Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R041XA103AZ
Limestone Hills
16-20 p.z.
Last updated: 4/09/2021
Accessed: 04/19/2026
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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.
Click to explore map
Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 041X–Madrean Archipelago
Land Resource Unit: 41-1AZ Mexican Oak-Pine Forest and Oak Savannah
Elevations range from 4500 to 5500 feet and precipitation ranges from 16 to 20 inches. Vegetation includes Emory oak, Mexican blue oak, Arizona white oak, one-seed juniper, alligator juniper, sacahuista, California bricklebush, skunkbush sumac, Arizona rosewood, wait-a-bit mimosa, sideoats grama, blue grama, purple grama, wooly bunchgrass, plains lovegrass, squirreltail, and pinyon ricegrass. The soil temperature regime is thermic; the soil moisture regime is aridic ustic. This unit occurs within the Basin and Range Physiographic Province. It is characterized by numerous mountain ranges that rise abruptly from broad, plain-like valleys and basins. Igneous and metamorphic rock classes dominate the mountain ranges and their sediments fill the basins with representive combinations of fluvial, lacustrine, colluvial and alluvial deposits.Ecological site concept
Limestone Hills ecological site occurs on steep uplands, all moisture is received from precipitation without additional moisture inputs from on-site surface flow.
Slopes are steep, exceeding 15 percent. The calcareous soils are shallow, less than 20 inches deep. Parent material and bedrock consist of calcareous sedimentary rock that includes limestone, marble, and calcareous sandstone.Associated sites
R041XA102AZ Shallow Hills 16-20" p.z.
R041XA104AZ Limy Slopes 16-20" p.z.
R041XA105AZ Limy Upland 16-20" p.z.
Similar sites
R041XC307AZ Limestone Hills 12-16" p.z.
F041XA121AZ Limestone Hills 20-23" p.z. (PIDI3, JUDE2)
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree (1) vauquelinia californica
Shrub (1) agave palmeri
(2) cercocarpus montanusHerbaceous (1) bouteloua curtipendula
(2) tridens muticusPhysiographic features
This site occurs in the middle elevations of the Madrean Basin and Range province in southeastern Arizona. It occurs on hill-slopes, pediments, and ridge-tops. Slope aspect is differentiating at elevations near common resource area boundaries.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Hill
(2) Pediment
(3) Mountain
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 4500 – 5500 ft Slope 15 – 70 % Aspect N, E, S Climatic features
Precipitation in this zone of the common resource area ranges from 16-20 inches per year with elevations from 4700-5500 feet. Approximately 40% of this moisture comes as gentle rain or snow during the winter-spring (Oct-Apr) season, originates in the north Pacific and Gulf of California and comes as frontal storms with long duration and low intensity. The remaining 60% falls in the summer season (May-Sep), originates in the Gulf of Mexico and are convective, usually brief, intense thunderstorms. Snow is common Dec-Mar, averaging 5-15 inches per year, but rarely lasts more than a week. May and June are the driest months. Humidity is low.
Temperatures are mild. Freezing temperatures are common at night from Oct-May, but daytime temperatures are almost always over 40 F. Below 0 F temperatures can occur Dec-Feb. Daytime summer highs rarely exceed 95 F.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (average) 220 days Freeze-free period (average) 260 days Precipitation total (average) 20 in BarLineFigure 2. Monthly precipitation range
BarLineFigure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
">Influencing water features
There are no water features associated with this site.
Soil features
These are shallow, calcareous soils formed on limestone bedrock, calcareous sedimentary and metamorphic rock. Parent material is high in carbonates. Soil surface textures range from cobbly loam to very gravelly sandy loam. Surface soil is dark colored and well protected by rocks, cobbles and gravels. Plant-soil moisture relationships are fair. Numerous areas of rock outcrop occur intermingled with soil areas. Bedrock is usually hard and unweathered. The soil series characteristic of this site is Yarbam.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Slope alluvium – limestone
(2) Colluvium – marble
Surface texture (1) Very gravelly sandy loam
(2) Cobbly sandy loam
(3) Cobbly loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Moderately rapid Soil depth 10 – 20 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 20 – 55 % Surface fragment cover >3" 5 – 15 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)0.9 – 2.4 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)20 – 40 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 2 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 – 2 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)7.4 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)35 – 45 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)5 – 15 % Ecological dynamics
The Reference Plant Community (RPC, see State and Transition Model below) of the 41-1AZ Limestone Hills ecological site is a diverse mixture of warm and cool perennial grasses, perennial forbs, succulents and large and small shrubs. Most perennial herbaceous species are well-dispersed throughout the plant community. This ecological site is a principle habitat for Parry and Palmer agave species with population within stands ranging from 20 to more than 1000 plants per acre. These two agave species are important food sources for nectar feeding birds, insects and bats in this region. The aspect is a grassy shrub-land.
Seasonal rainfall amounts affect amounts and composition of plant productivity. After a wet winter, cool season plants like New Mexico feathergrass, southwestern stipa, cliffrose, shrubby dalea and mountain mahogany begin active growth in late March to April. The months of May and June present a period of little to no active plant growth. Warm season species, mostly perennial grasses, begin active growth after the onset of the summer rainy season usually in July or August; peak annual production occurs in October. Fire, short-term drought and herbivory (insects and mammals) are recurring disturbances to this ecological site. These disturbances interact to shape the plant community phases within the Reference State. Re-occurring fires shaped the RPC by periodically reducing shrub cover and killing many shrub seedlings. Natural fire-free periods are 10-20 years in length. Between fires, shrub growth continues unimpeded. Drought can extend the fire-free period by impairing perennial grass productivity and vigor. In the absence of fire, shrubs and succulents can attain dominance of the plant community. When average rainfall resumes, annual forbs can flourish and perennial grasses recover allowing a build-up of adequate fine fuels to carry fire. Subsequent fires remove the shrub dominance. Periodic drought has caused significant grass mortality. Droughts in the early 30s, mid 50s, 75-76, 88-89, 95-96 and 2002-present resulted in the loss of much of the grass cover on the site. The site recovers rapidly with its prevalence of gravel, and rock outcrop. The gravel and cobbles protect soil surface from erosion while rock outcrop areas act as micro-watersheds providing runoff water to soil areas
Steep slopes and shallow soils make this ecological site somewhat vulnerable to disturbance. As disturbances increase in intensity, repetition and duration, the effects they have on the site are compounded by slope. The site’s hydrology, biotic integrity and soil stability are impacted. The changes, especially to the plant community, can become long-lasting. If non-native perennial bunchgrass seed is present or brought onto this ecological site, any intense disturbance (fire, drought or grazing) may result in a monoculture of non-native lovegrass (Exotic Grass State). The aspect remains a grassy shrub-land, similar to RPC; however, this plant community does not offer adequate wildlife food and cover.
