| Nevada
Appendix
H.
|
| Vegetation
Classes by Group and Numeric Code |
| Cover-Type
categories are listed by principle species which define the cover-type.
Landscape scale cover-type mapping includes many prevalent primary
associated species which can substantially occur as part of the cover-type
in localized areas. This is not intended to be a complete species
list, but rather an overview of the most common species associated
with each cover-type. General descriptions of each cover-type and
a brief distribution of the cover-type is included. |
| |
| TREES
|
| 1.)
|
ASH
- Woodland dominated by velvet ash Fraxinus velutina and screwbean
Prosopis pubescens. Primary associated shrub species includes Baccharis
emoryi.
Distribution - This cover-type is only found in the vicinity of
Ash Meadows, near Amargosa Valley. |
| 2.) |
ASPEN_2 - Deciduous forest principally dominated by quaking aspen
Populus tremuloides at canopies from 30-60 percent. Primary associated
tree species include pinyon pinus monophylla., mountain mahogany Cercocarpus
ledifolius, limber pine Pinus flexilis, white fir Abies concolor,
subalpine fir Abies lasiocarpa, engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii,
ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa, lodgepole pine Pinus contortus, whitebark
pine Pinus albicaulis, red fir Abies magnifica and jeffry pine Pinus
jeffreyi Primary associated shrub species include mountain shrubs
listed in mountain shrub class.
Distribution - Aspen is found in localized areas throughout Nevada,
occurring at higher elevations and on cooler aspects. The largest
areas of the class are in northeast Nevada. |
| 3.)
|
ASPEN_3
- Deciduous forest principally dominated by quaking aspen Populus
tremuloides at canopies greater than 59 percent. Primary associated
tree species include pinyon pinus monophylla., mountain mahogany Cercocarpus
ledifolius, limber pine Pinus flexilis, white fir Abies concolor,
subalpine fir Abies lasiocarpa, engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii,
ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa, lodgepole pine Pinus contortus, whitebark
pine Pinus albicaulis, red fir Abies magnifica and jeffry pine Pinus
jeffreyi Primary associated shrub species include mountain shrubs
listed in mountain shrub class.
Distribution - Aspen is found in localized areas throughout Nevada,
occurring at higher elevations and on cooler aspects. The largest
areas of the class are in northeast Nevada. |
| 4.)
|
ENGELMANN
SPRUCE_2 - Conifer forest principally dominated by engelmann spruce
Picea engelmannii at canopies between 30-60 percent. Primary associated
tree species include white fir Abies concolor, doug fir Pseudotsuga
menziesii, limber pine Pinus flexilis, whitebark pine Pinus albicaulis,
bristlecone pine Pinus aristata and aspen Populus tremuloides. Primary
associated shrub species include snowberry Symphoricarpos spp., buckbrush
Ceanothus spp., dwarf juniper Juniperus communis and manzanita Arctostaphylos
spp.
Distribution - This class only occurs in the large mountain ranges
of eastern Nevada. |
| 5.)
|
ENGELMANN
SPRUCE_3 - Conifer forest principally dominated by engelmann spruce
Picea engelmannii at canopies above 59 percent. Primary associated
tree species include white fir Abies concolor, doug fir Pseudotsuga
menziesii, limber pine Pinus flexilis, whitebark pine Pinus albicaulis,
bristlecone pine Pinus aristata and aspen Populus tremuloides. Primary
associated shrub species include snowberry Symphoricarpos spp., buckbrush
Ceanothus spp., dwarf juniper Juniperus communis and manzanita Arctostaphylos
spp.
Distribution - This class only occurs in the large mountain ranges
of eastern Nevada. |
| 6.)
|
GREAT
BASIN SUBALPINE PINE_1- Conifer woodland principally dominated by
limber pine Pinus flexilis, bristlecone pine Pinus aristata and whitebark
pine Pinus albicaulis in canopies less than 30 percent. Primary associated
tree species include white fir Abies concolor, spruce Picea engelmannii,
doug fir Pseudotsuga menziesii, and sub-alpine fir Abies lasiocarpa.
Primary associated shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia spp.,
snowberry Symphoricarpos spp., willow Salix spp., manzanita Arctostaphylos
patula and dwarf juniper Junperus communis.
