypan Warm Dry. JD Claypan South 12-16 PZ and JD Claypan 9-12 moderate to high 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 10 20 30 20 5 0 10 5 0 0 Community 4.2
Western Juniper
Western juniper dominates and shrub cover is diminished. For this site this transition typically occurs at a 20 percent or greater canopy cover of juniper where the site will be expressing late stage 2 or stage 3 juniper invasion (see Miller et al. USGS, 2007). Sandberg bluegrass may be dominant in the understory and non-native annual species may be abundant. As juniper cover increases, shrubs are eliminated, infiltration decreases, soil moisture is reduced and erosion accelerates. Idaho fescue typically persists longer than other deep-rooted bunchgrasses due to its shade tolerance. It may be very challenging to restore ecological function once the site has reached this community. In an analysis of 78 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, five plots (6 percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
-
western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), tree
-
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
Figure 25. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 31. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Tree 200 250 350 Grass/Grasslike 100 125 235 Shrub/Vine 20 25 85 Forb 30 50 55 Total 350 450 725 Table 32. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 20-30% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 0-10% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-30% Forb foliar cover 0-10% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 20-30% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 10-10% Surface fragments >3" 0-10% Bedrock 0.0-0.5% Water 0% Bare ground 10-30% Table 33. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.1-2.0% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0.0-0.1% Grass/grasslike basal cover 10-10% Forb basal cover 0.1-1.0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 0.0-0.1% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 20-30% Surface fragments >3" 10-40% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 20-50% Figure 26. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4282 , Claypan Warm Dry, poor condition. JD Claypan South 12-16 PZ and JD Claypan 9-12 poor condition. This curve is extrapolated from the OR4281 curve..
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 10 25 30 15 5 0 10 5 0 0 Pathway 4.1A
Community 4.1 to 4.2
Western Juniper and Little Sagebrush
Western JuniperTime without fire allows cover to increase.
Context dependence.Above average precipitation may facilitate wester juniper regeneration and growth (Miller 2019).
State 5
Annual
In this state, the site has crossed a threshold into a state dominated by introduced annual species, especially invasive annual grasses. Invasive annual grasses become increasingly dominant though time by altering nutrient cycling, litter creation, and soil moisture capture thereby promoting positive feedbacks. An increase in fire frequency may also occur due to higher fine fuel loads that become flammable earlier in the season. Shrub and tree cover is variable. Shallow-rooted perennial grasses are common but are no longer controlling site resources.
Characteristics and indicators. • Annual grass cover typically greater than 25 percent • Deep-rooted perennial grass cover typically less than 5 percent • Annual grass cover greater than twice as much as deep-rooted perennial grass cover • Little sagebrush cover may be very low • Herbaceous litter cover may be abnormally high, especially in summer
Resilience management. Focus management actions on reducing invasive annual grass cover and spread to adjacent sites.
Dominant plant species
-
little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
-
cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass
-
medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), grass
-
North Africa grass (Ventenata dubia), grass
Community 5.1
Annual Grass and Shrubs
Introduced annual grasses are dominant and shrubs are sub-dominant. Annual native and introduced forbs may also be common. The little sagebrush component of the site is typically still intact but may be replaced by resprouting rabbitbrush species if fire occurs. In an analysis of 78 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, four plots (5 percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
-
little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
-
cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass
-
North Africa grass (Ventenata dubia), grass
-
medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), grass
Figure 27. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 34. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 130 180 280 Shrub/Vine 100 150 225 Tree 20 35 50 Forb 0 10 20 Total 250 375 575 Table 35. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0-20% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 10-20% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 20-60% Forb foliar cover 0-10% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0.5-3.0% Litter 10-40% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0-10% Surface fragments >3" 0-20% Bedrock 0.0-0.5% Water 0% Bare ground 0-20% Table 36. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0.00-0.75% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0.5-1.5% Grass/grasslike basal cover 0-10% Forb basal cover 0.1-0.5% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-20% Litter 0.0-0.1% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0-10% Surface fragments >3" 10-30% Bedrock 0.0-0.5% Water 0% Bare ground 10-50% Figure 28. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4283 , Claypan Warm Dry, annual invaded. JD Claypan South 12-16 PZ and JD Claypan 9-12 annual invaded. This curve is extrapolated from the OR4281 curve..