If the disturbance is not managed, the productivity of the site ultimately declines as hydrology, soil stability and the biotic community all function differently from that in the Reference State. Continuous, unmanaged grazing on either grassy shrub-land community (Reference or Exotic Grasses States) removes fire fuel and reduces perennial bunchgrass vigor. The resulting plant community is dominated by shrubs with less perennial grass cover (Shrub Dominated State). Run-off and erosion is much higher in this state than the Reference State.
Extended continuous, unmanaged grazing occurring over long periods (50+ years) can severely impact soil and plant community functioning from the Reference or Shrub Dominated State. The resulting state has severe erosion, fires seldom occur and potential productivity is permanently reduced.State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
Figure 4. 41-1 Limestone Hills State and Transition Model
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
ReferenceCommunity 1.1
Reference Community (RPC)The potential plant community on this site is dominated by a diverse mixture of warm and cool perennial grasses, perennial forbs, succulents and large and small shrubs. Most perennial herbaceous species are well dispersed throughout the plant community. Hydrologic functioning is dynamic with diversity in root systems, herbaceous and woody plant roots, and rock outcrops providing additional runoff.
With continuous, selective grazing, needlegrasses, crinkleawn and sideoats grama are removed from the perennial grass community and less palatable species like blue threeawn and tanglehead increase. Shrubby species like wait-a-bit, mesquite, juniper, ocotillo, sumac and sotol can increase to dominate the plant community with severe deterioration or in the absence of fire. The frequency of natural fires on this site was perhaps greater than on other hill sites in this precipitation zone due to very low live fuel moisture values of the plant community in June and early July. Well-developed gravel and cobble covers protect the soil from erosion and sometimes protect forage plants from heavy utilization.
Figure 5. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 465 900 1020 Shrub/Vine 95 200 320 Forb 11 50 105 Tree 5 15 35 Total 576 1165 1480 Table 6. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0-0% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0-10% Grass/grasslike basal cover 0-10% Forb basal cover 0-0% Non-vascular plants 0-0% Biological crusts 0-0% Litter 20-50% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 20-50% Surface fragments >3" 10-20% Bedrock 0-10% Water 0% Bare ground 0-10% Table 7. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.5 – 1-5% 1-5% 0-5% >0.5 <= 1 – 1-10% 5-10% 1-5% >1 <= 2 – 5-10% 10-20% 1-5% >2 <= 4.5 – 1-10% 0-10% 0-2% >4.5 <= 13 0-5% 1-5% – – >13 <= 40 1-5% – – – >40 <= 80 – – – – >80 <= 120 – – – – >120 – – – – Figure 6. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). AZ4111 , 41.1 16-30. Growth begins in the spring, semi-dormancy occurs during the June drought, most growth occurs during the summer rainy season..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 0 5 10 0 15 45 20 5 0 0 Community 1.2
Shrubs, Succulents & GrassesShrubs and succulents dominate the plant community with lesser amounts of perennial grasses.
Forbs fluctuate with climate (drought/El Nino). Minor invasion of other woody plants.Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2Drought, absence of fire, continuous grazing.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Burning Prescribed Grazing Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1Natural fire, managed grazing, prescribed burning.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Burning Prescribed Grazing State 2
Exotic GrassCommunity 2.1
Exotic GrasslandThis state occurs where non-native lovegrasses, namely Lehmann lovegrass, has increased from an adjacent seed source, usually along a roadway, to dominate the perennial grass community. Native perennial grasses and forbs are reduced to minor amounts. Shrubs and succulents may be unaffected unless the frequency of fire increases because of the presence of Lehmann lovegrass.
State 3
Shrub DominatedCommunity 3.1
Mixed Shrub
Figure 7. Limestone hills 16-20" pz., Shrub Dominated State (one-seed juniper)
This plant community occurs where shrubs like catclaw mimosa, mesquite, one-seed juniper, ocotillo and sotol have invaded or increased to dominate the plant community. This happens in the absence of fire for long periods of time. Other shrubs like desert buckbrush, littleleaf and Mearns sumac may increase as well. Fine fuels may still exist for fires but many of the shrub species are well established and re-sprout quickly to assume dominance after fire.
State 4
ErodedCommunity 4.1
Dense ShrubThis state occurs where sheet and rill erosion is accelerated due to severe trailing, compaction and lack of perennial grass cover. In some areas road construction has resulted in this condition. As the dark colored soil surface is lost and eroded down to bedrock, the site''s potential productivity is reduced.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Non-native bunchgrass seed source (wind-blown or mechanical transport) paired with native perennial grass community disturbance such as fire or unmanaged grazing.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3Long-term unmanaged grazing with or without drought/fire interaction opens perennial grass canopy allowing shrubs to outcompete resources. Juniper, mimosa and other shrubs are likely to increase as well as yucca-like succulents. Remnant native perennial grasses cannot re-colonize areas with shrub competition.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1No restoration pathway known at this time. Perhaps future development of herbicide or biological treatment to remove perennial exotics will occur.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Burning Prescribed Grazing Transition T2A
State 2 to 3Long-term unmanaged grazing with or without drought/fire interaction opens perennial grass canopy allowing shrubs to outcompete perennial grasses for resources. Juniper, mimosa and other shrubs are likely to increase as well as yucca-like succulents. Remnant native perennial grasses cannot re-colonize areas with shrub competition.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1Brush management, native species seeding (as needed) supported by managed grazing. Shrub control maintained with herbicide and/or prescribed burning.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Burning Range Planting Prescribed Grazing Restoration pathway R3B
State 3 to 2Long-term unmanaged grazing affects soil site stability and hydrologic functioning. Animal trailing and soil surface compaction compound the effect of plant community changes (increased shrub/decreased perennial grass community) to increase surface water run-off rather than infiltration. Over time (50-100+ years) the mollic A horizon can be lost leaving the site with a reduction in potential productivity.