Distribution - This class is distributed throughout central, eastern
and northern Nevada on high elevation mountins. It occurs in lower
elevations in eastern and northern Nevada (8000-10,000 feet), then
in central Nevada (9500-11,000 feet). These three pine species can
intermix, and their broad overlap belts are the reason they were not
mapped independently. However, in many mountain ranges only one or
two of the species will occur independently of the others, especially
in northern Nevada where bristlecone pine is absent. As a general
rule limber pine is predominate in northern Nevada and bristlecone
in southern Nevada. |
| 7.)
|
GREAT
BASIN SUBALPINE PINE_2- Conifer woodland principally dominated by
limber pine Pinus flexilis, bristlecone pine Pinus aristata and whitebark
pine Pinus albicaulis in canopies from 30-60 percent. Primary associated
tree species include white fir Abies concolor, spruce Picea engelmannii,
doug fir Pseudotsuga menziesii, and sub-alpine fir Abies lasiocarpa.
Primary associated shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia spp.,
snowberry Symphoricarpos spp., willow Salix spp., manzanita Arctostaphylos
patula and dwarf juniper Junperus communis.
Distribution - This class is distributed throughout central, eastern
and northern Nevada on high elevation mountins. It occurs in lower
elevations in eastern and northern Nevada (8000-10,000 feet), then
in central Nevada (9500-11,000 feet). These three pine species can
intermix, and their broad overlap belts are the reason they were not
mapped independently. However, in many mountain ranges only one or
two of the species will occur independently of the others, especially
in northern Nevada where bristlecone pine is absent. As a general
rule limber pine is predominate in northern Nevada and bristlecone
in southern Nevada. |
| 8.) |
JUNIPER_1 - Conifer woodland principally dominated by Utah juniper
Juniperus osteosperma at canopies less than 30 percent. Primary associated
tree species include rocky mountain juniper Juniperus scopulorum,
western juniper Juniperus occidentalis and single leaf pinyon Pinus
monophylla. Primary associated shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia
spp., rabbitbrush Chrysothamnus spp. and blackbrush Coleogyne ramosissima.
Distribution - Juniper is widely distributed throughout Nevada
in open canopy stands. It typically occurs at lower elevations below
the pinyon-juniper zone. Northern Nevada contains only juniper, with
small stands of western juniper in extreme northwest Nevada. In southern
Nevada juniper occurs commonly with blackbrush. |
| 9.) |
JUNIPER_2
- Conifer woodland principally dominated by juniper Juniperus osteosperma
at canopies from 30-60 percent. Primary associated tree species
include rocky mountain juniper Juniperus scopulorum, western juniper
Juniperus occidentalis and single leaf pinyon Pinus monophylla.
Primary associated shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia spp.,
rabbitbrush Chrysothamnus spp and blackbrush Coleogyne ramosissima.
Distribution
- Juniper is widely distributed throughout Nevada in open canopy
stands. It typically occurs at lower elevations below the pinyon-juniper
zone. Northern Nevada contains only juniper, with small stands of
western juniper in extreme northwest Nevada. In southern Nevada
juniper occurs commonly with blackbrush.
|
| 10.)
|
MOJAVE
BRISTLECONE_1 - Conifer forest principally dominated by bristlecone
pine Pinus aristata at canopies less than 30 percent. Primary associated
tree species include limber pine Pinus flexilis, engelmann spruce
Picea engelmannii, white fir Abies concolor, and ponderosa pine Pinus
ponderosa. Primary associated shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia
spp. and snowberry Symphoricarpos spp.
Distribution - This class is distributed in the Snake and Sheep
Creek Mountains within the Mojave Desert usually from 9000-11,500
feet. It is distinguished as the largest, densest expanse of bristlecone
pine within Nevada. |
| 11.)
|
MOJAVE
BRISTLECONE_2 - Conifer forest principally dominated by bristlecone
pine Pinus aristata at canopies from 30-60 . percent. Primary associated
tree species include limber pine Pinus flexilis, engelmann spruce
Picea engelmannii, white fir Abies concolor, and ponderosa pine Pinus
ponderosa. Primary associated shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia
spp. and snowberry Symphoricarpos spp.