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 15 25 25 15 5 0 10 5 0 0 Community 5.2
Annual Grass
Introduced annual grasses are dominant. Annual native and introduced forbs may also be common. Dominant annual grasses include medusahead, cheatgrass and North Africa grass. Cover of little sagebrush and western juniper is variable but will decrease, and likely remain suppressed, if fire occurs. In an analysis of 78 plots collected on this ecological site between 2005 and 2020, three plots (4 percent) were classified to this community.
Dominant plant species
-
cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass
-
North Africa grass (Ventenata dubia), grass
-
medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), grass
Figure 29. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 37. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 140 175 355 Forb 15 25 50 Shrub/Vine 0 25 40 Tree 20 25 30 Total 175 250 475 Table 38. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0-10% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 0-10% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 30-70% Forb foliar cover 10-20% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-0% Litter 10-40% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0-10% Surface fragments >3" 0-20% Bedrock 0.0-0.5% Water 0% Bare ground 0-20% Table 39. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0-0% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0% Grass/grasslike basal cover 0-20% Forb basal cover 0.1-2.0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0.1-5.0% Litter 0.0-0.1% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0-20% Surface fragments >3" 0-40% Bedrock 0-0% Water 0% Bare ground 20-70% Figure 30. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OR4283 , Claypan Warm Dry, annual invaded. JD Claypan South 12-16 PZ and JD Claypan 9-12 annual invaded. This curve is extrapolated from the OR4281 curve..
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 15 25 25 15 5 0 10 5 0 0 Pathway 5.1A
Community 5.1 to 5.2
Annual Grass and Shrubs
Annual GrassFire occurs and eliminates shrubs. May also be caused by a mechanical shrub removal treatment.
Context dependence.Probability of fire may increase following successive years with increased spring precipitation and high annual grass production
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
Reference
Current PotentialIntroduction of non-native species; long-term overutilization by livestock.
Context dependence.Ecological drought may increase the likelihood of this transition
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
Current Potential
DegradedInappropriate grazing management, especially repeated growing season over utilization, will reduce deep-rooted perennial grasses and lead to soil compaction and eventually erosion
Context dependence.Soil is particularly vulnerable to compaction during late winter and spring when it is moist or saturated but unfrozen; this transition is most likely to occur from the 2.3 at-risk phase.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 4
Current Potential
EncroachedTime and lack of fire allows for maturation of the tree community
Context dependence.Years with above average precipitation may accelerate establishment and growth of western juniper (Miller et al. 2019); adjacent seed sources will also increase juniper establishment rates.
Transition T2C
State 2 to 5
Current Potential
AnnualCatastrophic fire, multiple fires, soil disturbing treatments, inappropriate grazing management
Context dependence.Transition rate and probability will depend on existing cover, reproductive vigor and seedbank density of invasive annual species; higher than normal spring precipitation may interact with these disturbances to further favor increases in annual plant composition; this transition may be more likely to occur from the 2.3 at-risk phase.
Transition T3B
State 3 to 4
Degraded
EncroachedTime and lack of fire allows for maturation of the tree community
Context dependence.Years with above average precipitation may accelerate establishment and growth of western juniper (Miller et al. 2019); adjacent seed sources will also increase juniper establishment rates.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 5
Degraded
AnnualCatastrophic fire, multiple fires, soil disturbing treatments, inappropriate grazing management
Context dependence.Transition rate and probability will depend on existing cover, reproductive vigor and seedbank density of invasive annual species; higher than normal spring precipitation may interact with these disturbances to further favor increases in annual plant composition
Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 2
Encroached
Current PotentialThinning of trees, potentially coupled with seeding of desired species if required. Use of fire should be restricted to sites without little sagebrush and very low cover of annual species.