Conservation practices
Brush Management Prescribed Burning Range Planting Upland Wildlife Habitat Management Prescribed Grazing Transition T3A
State 3 to 4Long-term unmanaged grazing affects soil site stability and hydrologic functioning. Animal trailing and soil surface compaction compound the effect of plant community changes (increased shrub/decreased perennial grass community) to increase surface water run-off rather than infiltration. Over time (50-100+ years) the mollic A horizon can be lost leaving the site with a reduction in potential productivity.
Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Dominant mid-grasses 300–450 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 100–300 – plains lovegrass ERIN Eragrostis intermedia 100–300 – woolyspike balsamscale ELBA Elionurus barbiculmis 0–100 – cane bluestem BOBA3 Bothriochloa barbinodis 20–100 – bullgrass MUEM Muhlenbergia emersleyi 10–50 – Texas bluestem SCCI2 Schizachyrium cirratum 0–50 – spiked crinkleawn TRSP12 Trachypogon spicatus 10–50 – 2 Dominant cool season grasses 50–300 southwestern needlegrass ACEM4 Achnatherum eminens 25–150 – New Mexico feathergrass HENE5 Hesperostipa neomexicana 25–150 – squirreltail ELELE Elymus elymoides ssp. elymoides 1–25 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–20 – pinyon ricegrass PIFI Piptochaetium fimbriatum 0–20 – densetuft hairsedge BUCA2 Bulbostylis capillaris 0–10 – sedge CAREX Carex 0–10 – flatsedge CYPER Cyperus 0–5 – 3 Short grasses 100–150 black grama BOER4 Bouteloua eriopoda 25–75 – slim tridens TRMU Tridens muticus 15–50 – Hall's panicgrass PAHA Panicum hallii 5–30 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 5–30 – slim tridens TRMUE Tridens muticus var. elongatus 0–25 – shortleaf woollygrass ERAV Erioneuron avenaceum 1–15 – common wolfstail LYPH Lycurus phleoides 0–15 – desert muhly MUGL2 Muhlenbergia glauca 0–15 – slender muhly MUTE4 Muhlenbergia tenuifolia 0–10 – hairy woollygrass ERPI5 Erioneuron pilosum 0–10 – purple grama BORA Bouteloua radicosa 0–10 – slender grama BORE2 Bouteloua repens 0–10 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 0–10 – sprucetop grama BOCH Bouteloua chondrosioides 0–10 – 4 Threeawns 10–50 blue threeawn ARPUN Aristida purpurea var. nealleyi 10–50 – spidergrass ARTE3 Aristida ternipes 1–15 – Wright's threeawn ARPUW Aristida purpurea var. wrightii 1–10 – Orcutt's threeawn ARSCO Aristida schiedeana var. orcuttiana 0–10 – Fendler threeawn ARPUL Aristida purpurea var. longiseta 1–10 – spidergrass ARTEG Aristida ternipes var. gentilis 0–5 – poverty threeawn ARDI5 Aristida divaricata 0–2 – 5 Miscellaneous perennial grasses 5–50 tanglehead HECO10 Heteropogon contortus 1–25 – green sprangletop LEDU Leptochloa dubia 1–20 – plains bristlegrass SEVU2 Setaria vulpiseta 1–20 – bush muhly MUPO2 Muhlenbergia porteri 0–10 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–10 – southwestern bristlegrass SESC2 Setaria scheelei 0–10 – silver bluestem BOSA Bothriochloa saccharoides 0–10 – Arizona cottontop DICA8 Digitaria californica 0–10 – fall witchgrass DICO6 Digitaria cognata 0–5 – low woollygrass DAPU7 Dasyochloa pulchella 1–5 – curly-mesquite HIBE Hilaria belangeri 0–5 – purple muhly MURI3 Muhlenbergia rigida 0–5 – maidencane PAHE2 Panicum hemitomon 0–5 – vine mesquite PAOB Panicum obtusum 0–2 – tobosagrass PLMU3 Pleuraphis mutica 0–2 – nineawn pappusgrass ENDE Enneapogon desvauxii 0–2 – Rothrock's grama BORO2 Bouteloua rothrockii 0–2 – 6 Annual grasses 0–20 witchgrass PACA6 Panicum capillare 0–5 – Mexican panicgrass PAHI5 Panicum hirticaule 0–5 – Arizona signalgrass URAR Urochloa arizonica 0–5 – Eastwood fescue VUMIC Vulpia microstachys var. ciliata 0–5 – Pacific fescue VUMIP Vulpia microstachys var. pauciflora 0–5 – sixweeks fescue VUOC Vulpia octoflora 0–5 – Bigelow's bluegrass POBI Poa bigelovii 0–2 – Mexican sprangletop LEFUU Leptochloa fusca ssp. uninervia 0–2 – mucronate sprangeltop LEPAB Leptochloa panicea ssp. brachiata 0–2 – tapertip cupgrass ERACA Eriochloa acuminata var. acuminata 0–2 – sixweeks threeawn ARAD Aristida adscensionis 0–2 – prairie threeawn AROL Aristida oligantha 0–2 – needle grama BOAR Bouteloua aristidoides 0–2 – sixweeks grama BOBA2 Bouteloua barbata 0–1 – fragilegrass AETE Aegopogon tenellus 0–1 – tufted lovegrass ERPEP2 Eragrostis pectinacea var. pectinacea 0–1 – pitscale grass HAGR3 Hackelochloa granularis 0–1 – sweet tanglehead HEME Heteropogon melanocarpus 0–1 – Arizona brome BRAR4 Bromus arizonicus 0–1 – feather fingergrass CHVI4 Chloris virgata 0–1 – delicate muhly MUFR Muhlenbergia fragilis 0–1 – littleseed muhly MUMI Muhlenbergia microsperma 0–1 – poverty dropseed SPVA Sporobolus vaginiflorus 0–1 – spiked bur grass TRBE Tragus berteronianus 0–1 – prairie false oat TRIN5 Trisetum interruptum 0–1 – Forb7 Perennial forbs 10–55 leatherweed CRPO5 Croton pottsii 1–10 – trailing windmills ALIN Allionia incarnata 1–10 – shrubby