Distribution - This class is distributed in the Snake and Sheep
Creek Mountains within the Mojave Desert usually from 9000-11,500
feet. It is distinguished as the largest, densest expanse of bristlecone
pine within Nevada. |
| 12.)
|
MOJAVE
BRISTECONE_3 - Conifer forest principally dominated by bristlecone
pine Pinus aristata at canopies greater than 60 percent. Primary associated
tree species include limber pine Pinus flexilis, engelmann spruce
Picea engelmannii, white fir Abies concolor, and ponderosa pine Pinus
ponderosa. Primary associated shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia
spp. and snowberry Symphoricarpos spp.
Distribution - This class is distributed in the Snake and Sheep
Creek Mountains within the Mojave Desert usually from 9000-11,500
feet. It is distinguished as the largest, densest expanse of bristlecone
pine within Nevada. |
| 13.)
|
MOUNTAIN
MAHOGANY_1- Woodland principally dominated by mountain mahogany Cercocarpus
ledifolius at canopies less than 30 percent. Primary associated species
include pinyon Pinus monophylla, juniper Juniperus spp. and sagebrush
Artemisia spp.
Distribution - This class occurs widely throughout Nevada, usually
in elevations above the pinyon-juniper zone on steep, rocky, dry slopes.
It is most abundant in central, eastern and northern Nevada. |
| 14.)
|
MOUNTAIN
MAHOGANY_2 - Forest principally dominated by mountain mahogany Cercocarpus
ledifolius at canopies from 30-60 percent. Primary associated species
include pinyon Pinus monophylla, juniper Juniperus spp. and sagebrush
Artemisia spp.
Distribution - This class occurs widely throughout Nevada,
usually in elevations above the pinyon-juniper zone on steep, rocky,
dry slopes. It is most abundant in central, eastern and northern Nevada.
|
| 15.)
|
MOUNTAIN
MAHOGANY_3 - Forest principally dominated by mountain mahogany Cercocarpus
ledifolius at canopies above 59 percent. Primary associated species
include pinyon Pinus monophylla, juniper Juniperus spp. and sagebrush
Artemisia spp.
Distribution - This class occurs widely throughout Nevada, usually
in elevations above the pinyon-juniper zone on steep, rocky, dry slopes.
It is most abundant in central, eastern and northern Nevada. |
| 16.)
|
PINYON_1
- Conifer woodland principally dominated by single leaf pinyon Pinus
monophylla at canopies less than 30 percent. Primary associated tree
species include Utah juniper Juniperus osteosperma., ponderosa pine
Pinus ponderosa, white fir Abies concolor, mountain mahogany Cercocarpus
ledifolius and jeffrey pine Pinus Jeffreyi. Primary associated shrub
species include sagebrush Artemisia spp., oak Quercus gambelii, alder
leaf mountain mahogany Cercocarpus montanus, littleleaf mountain mahogany
Cercocarpus intricatus, cliffrose Cowania mexicana, manzanita Arctostaphylos
spp., shrub live oak Quercus turbinella, and bitterbrush Purshia tridentata.
Distribution - Pinyon is most widely distributed throughout eastern,
central and western Nevada at elevations above the pinyon-juniper
zone. It is absent in northern Nevada. |
| |
|
| 17.) |
PINYON_2 - Conifer forest principally dominated by single leaf pinyon
Pinus monophylla at canopies from 30-60 percent. Primary associated
tree species include Utah juniper Juniperus osteosperma., ponderosa
pine Pinus ponderosa, white fir Abies concolor, mountain mahogany
Cercocarpus ledifolius and jeffry pine Pinus Jeffreyi. Primary associated
shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia spp., oak Quercus gambelii,
alder leaf mountain mahogany Cercocarpus montanus, littleleaf mountain
mahogany Cercocarpus intricatus, cliffrose Cowania mexicana, manzanita
Arctostaphylos spp., shrub live oak Quercus turbinella, and bitterbrush
Purshia tridentata.
