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Draft. A draft ecological site description is either incomplete or has not undergone quality control and quality assurance review.
Classification relationships
California Natural Diversity Database, May 2002. List of California terrestrial natural communities recognized by the California Natural Diversity Database – Rubber Rabbitbrush Scrub.
Sawyer, J.O. and T. Keeler-Wolf. 1995. Manual of California Vegetation – Rubber Rabbitbrush Series.
Associated sites
R029XF055CA GRANITIC HILL 8-10 P.Z.
Granitic Hill 8-10” P.Z.(occurs on mountain sideslopes)
R029XF056CA GRANITIC SLOPE 8-10 P.Z.
Granitic Slope 8-10” P.Z.(occurs on mountain sideslopes)
R029XF059CA Granitic Stony Slope 8-10" p.z.
Granitic Stony Slope 8-10” P.Z. (occurs on mountain sideslopes)
Similar sites
R029XF061CA Loamy 8-10" p.z.
Loamy 8-10” P.Z.(ARTR dominant shrub; PLJA dominant grass)
R029XF053CA DRY WASH 5-8 P.Z.
Dry Wash 5-8” P.Z.(HYSA-GUMI dominant; less productive site)
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Ericameria nauseosa
(2) Artemisia tridentataHerbaceous (1) Achnatherum hymenoides
Physiographic features
This site occurs on inset fans and active floodplains.
Site occurs on all aspectsTable 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Drainageway
(2) Inset fan
Flooding duration Very brief (4 to 48 hours) to brief (2 to 7 days) Flooding frequency Rare to occasional Ponding frequency None Elevation 2500 – 4500 ft Slope 0 – 15 % Water table depth 72 – 0 in Climatic features
The primary air masses affecting California are cold maritime polar air from the Gulf of Alaska and warmer, moist maritime subtropical air from lower latitudes. Occasionally there are invasions of cold continental polar air from northern Canada or the Rocky Mountains. Precipitation in the area results primarily from the passage of cyclones with associated fronts during fall, winter and spring; from closed cyclones in late winter and spring; and from the flow of moist tropical air from the southeast to the southwest quadrant in the summer. This area lies in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The area is lacking in weather stations. Deep Springs College, approximately 60 miles to the northwest, occurs at a similar elevation and has a long-term record from 1948 to 2001. This climatic summary is based on data collected at this weather station. Cold, wet winters (15 to 50 degrees F) and hot, somewhat moist summers (50 to 90 degrees F) characterize the climate on this site. Mean annual air temperature is 50 to 55 degrees F. The average annual precipitation is 6.11 inches, which is evenly distributed throughout the year. Deep Springs has maximum precipitation amounts in January and February, with a minor peak in July and August, and minimum amounts in June and October. Snowfall is common from November through March.
Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (average) 220 days Freeze-free period (average) 0 days Precipitation total (average) 10 in BarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
BarLineFigure 2. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
">Influencing water features
This site is associated with an ephemeral stream channel.
Soil features
The soils associated with this site are very deep. They formed in recent alluvium from mixed sources. Soils are sandy throughout with very low available water holding capacity. Permeability is rapid and soils are somewhat excessively drained. The soils classify as mixed, thermic Xeric Torripsamments, the Inyo series.
These soils have no soil development due to constant removal and deposition of alluvial material during flooding events. Inyo soils are constantly reworked as water flows through the active channels and floodplains where these soils are found.
This ecological site is found in the following Map units and soil components:
SSA Map unit Component
682 5210 Inyo
682 6001 Inyo
682 6002 Inyo
668 224 Inyo
668 241 Inyo
668 505 Inyo
668 514 Inyo
Table 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture (1) Gravelly loamy coarse sand
(2) Loamy sand
Family particle size (1) Sandy
Drainage class Somewhat excessively drained to excessively drained Permeability class Rapid Soil depth 80 – 0 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 60 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 3 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)2.4 in Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 2 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)Not specified Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.6 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)10 – 20 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Ecological dynamics
Ecological dynamics and major plant community types
Rubber rabbitbrush is considered an early seral species that rapidly invades and colonizes disturbed areas. Rabbitbrush and basin big sagebrush are also commonly found adjacent to ephemeral washes where additional moisture is available. Both species will vigorously invade disturbed areas and are well suited for washes that are continually reworked by water. Extensive surface disturbance to this site may alter channel morphology and soil structure. An increase in flooding frequency may cause alterations in the channel width and depth. Species likely to invade this side include non-native annual grasses and forbs such as cheatgrass and red brome.
Fire effects: Rubber rabbitbrush is a fire-adapted species that is typically unharmed or enhanced by fire. Rabbitbrush will quickly reestablish by sprouting or off-site seed. Big sagebrush is killed by fire, but can rapidly reestablish from off-site seed.
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
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State-Plant Community 1.1Community 1.1
Reference State-Plant Community 1.1The interpretive plant community for this site is the historic climax plant community. The historic site potential is an open canopy of shrubs less than 2 meters tall. This site is inherently unstable but is usually dominated by rubber rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus), and basin big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata). Perennial grasses are common and include Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides), bottlebrush squirreltail (Elymus elymoides ssp. elymoides), basin wildrye (Leymus triticoides), needle-and-thread (Hesperostipa comata) and desert needlegrass (Achnatherum speciosum). Potential vegetative composition is approximately 20% grasses, 10% forbs and 70% shrubs.