Context dependence.If most functional groups are still present, community 4.1 may be potentially restored to State 2; if most functional groups have been diminished or soil loss has occurred, 4.2 is likely to restore to State 3. Hand thinning may help decrease soil disruption while mechanical thinning may increase compaction; seeding success is low on this site and will depend in part on existing exotic grass pressure.
Restoration pathway R4B
State 4 to 3
Encroached
DegradedGround disturbing mechanical tree thinning treatment; potentially coupled with a failed seeding. Use of fire should be restricted to sites without little sagebrush and very low cover of annual species.
Context dependence.If most functional groups are still present, community 4.1 may be potentially restored to State 2; if most functional groups have been diminished or soil loss has occurred, 4.2 is likely to restore to State 3. Hand thinning may help decrease soil disruption while mechanical thinning may compact soils and increase the likelihood of a transition to State 3; seeding success is low on this site and will depend in part on existing exotic grass pressure.
Transition T4A
State 4 to 5
Encroached
AnnualGround disturbing mechanical treatment, catastrophic fire
Context dependence.Transition rate and probability will depend on existing cover, reproductive vigor and seedbank density of invasive annual species
Restoration pathway R5A
State 5 to 3
Annual
DegradedTreatment of annual grasses, likely requiring herbicide application; coupled with seeding of desired native species
Context dependence.Above average growing season precipitation may increase establishment success; restoration success will be much more likely from community 5.1 than 5.2 given a greater composition of functional groups
Additional community tables
Table 40. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Deep rooted perennial bunchgrasses 270–420 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 180–240 – Thurber's needlegrass ACTH7 Achnatherum thurberianum 30–90 – Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 60–90 – 3 Other perennial bunchgrasses 0–60 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–20 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–20 – slender wheatgrass ELTRT Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus 0–20 – 3 Shallow rooted perennial bunchgrass 12–42 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 12–42 – Forb4 Forbs 30–54 arrowleaf balsamroot BASA3 Balsamorhiza sagittata 12–18 – buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 6–12 – phlox PHLOX Phlox 6–12 – fleabane ERIGE2 Erigeron 6–12 – 5 Other Forbs 0–60 milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–18 – common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–18 – lupine LUPIN Lupinus 0–18 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–18 – desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 0–18 – sagebrush buttercup RAGL Ranunculus glaberrimus 0–18 – tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 0–18 – agoseris AGOSE Agoseris 0–18 – stoneseed LITHO3 Lithospermum 0–18 – onion ALLIU Allium 0–18 – larkspur DELPH Delphinium 0–18 – bushy bird's beak CORA5 Cordylanthus ramosus 0–18 – brodiaea BRODI Brodiaea 0–18 – rough eyelashweed BLSC Blepharipappus scaber 0–18 – woodland-star LITHO2 Lithophragma 0–18 – Shrub/Vine11 Other Shrubs 0–30 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 0–10 – yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0–10 – rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 0–10 – big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–10 – 10 Shrubs 60–90 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 60–90 – Tree12 Trees 6–18 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 6–18 – Table 41. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Perennial, deep-rooted, dominant 150–260 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSPS Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicata 80–180 – Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 40–100 – 2 Perennial, deep-rooted 0–20 Thurber's needlegrass ACTH7 Achnatherum thurberianum 0–15 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–5 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–5 – 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted, sub-dominant 30–75 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 30–75 – Forb4 Perennial forbs 20–40 longleaf phlox PHLO2 Phlox longifolia 5–10 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 5–10 – lupine LUPIN Lupinus 5–10 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 5–10 – 5 Perrenial forbs, other 0–20 buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 0–5 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–5 – common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–5 – fleabane ERIGE2 Erigeron 0–5 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–5 – 6 Annual forbs, native 0–10 tall annual willowherb EPBR3 Epilobium brachycarpum 0–5 – maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 0–5 – slender phlox MIGR Microsteris gracilis 0–2 – Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 140–220 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 140–220 – 11 Other shrubs 0–50 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 0–20 – big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–15 – Truckee rabbitbrush CHHU2 Chrysothamnus humilis 0–10 – yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0–10 – rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 0–10 – Tree12 Tree, evergreen 10–30 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 10–30 – Table 42. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Perennial, deep-rooted, dominant 205–400 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 140–250 12–35 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 40–175 3–6 2 Perennial, deep-rooted 25–45 Thurber's needlegrass ACTH7 Achnatherum thurberianum 20–35 1–2 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 5–20 1–2 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted, sub-dominant 15–60 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 15–60 3–9 9 Annual grass, introduced 20–70 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 13–40 1–12 North Africa grass VEDU Ventenata dubia 5–25 0–8 medusahead TACA8 Taeniatherum caput-medusae 2–5 0–2 Forb4 Perennial forbs 10–25 spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 3–10 1–2 yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 0–10 0–2 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 3–10 1 5 Perrenial forbs, other 0–20 basalt milkvetch ASFI Astragalus filipes 0–10 0–4 lupine LUPIN Lupinus 0–10 1–4 longleaf phlox PHLO2 Phlox longifolia 0–10 0–3 tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 0–5 0–3 tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 0–5 0–3 tapertip onion ALAC4 Allium acuminatum 0–5 0–2 tapertip onion ALAC4 Allium acuminatum 0–5 0–2 pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–2 0–1 parsnipflower buckwheat ERHE2 Eriogonum heracleoides 0–2 0–1 Blue Mountain buckwheat ERST4 Eriogonum strictum 0–2 0–1 6 Annual forbs, native 5–10 rough eyelashweed BLSC Blepharipappus scaber 0–10 0–4 tall annual willowherb EPBR3 Epilobium brachycarpum 0–5 0–6 slender phlox MIGR Microsteris gracilis 0–4 0–2 maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 0–2 0–1 7 Annual forbs, introduced 5–20 curveseed butterwort CETE5 Ceratocephala testiculata 0–5 0–2 spring draba DRVE2 Draba verna 0–5 0–2 prickly lettuce LASE Lactuca serriola 0–5 0–2 jagged chickweed HOUM Holosteum umbellatum 0–5 0–2 Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 30–100 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 30–100 2–8 11 Other shrubs 0–45 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 0–20 0–2 yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0–15 0–2 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–15 0–1 Tree12 Tree, evergreen 10–30 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 10–30 1–5 Table 43. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Perennial, deep-rooted, dominant 120–215 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSPS Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicata 80–140 5–15 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 40–80 4–8 2 Perennial, deep-rooted 0–25 Thurber's needlegrass ACTH7 Achnatherum thurberianum 0–15 1–5 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–5 1–2 prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–5 0–1 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted, sub-dominant 30–80 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 30–80 5–10 9 Annual grass, introduced 20–65 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 10–40 1–5 North Africa grass VEDU Ventenata dubia 0–20 0–3 medusahead TACA8 Taeniatherum caput-medusae 0–10 0–2 Forb4 Perennial forbs 10–40 lupine LUPIN Lupinus 5–10 1–4 milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 5–10 1–3 spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 5–10 1–2 longleaf phlox PHLO2 Phlox longifolia 5–10 1–2 5 Perrenial forbs, other 0–20 buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 0–5 0–2 fleabane ERIGE2 Erigeron 0–5 0–2 pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–5 0–1 beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–5 0–1 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–5 0–1 6 Annual forbs, native 0–10 maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 0–5 0–4 tall annual willowherb EPBR3 Epilobium brachycarpum 0–5 0–2 slender phlox MIGR Microsteris gracilis 0–2 0–1 Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 125–220 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 125–220 10–20 11 Other shrubs 0–50 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 0–20 0–3 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–20 0–2 Truckee rabbitbrush CHHU2 Chrysothamnus humilis 0–5 0–2 yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0–5 0–1 Tree12 Tree, evergreen 20–50 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 20–50 2–7 Table 44. Community 2.