copperleaf ACPH3 Acalypha phleoides 1–5 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 1–5 – Cochise beardtongue PEDA Penstemon dasyphyllus 1–5 – bluedicks DICA14 Dichelostemma capitatum 1–5 – spreading snakeherb DYSCD Dyschoriste schiedeana var. decumbens 0–2 – shrubby purslane POSU3 Portulaca suffrutescens 0–2 – slimflower scurfpea PSTE5 Psoralidium tenuiflorum 0–2 – Rocky Mountain zinnia ZIGR Zinnia grandiflora 0–2 – brownplume wirelettuce STPA4 Stephanomeria pauciflora 0–2 – longstalk chinchweed PELO Pectis longipes 1–2 – Texas snoutbean RHSET Rhynchosia senna var. texana 0–2 – tuber anemone ANTU Anemone tuberosa 0–2 – weakleaf bur ragweed AMCO3 Ambrosia confertiflora 1–2 – chaparral asphead ASHI3 Aspicarpa hirtella 1–2 – Cooley's bundleflower DECO2 Desmanthus cooleyi 0–2 – Fendler's bladderpod LEFE Lesquerella fendleri 1–2 – Wright's deervetch LOWR Lotus wrightii 0–2 – tufted evening primrose OECA10 Oenothera caespitosa 0–2 – spreading fleabane ERDI4 Erigeron divergens 0–2 – trailing fleabane ERFL Erigeron flagellaris 0–2 – pearly globe amaranth GONI Gomphrena nitida 1–2 – bastard toadflax COUM Comandra umbellata 0–2 – purplenerve springparsley CYMU2 Cymopterus multinervatus 0–2 – rose heath CHER2 Chaetopappa ericoides 0–2 – hairyseed bahia BAAB Bahia absinthifolia 1–2 – beardlip penstemon PEBA2 Penstemon barbatus 1–2 – lyreleaf greeneyes BELY Berlandiera lyrata 0–1 – scarlet spiderling BOCO Boerhavia coccinea 0–1 – copper fern BOHI Bommeria hispida 0–1 – dwarf stickpea CAHUR Calliandra humilis var. reticulata 0–1 – wholeleaf Indian paintbrush CAIN14 Castilleja integra 0–1 – desert mariposa lily CAKE Calochortus kennedyi 0–1 – sego lily CANU3 Calochortus nuttallii 0–1 – Indian paintbrush CASTI2 Castilleja 0–1 – whitemargin sandmat CHAL11 Chamaesyce albomarginata 0–1 – Eaton's lipfern CHEA Cheilanthes eatonii 0–1 – Fendler's lipfern CHFE2 Cheilanthes fendleri 0–1 – fairyswords CHLI Cheilanthes lindheimeri 0–1 – mala mujer CNAN Cnidoscolus angustidens 0–1 – birdbill dayflower CODI4 Commelina dianthifolia 0–1 – Texas bindweed COEQ Convolvulus equitans 0–1 – whitemouth dayflower COER Commelina erecta 0–1 – horsetail milkweed ASSU2 Asclepias subverticillata 0–1 – dense ayenia AYMI Ayenia microphylla 0–1 – whiteflower prairie clover DAAL Dalea albiflora 0–1 – James' prairie clover DAJA Dalea jamesii 0–1 – dwarf prairie clover DANA Dalea nana 0–1 – downy prairie clover DANE Dalea neomexicana 0–1 – Thurber's cotton GOTH Gossypium thurberi 0–1 – small matweed GUDE Guilleminea densa 0–1 – red bluet HORU Houstonia rubra 0–1 – fineleaf hymenopappus HYFI Hymenopappus filifolius 0–1 – babyslippers HYVE Hybanthus verticillatus 0–1 – iron ipomopsis IPLA2 Ipomopsis laxiflora 0–1 – pinkthroat morning-glory IPLO Ipomoea longifolia 0–1 – Macomb's ipomopsis IPMA2 Ipomopsis macombii 0–1 – El Paso skyrocket IPTH2 Ipomopsis thurberi 0–1 – ragged nettlespurge JAMA Jatropha macrorhiza 0–1 – San Pedro daisy LAPO4 Lasianthaea podocephala 0–1 – Mexican fireplant EUHE4 Euphorbia heterophylla 0–1 – sun spurge EURA2 Euphorbia radians 0–1 – wild dwarf morning-glory EVAR Evolvulus arizonicus 0–1 – shaggy dwarf morning-glory EVNU Evolvulus nuttallianus 0–1 – silver dwarf morning-glory EVSE Evolvulus sericeus 0–1 – Arizona snakecotton FRAR2 Froelichia arizonica 0–1 – scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 0–1 – radishroot woodsorrel OXAL Oxalis albicans 0–1 – Drummond's woodsorrel OXDR Oxalis drummondii 0–1 – locoweed OXYTR Oxytropis 0–1 – variableleaf bushbean MAGI2 Macroptilium gibbosifolium 0–1 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–1 – Mexican star MIBI2 Milla biflora 0–1 – narrowleaf four o'clock MILI3 Mirabilis linearis 0–1 – lemon beebalm MOCIA Monarda citriodora ssp. austromontana 0–1 – narrowleaf stoneseed LIIN2 Lithospermum incisum 0–1 – Lewis flax LILE3 Linum lewisii 0–1 – Greene's bird's-foot trefoil LOGR4 Lotus greenei 0–1 – desert larkspur DEPA Delphinium parishii 0–1 – fingerleaf gourd CUDI Cucurbita digitata 0–1 – coyote gourd CUPA Cucurbita palmata 0–1 – hybrid cloakfern ASIN19 Astrolepis integerrima 0–1 – broadleaf milkweed ASLA4 Asclepias latifolia 0–1 – woolly locoweed ASMOB Astragalus mollissimus var. bigelovii 0–1 – sheep milkvetch ASNO3 Astragalus nothoxys 0–1 – wavy scaly cloakfern ASSI9 Astrolepis sinuata 0–1 – Mexican yellowshow AMPA3 Amoreuxia palmatifida 0–1 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–1 – crested anoda ANCR2 Anoda cristata 0–1 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 0–1 – largeflower onion ALMA4 Allium macropetalum 0–1 – perennial rockcress ARPE2 Arabis perennans 0–1 – southwestern pricklypoppy ARPL3 Argemone pleiacantha 0–1 – Watson's dutchman's pipe ARWA Aristolochia watsonii 0–1 – Arizona milkvetch ASAR6 Astragalus arizonicus 0–1 – spider milkweed ASAS Asclepias asperula 0–1 – Cochise scaly cloakfern ASCO42 Astrolepis cochisensis 0–1 – slimleaf