Distribution - Pinyon is most widely distributed throughout
eastern, central and western Nevada at elevations above the pinyon-juniper
zone. It is absent in northern Nevada. |
| 18.)
|
PINYON-JUNIPER_1
- Conifer woodland principally co-dominated by single leaf pinyon
Pinus monophylla and Utah juniper Juniperus osteosperma at canopies
less than 30 percent. Primary associated tree species include mountain
mahogany Cercocarpus ledifolius. Primary associated shrub species
include sagebrush Artemisia spp., rabbitbrush Chrysothamnus spp.,
oak Quercus gambelii, alder leaf mountain mahogany Cercocarpus montanus,
bitterbrush Purshia tridentata, littleleaf mountain mahogany Cercocarpus
intricatus, and cliffrose Cowania mexicana.
Distribution - Pinyon-Juniper is distributed throughout all
but northern Nevada. It is most abundant in eastern and central Nevada.
It typically occurs at elevations above the juniper zone and below
the pinyon zone. |
| 19.)
|
PINYON-JUNIPER_2
- Conifer woodland principally co-dominated by pinyon Pinus monophylla
and juniper Juniperus osteosperma at canopies from 30-60 percent.
Primary associated tree species include mountain mahogany Cercocarpus
ledifolius. Primary associated shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia
spp., rabbitbrush Chrysothamnus spp., oak Quercus gambelii, alder
leaf mountain mahogany Cercocarpus montanus, bitterbrush Purshia tridentata,
littleleaf mountain mahogany Cercocarpus intricatus, and cliffrose
Cowania mexicana.
Distribution - Pinyon-Juniper is distributed throughout all but
northern Nevada. It is most abundant in eastern and central Nevada.
It typically occurs at elevations above the juniper zone and below
the pinyon zone. |
| 20.)
|
PONDEROSA
PINE_1/MOUNTAIN SHRUB - Conifer woodland principally dominated by
ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa at canopies less than 30 percent,
co-dominant with mountain shrubs including oak Quercus gambelii,
alder leaf mountain mahogany Cercocarpus montanus, snowberry Symphoricarpos
spp., manzanita Arctostaphylos spp. and littleleaf mountain mahogany
Cercocarpus intricatus. Primary associated tree species include
pinyon Pinus monophylla, juniper juniperus osteosperma, white fir
Abies concolor, limber pine Pinus flexilis ,mountain mahogany Cercocarpus
ledifolius and bristlecone pine Pinus aristata. Primary associated
shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia spp..
Distribution - This class is predominately found in the Spring,
Sheep Creek and Clover mountains of southern Nevada.
|
| 21.)
|
PONDEROSA
PINE_2 - Conifer forest principally dominated by ponderosa pine Pinus
ponderosa at canopies from 30-60 percent. Primary associated tree
species include pinyon Pinus monophylla, juniper juniperus osteosperma,
white fir Abies concolor, limber pine Pinus flexilis ,mountain mahogany
Cercocarpus ledifolius and bristlecone pine Pinus aristata. Primary
associated shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia spp., oak Quercus
gambelii, alder leaf mountain mahogany Cercocarpus montanus, snowberry
Symphoricarpos spp., manzanita Arctostaphylos spp. and littleleaf
mountain mahogany Cercocarpus intricatus.
Distribution - This class is predominately found in the Spring,
Sheep Creek and Clover mountains of southern Nevada, and the Snake,
Wilson Creek, Quinn Canyon and Schell Creek mountains of eastern Nevada.
|
| 22.) |
SIERRA LODGEPOLE_1- Conifer woodland principally dominated by lodgepole
Pinus contorta ,var. murrayana in canopies below 30 percent. Primary
associated tree species include mountain hemlock Tsuga mertensiana,
and whitebark pine Pinus albicaulis in the upper elevation zones and
red fir Abies magnifica, western white pine Pinus monticola, whitebark
pine Pinus albicaulis, white fir Abies concolor and jeffry pine Pinus
jeffreyi, in the lower elevation zones. Primary associated shrub species
include sagebrush Artemisia spp., manzanita Arctostaphylos spp., buck/snowbrush
Ceanothus spp., ribes Ribes spp., willow Salix spp., potentilla Potentilla
spp., labador tea Ledum glandulosum and mountain heather Phyllodoce
breweri. Distribution: This class is local to the Sierra Nevada
Mountains, usually in elevations from 8000-9500 feet, but can range
from 7200-10,000 feet on the east side of the Sierras. Lodgepole tends
to be found in a wider elevation range towards the southern end of
the Sierra mountains. |
| 23.) |
SIERRA LODGEPOLE_2 - Conifer woodland principally dominated by lodgepole
Pinus contorta ,var. murrayana in canopies between 30-60 percent.