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Perennial, deep-rooted, dominant 60–125 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSPS Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicata 40–90 3–10 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 20–50 2–5 2 Perennial, deep-rooted 0–15 Thurber's needlegrass ACTH7 Achnatherum thurberianum 0–10 1–3 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–5 1–2 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted, sub-dominant 50–120 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 50–120 9–27 9 Annual grass, introduced 30–80 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 20–40 3–12 North Africa grass VEDU Ventenata dubia 5–20 0–6 medusahead TACA8 Taeniatherum caput-medusae 5–20 0–6 Forb4 Perennial forbs 20–35 fleabane ERIGE2 Erigeron 3–10 1–3 lupine LUPIN Lupinus 3–10 1–2 spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 5–10 1–2 tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 5–10 1 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–5 0–2 5 Perrenial forbs, other 5–20 milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–5 0–2 buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 0–2 0–2 beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–2 0–2 yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 0–2 0–1 parsnipflower buckwheat ERHE2 Eriogonum heracleoides 0–2 0–1 tapertip onion ALAC4 Allium acuminatum 0–2 0–1 basalt milkvetch ASFI Astragalus filipes 0–2 0–1 woollypod milkvetch ASPU9 Astragalus purshii 0–2 0–1 longleaf phlox PHLO2 Phlox longifolia 0–2 0–1 pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–2 0–1 6 Annual forbs, native 5–10 rough eyelashweed BLSC Blepharipappus scaber 2–10 1–5 Great Basin woollystar ERSP3 Eriastrum sparsiflorum 0–5 0–3 maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 0–5 0–2 slender phlox MIGR Microsteris gracilis 0–5 0–2 Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 60–180 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 60–180 3–17 11 Other shrubs 0–40 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 0–30 1–2 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–5 0–2 rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 0–5 0–2 Tree12 Tree, evergreen 20–50 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 20–50 2–10 Table 45. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike2 Perennial, deep-rooted 25–75 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSPS Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicata 10–60 3–5 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 0–30 0–2 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–5 0–1 Thurber's needlegrass ACTH7 Achnatherum thurberianum 0–5 0–1 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted 35–80 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 30–70 7–12 onespike danthonia DAUN Danthonia unispicata 0–10 0–2 bulbous bluegrass POBU Poa bulbosa 0–10 0–1 9 Annual grass, introduced 55–110 North Africa grass VEDU Ventenata dubia 30–60 5–15 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 10–30 1–4 medusahead TACA8 Taeniatherum caput-medusae 10–20 1–3 Forb4 Perennial forbs 10–25 pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 2–10 1–4 spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 1–10 2–3 slender buckwheat ERMI4 Eriogonum microthecum 0–5 0–3 fleabane ERIGE2 Erigeron 1–5 1–2 lupine LUPIN Lupinus 0–5 0–1 desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 0–2 0–1 Lava aster IOAL Ionactis alpina 0–2 0–1 Idaho milkvetch ASCO11 Astragalus conjunctus 0–2 0–1 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–2 0–1 6 Annual forbs, native 5–20 bushy bird's beak CORA5 Cordylanthus ramosus 0–10 0–2 maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 0–10 0–1 7 Annual forbs, introduced 0–10 spring draba DRVE2 Draba verna 0–5 0–1 strict forget-me-not MYST2 Myosotis stricta 0–5 0–1 Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 10–50 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 10–50 6–12 11 Other shrubs 10–40 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–20 0–2 Truckee rabbitbrush CHHU2 Chrysothamnus humilis 0–10 0–3 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 0–10 0–1 Tree12 Tree, evergreen 20–40 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 20–40 2–6 Table 46. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike2 Perennial, deep-rooted 50–65 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 10–40 1–4 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 10–30 1–2 Thurber's needlegrass ACTH7 Achnatherum thurberianum 10–30 1–2 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted 40–70 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 30–70 8–14 9 Annual grass, introduced 30–70 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 20–30 4–10 North Africa grass VEDU Ventenata dubia 5–20 1–5 medusahead TACA8 Taeniatherum caput-medusae 5–20 1–5 Forb4 Perennial forbs 10–45 largehead clover TRMA3 Trifolium macrocephalum 2–15 1–4 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–10 0–3 spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–10 0–3 desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 2–10 1–2 longleaf phlox PHLO2 Phlox longifolia 0–5 0–1 Anderson's larkspur DEAN Delphinium andersonii 0–5 0–1 parsnipflower buckwheat ERHE2 Eriogonum heracleoides 0–5 0–1 tapertip onion ALAC4 Allium acuminatum 0–3 0–1 desert yellow fleabane ERLI Erigeron linearis 0–3 0–1 Blue Mountain buckwheat ERST4 Eriogonum strictum 0–3 0–1 yellow fritillary FRPU2 Fritillaria pudica 0–3 0–1 6 Annual forbs, native 15–70 maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 5–30 4–8 slender phlox MIGR Microsteris gracilis 5–20 2–4 basin cryptantha CRAM3 Cryptantha ambigua 5–20 1–4 Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 80–140 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 80–140 10–16 11 Other shrubs 5–15 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 5–10 1–3 yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0–5 0–2 Tree12 Tree, evergreen 20–50 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 20–50 6–10 Table 47. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Perennial, deep-rooted, dominant 60–110 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 20–60 2–6 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 40–50 4–8 2 Perennial, deep-rooted 10–20 Thurber's needlegrass ACTH7 Achnatherum thurberianum 5–10 1–5 prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–10 0–3 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–5 0–1 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted, sub-dominant 5–40 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 5–40 3–8 9 Annual grass, introduced 10–30 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 5–15 2–7 North Africa grass VEDU Ventenata dubia 5–10 1–2 medusahead TACA8 Taeniatherum caput-medusae 0–10 0–2 Forb4 Perennial forbs 20–30 lupine LUPIN Lupinus 0–10 0–6 buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 2–10 1–3 fleabane ERIGE2 Erigeron 0–5 0–3 desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 3–5 0–2 spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 3–5 1–2 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–5 0–1 pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–3 0–1 beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–3 0–1 6 Annual forbs, native 5–10 maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 0–10 0–5 rough eyelashweed BLSC Blepharipappus scaber 0–10 0–4 Great Basin woollystar ERSP3 Eriastrum sparsiflorum 0–2 0–1 slender phlox MIGR Microsteris gracilis 0–2 0–1 Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 80–120 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 80–120 7–11 11 Other shrubs 10–65 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–40 0–2 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 0–20 0–1 Truckee rabbitbrush CHHU2 Chrysothamnus humilis 0–5 0–2 Tree12 Tree, evergreen 150–250 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 150–250 10–14 Table 48. Community 4.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Perennial, deep-rooted, dominant 40–80 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 20–70 3–4 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 20–60 2–6 2 Perennial, deep-rooted 20–40 prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 10–25 1–5 Thurber's needlegrass ACTH7 Achnatherum thurberianum 10–25 1–2 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–5 0–2 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted, sub-dominant 15–65 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 15–65 4–12 9 Annual grass, introduced 25–50 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 15–35 6–10 North Africa grass VEDU Ventenata dubia 5–15 1–3 medusahead TACA8 Taeniatherum caput-medusae 0–10 0–2 