plainsmustard SCLI12 Schoenocrambe linearifolia 0–1 – Arizona spikemoss SEAR2 Selaginella arizonica 0–1 – twinleaf senna SEBA3 Senna bauhinioides 0–1 – Lemmon's ragwort SELE8 Senecio lemmonii 0–1 – New Mexico fanpetals SINE Sida neomexicana 0–1 – silverleaf nightshade SOEL Solanum elaeagnifolium 0–1 – copper globemallow SPAN3 Sphaeralcea angustifolia 0–1 – gooseberryleaf globemallow SPGR2 Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia 0–1 – Parry's beardtongue PEPA24 Penstemon parryi 0–1 – slimleaf bean PHAN3 Phaseolus angustissimus 0–1 – orange fameflower PHAU13 Phemeranthus aurantiacus 0–1 – Cory's mistletoe PHCO14 Phoradendron coryae 0–1 – ivyleaf groundcherry PHHE4 Physalis hederifolia 0–1 – white milkwort POAL4 Polygala alba 0–1 – velvetseed milkwort POOB Polygala obscura 0–1 – jewels of Opar TAPA2 Talinum paniculatum 0–1 – Coulter's wrinklefruit TECO Tetraclea coulteri 0–1 – hairy fournwort TENE Tetramerium nervosum 0–1 – longstalk greenthread THLO Thelesperma longipes 0–1 – Hopi tea greenthread THME Thelesperma megapotamicum 0–1 – pinewoods spiderwort TRPI Tradescantia pinetorum 0–1 – branched noseburn TRRA5 Tragia ramosa 0–1 – Fort Huachuca vervain VEGR2 Verbena gracilis 0–1 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–1 – Louisiana vetch VILUL2 Vicia ludoviciana ssp. ludoviciana 0–1 – copper zephyrlily ZELO Zephyranthes longifolia 0–1 – buffpetal RHPH2 Rhynchosida physocalyx 0–1 – Torrey's craglily ECFL Echeandia flavescens 0–1 – 8 Annual Forbs 1–50 pitseed goosefoot CHBE4 Chenopodium berlandieri 0–10 – fewflower beggarticks BILE Bidens leptocephala 0–5 – longleaf false goldeneye HELOA2 Heliomeris longifolia var. annua 0–5 – New Mexico goosefoot CHNE3 Chenopodium neomexicanum 0–3 – sensitive partridge pea CHNI2 Chamaecrista nictitans 0–3 – New Mexico thistle CINE Cirsium neomexicanum 0–2 – Wright's bird's beak COWR2 Cordylanthus wrightii 0–2 – New Mexico copperleaf ACNE Acalypha neomexicana 0–2 – smallflowered milkvetch ASNU4 Astragalus nuttallianus 0–2 – Thurber's milkvetch ASTH Astragalus thurberi 0–2 – slender goldenweed MAGR10 Machaeranthera gracilis 0–2 – Arizona poppy KAGR Kallstroemia grandiflora 0–2 – tanseyleaf tansyaster MATA2 Machaeranthera tanacetifolia 0–2 – whitestem blazingstar MEAL6 Mentzelia albicaulis 0–1 – sweet four o'clock MILO2 Mirabilis longiflora 0–1 – desert evening primrose OEPR Oenothera primiveris 0–1 – Arizona phacelia PHAR13 Phacelia arizonica 0–1 – Mangas Spring phacelia PHBO4 Phacelia bombycina 0–1 – Arizona popcornflower PLAR Plagiobothrys arizonicus 0–1 – woolly plantain PLPA2 Plantago patagonica 0–1 – purslane PORTU Portulaca 0–1 – yerba porosa PORU6 Porophyllum ruderale 0–1 – desert unicorn-plant PRAL4 Proboscidea althaeifolia 0–1 – doubleclaw PRPA2 Proboscidea parviflora 0–1 – Wright's cudweed PSCAC2 Pseudognaphalium canescens ssp. canescens 0–1 – Abert's creeping zinnia SAAB Sanvitalia abertii 0–1 – sawtooth sage SASU7 Salvia subincisa 0–1 – spreading fanpetals SIAB Sida abutifolia 0–1 – sleepy silene SIAN2 Silene antirrhina 0–1 – hillside vervain VENE Verbena neomexicana 0–1 – warty caltrop KAPA Kallstroemia parviflora 0–1 – Gordon's bladderpod LEGO Lesquerella gordonii 0–1 – broadleaved pepperweed LELA2 Lepidium latifolium 0–1 – intermediate pepperweed LEVIM Lepidium virginicum var. medium 0–1 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–1 – plains flax LIPU4 Linum puberulum 0–1 – foothill deervetch LOHU2 Lotus humistratus 0–1 – coastal bird's-foot trefoil LOSAB Lotus salsuginosus var. brevivexillus 0–1 – shortstem lupine LUBR2 Lupinus brevicaulis 0–1 – bajada lupine LUCOC Lupinus concinnus ssp. concinnus 0–1 – Fendler's desertdandelion MAFE Malacothrix fendleri 0–1 – mesa tansyaster MATA Machaeranthera tagetina 0–1 – wheelscale saltbush ATEL Atriplex elegans 0–1 – camphorweed HESU3 Heterotheca subaxillaris 0–1 – crestrib morning-glory IPCO2 Ipomoea costellata 0–1 – redstar IPCO3 Ipomoea coccinea 0–1 – ivyleaf morning-glory IPHE Ipomoea hederacea 0–1 – flaxflowered ipomopsis IPLOL Ipomopsis longiflora ssp. longiflora 0–1 – Thurber's morning-glory IPTH Ipomoea thurberi 0–1 – carelessweed AMPA Amaranthus palmeri 0–1 – crested anoda ANCR2 Anoda cristata 0–1 – southwestern pricklypoppy ARPL3 Argemone pleiacantha 0–1 – halfmoon milkvetch ASAL6 Astragalus allochrous 0–1 – cryptantha CRYPT Cryptantha 0–1 – Chihuahuan prairie clover DAEX2 Dalea exigua 0–1 – American wild carrot DAPU3 Daucus pusillus 0–1 – sacred thorn-apple DAWR2 Datura wrightii 0–1 – New Mexico ticktrefoil DENE Desmodium neomexicanum 0–1 – western tansymustard DEPI Descurainia pinnata 0–1 – western trailing ticktrefoil DEPR2 Desmodium procumbens 0–1 – poorjoe DITE2 Diodia teres 0–1 – wedgeleaf draba DRCU Draba cuneifolia 0–1 – Abert's buckwheat ERAB2 Eriogonum abertianum 0–1 – sanddune wallflower ERCA14 Erysimum capitatum 0–1 – miniature woollystar ERDI2 Eriastrum diffusum 0–1 – spreading fleabane