Primary associated tree species include mountain hemlock Tsuga mertensiana,
and whitebark pine Pinus albicaulis in the upper elevation zones and
red fir Abies magnifica, western white pine Pinus monticola, whitebark
pine Pinus albicaulis, white fir Abies concolor and jeffry pine Pinus
jeffreyi, in the lower elevation zones. Primary associated shrub species
include sagebrush Artemisia spp., manzanita Arctostaphylos spp., buck/snowbrush
Ceanothus spp., ribes Ribes spp., willow Salix spp., potentilla Potentilla
spp., labador tea Ledum glandulosum and mountain heather Phyllodoce
breweri.
Distribution: This class is local to the Sierra Nevada Mountains,
usually in elevations from 8000-9500 feet, but can range from 7200-10,000
feet on the east side of the Sierras. Lodgepole tends to be found
in a wider elevation range towards the southern end of the Sierra
mountains. |
| 24.)
|
SIERRA
LODGEPOLE_3 - Conifer woodland principally dominated by lodgepole
Pinus contorta ,var. murrayana in canopies above 59 percent. Primary
associated tree species include mountain hemlock Tsuga mertensiana,
and whitebark pine Pinus albicaulis in the upper elevation zones and
red fir Abies magnifica, western white pine Pinus monticola, whitebark
pine Pinus albicaulis, white fir Abies concolor and jeffry pine Pinus
jeffreyi, in the lower elevation zones. Primary associated shrub species
include sagebrush Artemisia spp., manzanita Arctostaphylos spp., buck/snowbrush
Ceanothus spp., ribes Ribes spp., willow Salix spp., potentilla Potentilla
spp., labador tea Ledum glandulosum and mountain heather Phyllodoce
breweri.
Distribution: This class is local to the Sierra Nevada Mountains,
usually in elevations from 8000-9500 feet, but can range from 7200-10,000
feet on the east side of the Sierras. Lodgepole tends to be found
in a wider elevation range towards the southern end of the Sierra
mountains. |
| 25.)
|
SIERRA
RED FIR_2 - Conifer forest principally dominated by red fir Abies
magnifica in canopies between 30-60 percent. Primary associated tree
species include lodgepole Pinus contorta, jeffry pine Pinus Jeffreyi,
western white pine Pinus monticola, mountain hemlock Tsuga mertensiana,
white fir, Abies concolor and aspen Populus tremuloides. Primary associated
shrub species include manzanita Arctostaphylos spp., buck/snowbrush
Ceanothus spp., oak Quercus spp., ribes Ribes spp., bitter cherry
Prunus emarginata, honeysuckle Lonicera conjugalis and snowberry Symphoricarpos
spp..
Distribution: This class is local to the Sierra Nevada Mountains,
usually in elevations from 7500-9000 feet. Red fir tends to be found
in moist areas and shady aspects. Lodgepole is common within this
zone on drier aspects. |
| 26.)
|
SIERRA
RED FIR_3 - Conifer forest principally dominated by red fir Abies
magnifica in canopies between above 59 percent. Primary associated
tree species include lodgepole Pinus contorta, jeffry pine Pinus jeffreyi,
western white pine Pinus monticola, mountain hemlock Tsuga mertensiana,
white fir, Abies concolor and aspen Populus tremuloides. Primary associated
shrub species include manzanita Arctostaphylos spp., buck/snowbrush
Ceanothus spp., oak Quercus spp., ribes Ribes spp., bitter cherry
Prunus emarginata, honeysuckle Lonicera conjugalis and snowberry Symphoricarpos
spp..