This list of plants and their relative proportions are based on near normal years. Fluctuations in species composition and relative production may change from year to year dependent upon abnormal precipitation or other climatic factors. The historic climax plant community has been determined by study of rangeland relict areas or other protected areas and historical accounts.Forest overstory.**Allow no more than 5% of each species of the shrubs group**<br />
Forest understory. **Allow no more than 3% of each species of the grasses group**<br /> <br /> **Other perennial grasses comprise 2 to 10% composition (air-dry weight)**<br /> <br /> **Other annual grasses comprise 0 to 2% composition (air-dry weight)**<br /> <br /> **Allow no more than 3% of each species of the forbs group**<br /> <br /> **Other perennial forbs comprise 2 to 8% composition (air-dry weight)**<br /> <br /> **Other annual forbs comprise 0 to 10% composition (air-dry weight)**
Table 5. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 0-10% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-10% Forb foliar cover 0-0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0% Litter 20-20% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0% Surface fragments >3" 10-30% Bedrock 0% Water 0% Bare ground 60-90% Figure 3. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). CA2901 , Big Sagebrush. Primary new leaves develop along the main stem in spring. New short lateral branches form from the existing stem and support smaller leaves which persist throughout the winter. Flowering occurs from late August to October. Seed production occurs from October to December..
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 10 20 30 10 10 10 5 0 0 Figure 4. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). CA2903 , Indian reicegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides). Growth may begin as early as February. Flowering generally occurs early prior, to summer drought. Flowering may continue through the spring and summer if growing conditions remain favorable..
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 35 30 15 0 5 5 0 0 0 Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). CA2918 , Rubber rabbitbrush. Growth starts in spring. Accelerated growth occurs from May until early or mid-August. Flowering occurs from mid-summer to fall..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 5 10 20 20 20 10 10 5 Additional community tables
Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Rubber rabbitbrush is considered of little value to all classes of livestock. Rabbitbrush is only lightly used by livestock during the summer, but winter use can be heavy, depending on the availability of other forage. Fall use is variable, but flowers are often grazed. Basin big sagebrush is the least palatable of the subspecies of big sagebrush. Big sagebrush maintains high levels of crude protein, energy, phosphorus and carotene throughout the winter. Indian ricegrass is preferred forage for most classes of livestock.
Wildlife Interpretations:
Rubber rabbitbrush is only lightly used by mule deer in summer and winter. Flowers are often grazed in the fall. Big sagebrush provides browse for mule deer in the winter. Small mammals and birds prefer the seeds of Indian ricegrass. The shrubs provide valuable cover.
Hydrological functions
The soils on this site are in hydrologic group A - soils having high infiltration rates even when thoroughly wetted. Hydrologic conditions: good - >70% ground cover (includes litter, grass and brush overstory); fair - 30 to 70% ground cover; poor <30% ground cover.
Other products
Rubber rabbitbrush was tested as a source of good quality rubber during World War II. Some Native American peoples used rubber rabbitbrush latex as a source of chewing gum. Big sagebrush bark was used by some Native Americans to make ropes and baskets. The Paiute Indians used Indian ricegrass seed as a reserve food source.
Other information
Revegetation/Restoration of disturbed areas
Rubber rabbitbrush and big sagebrush are excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control. Rubber rabbitbrush has a deep root system and can establish rapidly, even on severe sites. Both direct seeding or containerized stock provide high probability for successful revegetation. Rabbitbrush can also be propagated by stem-cuttings.
Certain subspecies of rabbitbrush have value for use as ornamentals. Big sagebrush can be used as a snow hedge. Indian ricegrass is often used in dry floral arrangements.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Data Source: NV-ECS-1 Number of records: 1 Sample period: 6/00 State: CA County: Inyo
Type locality
Location 1: Inyo County, CA UTM zone N UTM northing 4048999 UTM easting 0454309 Latitude 36° 35′ 0″ Longitude 117° 30′ 39″ General legal description Spanish Springs area near Hunter Mountain in Death Valley National Park, California. Elevation 6200 feet. Latitude 36? 35’ .07” N, 117? 30’ 39” W; UTM 11s 0454309e 4048999n (NAD 83) Other references
Hall, C.A. Jr. (ed.). 1991. Natural History of the White-Inyo Range, Eastern California. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA.
Hickman, J.C. (ed).1993. The Jepson Manual: higher plants of California. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA.
Martin, A.C., H.S. Zim and A.L. Nelson. 1951. American Wildlife & Plants – A Guide to Wildlife Food Habits. Dover Publications, Inc., New York, New York. 500 pp.
Sampson, A.W. and B.S. Jespersen. 1963. California Range Brushlands and Browse Plants. University of California, Division of Agricultural Sciences. 163 pp.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS. National Range and Pasture Handbook, September 1997.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory. 2002. Fire Effects Information System [Online] Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants)
Western Regional Climate Center, Desert Research Institute, Reno, Nevada (http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/index.html
Contributors
PNE
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s) Contact for lead author Date Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
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Presence of water flow patterns:
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Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
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Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
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Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
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Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
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Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
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Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
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Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
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Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
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Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
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Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
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Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
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Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
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Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
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Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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