ERDI4 Erigeron divergens 0–1 – sorrel buckwheat ERPO4 Eriogonum polycladon 0–1 – California poppy ESCAM Eschscholzia californica ssp. mexicana 0–1 – Arizona blanketflower GAAR2 Gaillardia arizonica 0–1 – red dome blanketflower GAPI Gaillardia pinnatifida 0–1 – lesser yellowthroat gilia GIFL Gilia flavocincta 0–1 – El Paso gilia GIME Gilia mexicana 0–1 – Dakota mock vervain GLBIB Glandularia bipinnatifida var. bipinnatifida 0–1 – curlytop gumweed GRNUA Grindelia nuda var. aphanactis 0–1 – miner's lettuce CLPEP Claytonia perfoliata ssp. perfoliata 0–1 – scrambled eggs COAU2 Corydalis aurea 0–1 – southwestern cosmos COPA12 Cosmos parviflorus 0–1 – threadstem sandmat CHRE4 Chamaesyce revoluta 0–1 – thymeleaf sandmat CHSE6 Chamaesyce serpyllifolia 0–1 – slimseed sandmat CHST8 Chamaesyce stictospora 0–1 – Coulter's spiderling BOCO2 Boerhavia coulteri 0–1 – erect spiderling BOER Boerhavia erecta 0–1 – hoary bowlesia BOIN3 Bowlesia incana 0–1 – purple spiderling BOPU Boerhavia purpurascens 0–1 – fringed redmaids CACI2 Calandrinia ciliata 0–1 – royal sandmat CHDI5 Chamaesyce dioica 0–1 – pillpod sandmat CHHI3 Chamaesyce hirta 0–1 – hyssopleaf sandmat CHHY3 Chamaesyce hyssopifolia 0–1 – Shrub/Vine9 Half shrubs 20–70 James' buckwheat ERJA Eriogonum jamesii 0–20 – fairyduster CAER Calliandra eriophylla 1–15 – featherplume DAFO Dalea formosa 1–10 – tarragon ARDR4 Artemisia dracunculus 0–10 – yerba de pasmo BAPT Baccharis pteronioides 1–5 – California brickellbush BRCA3 Brickellia californica 0–5 – Utah fendlerbush FEUTC Fendlerella utahensis var. cymosa 0–5 – heartleaf goldeneye VICO Viguiera cordifolia 0–5 – desert zinnia ZIAC Zinnia acerosa 0–5 – rough menodora MESC Menodora scabra 0–5 – trailing krameria KRLA Krameria lanceolata 1–5 – winterfat KRLA2 Krascheninnikovia lanata 0–2 – littleleaf ratany KRER Krameria erecta 0–2 – bastardsage ERWR Eriogonum wrightii 0–2 – Gregg's prairie clover DAGR2 Dalea greggii 0–2 – cliff goldenbush ERCUC Ericameria cuneata var. cuneata 0–2 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–2 – prairie acacia ACAN Acacia angustissima 0–2 – mariola PAIN2 Parthenium incanum 0–1 – woody crinklemat TICAC Tiquilia canescens var. canescens 0–1 – American threefold TRCA8 Trixis californica 0–1 – 10 Evergreen shrubs 50–100 Mexican cliffrose PUME Purshia mexicana 0–50 – desert ceanothus CEGR Ceanothus greggii 1–50 – hairy mountain mahogany CEMOP Cercocarpus montanus var. paucidentatus 1–50 – cliffbrake PELLA Pellaea 6–36 – pungent oak QUPU Quercus pungens 0–25 – evergreen sumac RHVIC Rhus virens var. choriophylla 1–25 – longstalk chinchweed PELO Pectis longipes 6–20 – Parry's beardtongue PEPA24 Penstemon parryi 6–20 – Palmer's penstemon PEPA8 Penstemon palmeri 6–20 – white milkwort POAL4 Polygala alba 6–20 – Wright's cudweed PSCAC2 Pseudognaphalium canescens ssp. canescens 6–20 – Texas snoutbean RHSET Rhynchosia senna var. texana 6–20 – twinleaf senna SEBA3 Senna bauhinioides 6–20 – spreading fanpetals SIAB Sida abutifolia 6–20 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 6–20 – caliche globemallow SPLA Sphaeralcea laxa 6–20 – brownplume wirelettuce STPA4 Stephanomeria pauciflora 6–20 – pricklyleaf dogweed THAC Thymophylla acerosa 6–20 – Hopi tea greenthread THME Thelesperma megapotamicum 6–20 – rue of the mountains THTE2 Thamnosma texana 6–20 – Arizona bluecurls TRAR Trichostema arizonicum 6–20 – pinewoods spiderwort TRPI Tradescantia pinetorum 6–20 – branched noseburn TRRA5 Tragia ramosa 6–20 – Fort Huachuca vervain VEGR2 Verbena gracilis 6–20 – mariposa lily CALOC Calochortus 6–20 – Indian paintbrush CASTI2 Castilleja 6–20 – field bindweed COAR4 Convolvulus arvensis 6–20 – whitemouth dayflower COER Commelina erecta 6–20 – pale bastard toadflax COUMP Comandra umbellata ssp. pallida 6–20 – leatherweed CRPOP Croton pottsii var. pottsii 6–20 – spreading fleabane ERDI4 Erigeron divergens 6–20 – trailing fleabane ERFL Erigeron flagellaris 6–20 – New Mexico fleabane ERNE3 Erigeron neomexicanus 6–20 – wild dwarf morning-glory EVAR Evolvulus arizonicus 6–20 – shaggy dwarf morning-glory EVNU Evolvulus nuttallianus 6–20 – beeblossom GAURA Gaura 6–20 – pineywoods geranium GECA3 Geranium caespitosum 6–20 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 6–20 – fineleaf hymenopappus HYFIL Hymenopappus filifolius var. lugens 6–20 – El Paso skyrocket IPTH2 Ipomopsis thurberi 6–20 – Lewis flax LILE3 Linum lewisii 6–20 – plains flax LIPU4 Linum puberulum 6–20 – variableleaf bushbean MAGI2 Macroptilium gibbosifolium 6–20 – Organ Mountain blazingstar MEAS2 Mentzelia asperula 6–20 – rough menodora MESC Menodora scabra 6–20 – alpine woodsorrel OXAL2 Oxalis alpina 6–20 – brownfoot ACWR5 Acourtia wrightii 6–20 – trailing windmills ALIN Allionia incarnata 6–20 – weakleaf bur ragweed AMCO3 Ambrosia confertiflora 6–20 – tuber anemone ANTU Anemone tuberosa 6–20 – rockcress ARABI2 Arabis 6–20 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 