Distribution: This class is local to the Sierra Nevada Mountains,
usually in elevations from 7500-9000 feet. Red fir tends to be found
in moist areas and shady aspects. Lodgepole is common within this
zone on drier aspects. |
| 27.)
|
SIERRA
WHITEBARK_1 - Conifer woodland principally dominated by whitebark
pine Pinus albicaulis in canopies below 30 percent. Primary associated
tree species include limber pine Pinus flexilis, mountain hemlock
Tsuga mertensiana, and lodgepole Pinus contorta. Primary associated
shrub species include ribes Ribes spp., potentilla Potentilla spp.,
epilobium spp., alpine laurel Kalmia polifolia, Penstemon spp. and
white mountain heather Cassiope mertensiana.
Distribution: This class is mostly local to the Sierra Nevada
Mountains, with minor extensions as far east as the Wassuk Mountains.
This type occurs usually in elevations from 9000-10,500 feet, and
is characterized by an open forest canopy. The structure of the trees
in this class can occur in shrubby form in the upper elevation zones.
|
| 28.)
|
SIERRA
WHITEBARK_2 - Conifer forest principally dominated by whitebark pine
Pinus albicaulis in canopies between 30-60 percent. Primary associated
tree species include limber pine Pinus flexilis, mountain hemlock
Tsuga mertensiana, and lodgepole Pinus contorta. Primary associated
shrub species include ribes Ribes spp., potentilla Potentilla spp.,
epilobium spp., alpine laurel Kalmia polifolia, Penstemon spp. and
white mountain heather Cassiope mertensiana.
Distribution: This class is mostly local to the Sierra Nevada
Mountains, with minor extensions as far east as the Wassuk Mountains.
This type occurs usually in elevations from 9000-10,500 feet, and
is characterized by an open forest canopy. The structure of the trees
in this class can occur in shrubby form in the upper elevation zones.
|
| 29.)
|
SIERRA
WHITE FIR_3 - Conifer forest principally dominated by white fir, Abies
concolor var. lowiana in canopies greater than 59 percent. Primary
associated tree species include douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii,
jeffry pine Pinus Jeffreyi, ponderosa pine Pinus Ponderosa, sugar
pine Pinus lambertiana, incense cedar Libocedrus decurrens, and red
fir Abies magnifica. Primary associated shrub species include manzanita
Arctostaphylos spp., buck/snowbrush Ceanothus spp., oak Quercus spp.,
ribes Ribes spp., bitter cherry Prunus emarginata, and willow Salix
spp..
Distribution - Sierra White Fir is localized to the Sierra
Mountains. It typically occurs from 6500-8000 feet on the east side,
usually located on cooler north or east aspects. |
| 30.)
|
SIERRA
YELLOW PINE_1 - Conifer woodland principally dominated by jeffry pine
Pinus Jeffreyi, ponderosa pine Pinus Ponderosa and washoe pine Pinus
Washoensis in canopies less than 30 percent. Primary associated tree
species include white fir, Abies concolor, sugar pine Pinus lambertiana,
incense cedar Libocedrus decurrens, pinyon Pinus monophylla, and western
juniper Juniperus occidentalis on lower elevation zones. Red fir Abies
magnifica, western white pine Pinus monticola, and lodgepole Pinus
contorta are more common associates at upper elevation zones. Primary
associated shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia spp., bitterbrush
Purshia tridentata, and granite gilia Leptodactylon pungens in lower
elevation areas, and manzanita Arctostaphylos spp., buck/snowbrush
Ceanothus spp., oak Quercus spp., ribes Ribes spp., bitter cherry
Prunus emarginata, and snowberry Symphoricarpos spp. in higher elevation
areas.