Forb4 Perennial forbs 25–35 pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 3–10 1–4 milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 4–10 1–2 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 4–5 1–2 lupine LUPIN Lupinus 0–5 0–2 spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 3–5 1–2 low pussytoes ANDI2 Antennaria dimorpha 0–5 0–1 ragwort SENEC Senecio 0–5 0–1 sandwort ARENA Arenaria 0–5 0–1 6 Annual forbs, native 0–15 maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 0–5 0–1 slender phlox MIGR Microsteris gracilis 0–5 0–1 7 Annual forbs, introduced 0–5 desert madwort ALDE Alyssum desertorum 0–5 0–2 pale madwort ALAL3 Alyssum alyssoides 0–5 0–1 jagged chickweed HOUM Holosteum umbellatum 0–5 0–1 Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 20–60 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 20–60 2–7 11 Other shrubs 0–25 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 0–25 0–5 Tree12 Tree, evergreen 200–350 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 200–350 15–25 Table 49. Community 5.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Tree12 Tree, evergreen 20–35 Grass/Grasslike2 Perennial, deep-rooted 25–50 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSPS Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicata 15–30 2–3 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 10–15 0–1 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–5 0–1 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted 10–25 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 10–25 1–3 9 Annual grass, introduced 120–205 North Africa grass VEDU Ventenata dubia 80–120 15–30 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 30–60 5–10 medusahead TACA8 Taeniatherum caput-medusae 10–30 4–10 Forb4 Perennial forbs 0–15 arrowleaf balsamroot BASA3 Balsamorhiza sagittata 0–5 0–2 granite prickly phlox LIPU11 Linanthus pungens 0–5 0–2 buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 0–5 0–1 desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 0–5 0–1 6 Annual forbs, native 0–5 willowherb EPILO Epilobium 0–5 0–4 Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs, dominant 100–140 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 100–140 12–22 11 Other shrubs 0–85 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 0–50 0–5 rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 0–35 0–3 Table 50. Community 5.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike2 Perennial, deep-rooted 10–30 3 Perennial, shallow-rooted 15–45 bulbous bluegrass POBU Poa bulbosa 10–20 0–10 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 5–20 2–6 9 Annual grass, introduced 115–280 medusahead TACA8 Taeniatherum caput-medusae 50–180 15–35 North Africa grass VEDU Ventenata dubia 50–160 12–30 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 20–100 4–15 Forb4 Perennial forbs 5–15 largehead clover TRMA3 Trifolium macrocephalum 0–10 0–3 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–10 0–2 bigseed biscuitroot LOMA3 Lomatium macrocarpum 0–5 0–1 6 Annual forbs, native 5–15 tall annual willowherb EPBR3 Epilobium brachycarpum 0–15 0–8 slender phlox MIGR Microsteris gracilis 1–5 1–2 rough eyelashweed BLSC Blepharipappus scaber 0–5 0–2 maiden blue eyed Mary COPA3 Collinsia parviflora 0–5 0–2 7 Annual forbs, introduced 5–20 spring draba DRVE2 Draba verna 2–10 4–6 jagged chickweed HOUM Holosteum umbellatum 2–10 1–3 Shrub/Vine11 Shrubs 0–40 antelope bitterbrush PUTR2 Purshia tridentata 0–20 0–6 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 0–10 0–1 rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 0–5 0–4 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–5 0–2 Tree12 Tree, evergreen 20–30 western juniper JUOC Juniperus occidentalis 20–30 0–5 Interpretations
Animal community
Livestock Grazing:
This site is suitable for livestock grazing use in the spring, early summer, and fall under a planned grazing system. Use should be postponed until the soils are firm enough to prevent trampling damage and soil compaction. Grazing management should be keyed for bluebunch wheatgrass. Deferred grazing or rest is recommended at least once every three years.
Native Wildlife Associated with the Reference Plant Community:
This site is commonly used by pronghorn antelope, mule deer, rabbits, rodents, upland birds and various predators. Antelope and mule deer make excellent use of the site for winter and spring forage.Hydrological functions
The soils of this site are typically in an upland topographic position. They have medium to rapid runoff potential and moderate to slow infiltration rates when the hydrologic cover is high. Hydrologic cover is high when the perennial deep rooted bunchgrass component is greater than 70 percent of potential.