6–20 – chaparral asphead ASHI3 Aspicarpa hirtella 6–20 – dense ayenia AYMI Ayenia microphylla 6–20 – hairyseed bahia BAAB Bahia absinthifolia 6–20 – firecrackerbush BOTE2 Bouvardia ternifolia 6–20 – Warnock's snakewood COWA Condalia warnockii 0–5 – Kearney's snakewood COWAK Condalia warnockii var. kearneyana 0–5 – Wright's silktassel GAWR3 Garrya wrightii 0–5 – Arizona water-willow JUCA9 Justicia candicans 0–2 – 11 Deciduous shrubs 15–50 Mexican copperleaf ACME7 Acalypha mexicana 5–36 – carelessweed AMPA Amaranthus palmeri 5–36 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 5–36 – hoary bowlesia BOIN3 Bowlesia incana 5–36 – exserted Indian paintbrush CAEXE Castilleja exserta ssp. exserta 5–36 – lambsquarters CHAL7 Chenopodium album 5–36 – sensitive partridge pea CHNIL Chamaecrista nictitans ssp. nictitans var. leptadenia 5–36 – nodding bird's-beak COLA4 Cordylanthus laxiflorus 5–36 – American wild carrot DAPU3 Daucus pusillus 5–36 – New Mexico ticktrefoil DENE Desmodium neomexicanum 5–36 – western tansymustard DEPI Descurainia pinnata 5–36 – miniature woollystar ERDI2 Eriastrum diffusum 5–36 – leafy spurge EUESE Euphorbia esula var. esula 5–36 – blanketflower GAILL Gaillardia 5–36 – Parry's dwarf-sunflower HEPA Helianthella parryi 5–36 – Arizona poppy KAGR Kallstroemia grandiflora 5–36 – intermediate pepperweed LEVIM Lepidium virginicum var. medium 5–36 – hoary tansyaster MACA2 Machaeranthera canescens 5–36 – whitestem blazingstar MEAL6 Mentzelia albicaulis 5–36 – green carpetweed MOVE Mollugo verticillata 5–36 – Florida pellitory PAFL3 Parietaria floridana 5–36 – lakeshore panicgrass PALA Panicum lacustre 5–36 – phacelia PHACE Phacelia 5–36 – phlox PHLOX Phlox 5–36 – sweetscent PLODO Pluchea odorata var. odorata 5–36 – desert Indianwheat PLOV Plantago ovata 5–36 – slimflower scurfpea PSTE5 Psoralidium tenuiflorum 5–36 – chia SACO6 Salvia columbariae 5–36 – sleepy silene SIAN2 Silene antirrhina 5–36 – staggerweed STAR Stachys arvensis 5–36 – garden vetch VISAN2 Vicia sativa ssp. nigra 5–36 – Tahitian kidneywood EYOR Eysenhardtia orthocarpa 1–25 – ocotillo FOSP2 Fouquieria splendens 5–25 – Arizona necklacepod SOAR3 Sophora arizonica 0–10 – littleleaf sumac RHMI3 Rhus microphylla 0–10 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–5 – Wright's mock buckthorn SAWR Sageretia wrightii 0–5 – catclaw acacia ACGR Acacia greggii 1–5 – Wright's beebrush ALWR Aloysia wrightii 1–5 – catclaw mimosa MIACB Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera 0–5 – Rio Grande saddlebush MOSC Mortonia scabrella 0–5 – western honey mesquite PRGLT Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana 0–2 – velvet mesquite PRVE Prosopis velutina 0–2 – spiny hackberry CEEH Celtis ehrenbergiana 0–2 – javelina bush COER5 Condalia ericoides 0–2 – knifeleaf condalia COSP3 Condalia spathulata 0–2 – whitethorn acacia ACCO2 Acacia constricta 0–2 – longleaf jointfir EPTR Ephedra trifurca 0–1 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 0–1 – 12 Succulents 10–100 sacahuista NOMI Nolina microcarpa 5–50 – Palmer's century plant AGPA3 Agave palmeri 1–20 – Parry's agave AGPA4 Agave parryi 1–20 – common sotol DAWH2 Dasylirion wheeleri 5–20 – Parry's agave AGPAP5 Agave parryi ssp. parryi 1–10 – Schott's century plant AGSC3 Agave schottii 0–10 – dollarjoint pricklypear OPCH Opuntia chlorotica 0–5 – cactus apple OPEN3 Opuntia engelmannii 0–5 – Schott's yucca YUSC Yucca ×schottii 0–5 – banana yucca YUBA Yucca baccata 0–5 – purple pricklypear OPMA8 Opuntia macrocentra 0–2 – tulip pricklypear OPPH Opuntia phaeacantha 0–2 – candy barrelcactus FEWI Ferocactus wislizeni 0–2 – Graham's nipple cactus MAGR9 Mammillaria grahamii 0–1 – Macdougal's nipple cactus MAHEM Mammillaria heyderi var. macdougalii 0–1 – soaptree yucca YUEL Yucca elata 0–1 – Scheer's beehive cactus COROS Coryphantha robustispina ssp. scheeri 0–1 – walkingstick cactus CYSP8 Cylindropuntia spinosior 0–1 – pinkflower hedgehog cactus ECBO2 Echinocereus bonkerae 0–1 – scarlet hedgehog cactus ECCOC Echinocereus coccineus var. coccineus 0–1 – pinkflower hedgehog cactus ECFEF3 Echinocereus fendleri ssp. fendleri 0–1 – white fishhook cactus ECIN2 Echinomastus intertextus 0–1 – Leding's hedgehog cactus ECLE2 Echinocereus ledingii 0–1 – rainbow hedgehog cactus ECRI3 Echinocereus rigidissimus 0–1 – Bisbee spinystar ESVIB Escobaria vivipara var. bisbeeana 0–1 – Tree13 Trees 5–35 Arizona rosewood VACA5 Vauquelinia californica 5–25 – Arizona white oak QUAR Quercus arizonica 0–20 – Emory oak QUEM Quercus emoryi 0–20 – Mexican blue oak QUOB Quercus oblongifolia 0–10 – alligator juniper JUDE2 Juniperus deppeana 0–10 – oneseed juniper JUMO Juniperus monosperma 0–10 – Mexican pinyon PICE Pinus cembroides 0–5 – Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