Distribution: This class is local to the Sierra Nevada Mountains,
usually in elevations from 5000-7500 feet on the east side of the
Sierras. White fir is common within this zone, but usually on north
facing aspects. Minor occurrences of this class can be found as far
east as the Wassuk, Pine Nut and Virginia Mountains. |
| 31.) |
SIERRA YELLOW PINE_2 - Conifer forest principally dominated by jeffry
pine Pinus Jeffreyi, ponderosa pine Pinus Ponderosa and washoe pine
Pinus Washoensis in canopies from 30-60 percent. Primary associated
tree species include white fir, Abies concolor, sugar pine Pinus lambertiana,
incense cedar Libocedrus decurrens, pinyon Pinus monophylla, and western
juniper Juniperus occidentalis on lower elevation zones. Red fir Abies
magnifica, western white pine Pinus monticola, and lodgepole Pinus
contorta are more common associates at upper elevation zones. Primary
associated shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia spp., bitterbrush
Purshia tridentata and granite gilia Leptodactylon pungens in lower
elevation areas and manzanita Arctostaphylos spp., buck/snowbrush
Ceanothus spp., oak Quercus spp., ribes Ribes spp., bitter cherry
Prunus emarginata, snowberry Symphoricarpos spp. in higher elevation
areas.
Distribution: This class is local to the Sierra Nevada Mountains,
usually in elevations from 5000-7500 feet on the east side of the
Sierras. White fir is common within this zone, but usually on north
facing aspects. Minor occurrences of this class can be found as far
east as the Wassuk, Pine Nut and Virginia Mountains. |
| 32.) |
SIERRA YELLOW PINE_3 - Conifer forest principally dominated by jeffry
pine Pinus Jeffreyi, ponderosa pine Pinus Ponderosa and washoe pine
Pinus Washoensis in canopies above 59 percent. Primary associated
tree species include white fir, Abies concolor, sugar pine Pinus lambertiana,
incense cedar Libocedrus decurrens, pinyon Pinus monophylla, and western
juniper Juniperus occidentalis on lower elevation zones. Red fir Abies
magnifica, western white pine Pinus monticola, and lodgepole Pinus
contorta are more common associates at upper elevation zones. Primary
associated shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia spp., bitterbrush
Purshia tridentata, and granite gilia Leptodactylon pungens in lower
elevation areas, and manzanita Arctostaphylos spp., buck/snowbrush
Ceanothus spp., oak Quercus spp., ribes Ribes spp., bitter cherry
Prunus emarginata, and snowberry Symphoricarpos spp. in higher elevation
areas.
Distribution: This class is local to the Sierra Nevada Mountains,
usually in elevations from 5000-7500 feet on the east side of the
Sierras. White fir is common within this zone, but usually on north
facing aspects. |
| 33.)
|
SIERRA
YELLOW PINE_/MOUNTAIN SHRUB - Conifer woodland or forest principally
dominated by jeffry pine Pinus Jeffreyi, ponderosa pine Pinus Ponderosa
and washoe pine Pinus Washoensis co-dominant with Sierra foothill
and montane chaparral shrub species including manzanita Arctostaphylos
spp., buck/snow/tobacco brush Ceanothus spp., oak Quercus spp., currant
Ribes spp., bitter cherry Prunus emarginata, and snowberry Symphoricarpos
spp.. Primary associated tree species include white fir, Abies concolor,
sugar pine Pinus lambertiana, incense cedar Libocedrus decurrens,
pinyon Pinus monophylla, and western juniper Juniperus occidentalis
on lower elevation zones with red fir Abies magnifica, western white
pine Pinus monticola, and lodgepole Pinus contorta more common associates
on upper elevation zones. Primary associated shrub species include
sagebrush Artemisia spp. and bitterbrush Purshia tridentata.
Distribution: This class is local to the Sierra Nevada Mountains,
usually in elevations from 6000-7500 feet on the east side of the
Sierras. It is especially prevalent in the Lake Tahoe area. |
| 34.)
|
SUB
ALPINE FIR_2 - Conifer woodland principally dominated by sub-alpine
fir Abies lasiocarpa at canopies from 30-60%. Primary associated tree
species include limber pine Pinus flexilis, quaking aspen Populus
tremuloides and whitebark pine Pinus albicaulis. Primary associated
shrub species include snowberry Symphoricarpos spp.,dwarf juniper
Juniperus communis and chokecherry Prunus virginiana.
Distribution - This class is only distributed in northeast Nevada,
in the Bull Run, Independence and Jarbidge mountains. |
| 35.) |
SUB ALPINE FIR_3 - Conifer woodland principally dominated by sub-alpine
fir Abies lasiocarpa at canopies greater than 59%. Primary associated
tree species include limber pine Pinus flexilis, quaking aspen Populus
tremuloides and whitebark pine Pinus albicaulis. Primary associated
shrub species include snowberry Symphoricarpos spp., dwarf juniper
Juniperus communis and chokecherry Prunus virginiana.