Wood products
The soils are not suitable to tree production. Incidental juniper trees may produce minimal amounts of fence posts and firewood.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
This site was verified using vegetation and soils data summarized across 78 plots collected on this ecological site across MLRA 10 in Oregon from 2005 to 2022. Of these plots, 25 included vegetative production estimates, and all included cover estimates. Data sources: SPSD ecological site plots, n = 7; BLM ecological site inventory (ESI), n = 52; and BLM assessment inventory and monitoring (AIM), n = 19. A list of plots with names, locations (for publicly available plots), data collection intensity and associated state and plant community is available to users with EDIT developer privileges. For these plots, coordinate locations listed are in WGS84. Site_IDs included that are not in NASIS for data duplication or legal reasons are preceded by "Pville_ESI", 'Oregon_AIM', or 'NRI'.
References
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Steinberg, Peter D. 2002. Artemisia arbuscula. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/shrub/artarb/all.html [accessed 2024, February 1].
Stringham, T.K., D. Snyder, and A. Wartgow. 2016. State-and-Transition Models for USFS Crooked River National Grassland Major Land Resource Area B10 Oregon. DRAFT Report. University of Nevada Reno.
Tausch, R. J. 1999. Historic pinyon and juniper woodland development. Proceedings: ecology and management of pinyon–juniper communities within the Interior West. Ogden, UT, USA: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, RMRS-P-9:12-19
Young, R.P. 1983. Fire as a vegetation management tool in rangelands of the Intermountain region. In: Monsen, S.B. and N. Shaw (Eds). Managing Intermountain rangelands—improvement of range and wildlife habitats: Proceedings of symposia; 1981 September 15-17; Twin Falls, ID; 1982 June 22-24; Elko, NV. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-157. Ogden, UT. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. Pp. 18-31.
Zamora, B.; Tueller, Paul T. 1973. Artemisia arbuscula, A. longiloba, and A. nova habitat types in northern Nevada. The Great Basin Naturalist. 33(4): 225-242.Contributors
Jenni Moffitt, general edits and updates 8/2020
Tamzen Stringham et al. (2016), Ecological Dynamics and S&T Model
Andrew Neary - verification project 2024
Kate Peterson, BLM Prineville District 6/2005
Cici Brooks, extensively updated using BLM ESI data and soil survey correlations - 2/2010Approval
Kirt Walstad, 5/16/2025
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) Cici Brooks, Rangeland Management Specialist for MLRA B10 Contact for lead author Date 09/18/2008 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
Slopes greater than 20 percent will have slight to moderate rills due to low moisture holding capacity and low plant productivity. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Some minor water flow patterns are apparent due to slope and slow infiltration rates of the soils. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
None -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
5 to 15 percent bare ground is expected for this site. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Fine litter movement would be approximately 10 inches depending on slope. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Values are expected to be 4 to 5, but need to be validated. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
A horizon structure varies from very cobbly silt loam with weak fine granulary structure to a very stony loam with weak platy structure. Dry soil colors range from 5YR 4/4 to 10 YR 4/2. Soil organic matter ranges from 1 to 4 percent. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Slope, aspect, soil depth and low productivity of plant community limit the infiltration of precipitation and increase runoff potential. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
A compaction layer does not occur but a claypan or bedrock does occur on this site within 6 to 10 inches of the surface. -
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:
Deep-rooted perennial, cool season bunchgrasses>>Sub-dominant:
Shallow-rooted shrubs=shallow rooted, perennial, cool season bunchgrasses>>Other:
Shallow rooted and annual forbs.Additional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Expect some decadence and mortality in low sagebrush. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Needs to be verified. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Favorable 900 lbs/acre; Normal 700 lbs/acre; Unfavorable 500 lbs/acre. -
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, Medusahead, Toadflax, Thistle. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species should be capable of reproducing annually.
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