The plant community on this site is suitable for grazing by all classes of livestock at any season. High soil pH can limit the availability of some essential plant nutrients reducing forage quality especially compared to adjacent non-limy sites. Due to the abundance of cool season grasses and many species of palatable evergreen browse, this site is especially well suited for winter-spring grazing when nearby upland areas are deficient in protein. Steep slopes, very cobbly surfaces and large areas of rock outcrop limit grazing distribution on this site. Fencing large areas of this site separately from non-limy hills and uplands and grazing during the cool season will allow effective management of the forage resource it has. This site is very dry, but springs will be found at the lower end areas of this site where it contacts with more impervious metamorphic rocks like slate, mudstone, and quartzite. Canyons throughout areas of this site tend to be dry even in winter due to the extreme porosity of the limestone parent material. Mountain mahogany and Wright eupatorium can cause cyanide poisoning in the fall. Cattle should not be turned into areas of the site until after several frosts have occurred in late fall or early winter. Mountain lion predation on calves can be severe on this site. Grazing dry cows and/or yearlings in the cool season and moving cows off as they calve will help avoid predation.
This site provides excellent habitat for both whitetail and mule deer. Large amounts of palatable evergreen browse species on this site gives it a high carrying capacity for deer. Periodic fires will help keep species like desert ceanothus, cliffrose and mahogany from growing out of reach of deer. The potential plant community is rich in grass and forb species making the site home to a variety of insect, bird, small mammal and reptile species. Extensive stands of Agave Palmeri and Parryi are a primary food source for the Mexican long-tongue bat, as well as several other bird and insect species. Numerous caverns in the porous limestone bedrock are habitat for a variety of species, including summertime roosts for the endangered lesser long-nosed bat. Natural water is limited on this site unless contact springs occur where more impervious rock like slate or mudstone block the gravitational flow of water through the limestone and allow surface flow to occur. Water developments are very important to large mammals, as well as several bird and small mammal species that use this habitat.Hydrological functions
This site is a poor producer of runoff due to the porous nature of the limestone parent material.
Recreational uses
Hunting, hiking, bird watching, camping, picnicking, fossil hunting, photography, horseback riding.
Wood products
Limited fuel-wood from juniper. Limited hobby wood from Arizona rosewood.
Other products
Beargrass and yucca for fibers, agave for tequila and mescal making, medicinal plants like yerba de pasmo, herbaceous sage and terragon, fossils, limestone for cement making.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Range 417s include 1 in excellent condition.
Type locality
Location 1: Cochise County, AZ Township/Range/Section T23S R19E S32 General legal description NE 1//4 of section - Ft. Huachuca - West range by Pyeatt Cave Location 2: Cochise County, AZ Township/Range/Section T23S R24E S1 General legal description Douglas FO - Miller Ranch, Mule Mtns., Mexican Canyon Location 3: Cochise County, AZ Township/Range/Section T15S R22E S22 General legal description Willcox FO - Little Dragoon Mtns., Johnson Mine Location 4: Pinal County, AZ Township/Range/Section T10S R16E S19 General legal description Tucson FO - Three C Ranch, Catalina Mtns. Location 5: Santa Cruz County, AZ Township/Range/Section T21S R17E S9 General legal description Babocomari Ranch, Encinos Pasture at KA #5. Other references
Conservation Technical Assistance Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Range and Pasture Conservation Technical Resources. Site includes links to the National Range and Pasture Handbook. Available online at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/landuse/rangepasture. Accessed 9/18/2013.
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Agricultural Handbook 296 digital maps and attributes. Available online at http://soils.usda.gov/survey/geography/mlra/index.html. Accessed 9/18/2013.
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available online at http://soils.usda.gov/technical/classification/osd/index.html. Accessed 9/18/2013.
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Web Soil Survey. Available online at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/. Accessed 9/18/2013.
Contributors
Steve Barker
WGN
Wilma J. Renken
Dan Robinett
Larry D. EllicottApproval
Curtis Talbot, 4/09/2021
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s) Contact for lead author Date 04/19/2026 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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