Distribution - This class is only distributed in northeast Nevada,
in the Bull Run, Independence and Jarbidge mountains. |
| 36.) |
WHITE FIR_1 - Conifer forest principally dominated by white fir Abies
concolor at canopies less than 30 percent. Primary associated tree
species include ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa, pinyon Pinus monophylla,
mountain mahogany Cercocarpus montanus, engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii,
limber pine Pinus flexilis and bristlecone pine Pinus aristata. Primary
associated shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia spp., snowberry
Symphoricarpos spp., buckbrush Ceanothus spp. and manzanita Arctostaphylos
spp.
Distribution - This class is distributed throughout eastern
and southern Nevada typically above 7500 feet on north and east aspects. |
| 37.) |
WHITE FIR_2 - Conifer forest principally dominated by white fir Abies
concolor at canopies from 30-60 percent. Primary associated tree species
include ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa, pinyon Pinus monophylla, mountain
mahogany Cercocarpus montanus, engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii,
limber pine Pinus flexilis and bristlecone pine Pinus aristata. Primary
associated shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia spp., snowberry
Symphoricarpos spp., buckbrush Ceanothus spp. and manzanita Arctostaphylos
spp.
Distribution - This class is distributed throughout eastern
and southern Nevada typically above 7500 feet on north and east aspects. |
| 38.)
|
WHITE
FIR_3 - Conifer forest principally dominated by white fir Abies concolor
at canopies greater than 60 percent. Primary associated tree species
include ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa, pinyon Pinus monophylla, mountain
mahogany Cercocarpus montanus, engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii,
limber pine Pinus flexilis and bristlecone pine Pinus aristata. Primary
associated shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia spp., snowberry
Symphoricarpos spp., buckbrush Ceanothus spp. and manzanita Arctostaphylos
spp.
Distribution - This class is distributed throughout eastern
and southern Nevada typically above 7500 feet on north and east aspects.
|
| SHRUBS
|
| 39.)
|
BITTERBRUSH
- Shrubland principally dominated or co-dominated by bitterbrush Purshia
tridentata. Primary associated shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia
spp., rabbitbrush Chrysothamnus spp., manzanita Arctostaphylos spp.
and buckbrush Ceanothus spp.. Primary associated tree species include
juniper juniperus osteosperma, pinyon pinus monophylla., mountain
mahogany Cercocarpus ledifolius, jeffry pine Pinus Jeffreyi, and ponderosa
pine Pinus ponderosa.
Distribution - Almost entirely confined to the shrublands and
benches on the east slope of the Sierra Mountains. Bitterbrush rarely
extensively dominates the cover-type, but typically occurs with the
associated shrubs listed above. Bitterbrush occurs throughout Nevada,
but usually as a component of other shrublands or in microsites not
mappable at this scale. |
| 40.) |
BLACKBRUSH - Shrubland principally dominated by blackbrush Coleogyne
ramosissima. Primary associated tree species include juniper Juniperus
osteosperma. Primary associated shrub species include spiny hopsage
Grayia spinosa, mormon tea Ephedra spp., shadscale Atriplex confertifolia,
desert thorn Lycium spp., snakeweed Xanthocephalum spp., and creosote
Larrea tridentata. Other associated species include joshua tree Yucca
brevifolia, and yucca Yucca spp..
Distribution - Blackbrush is typically a transition vegetation
class between mojave scrub and great basin shrubs. It typically occurs
in elevation transition areas between 4000-5000 feet and in a latitude
transition areas north of creosote-bursage. |
| 41.)
|
CREOSOTE-BURSAGE
- Scrubland principally dominated by creosote Larrea tridentata and
white bursage Ambrosia dumosa. Primary associated shrub species include
blackbrush Coleogyne ramosissima, mormon tea Ephedra spp., dalea Dalea
fremonti, shadscale Atriplex confertifolia, hopsage Grayia spinosa,
desert thorn Lycium spp., ratany Krameriaceae parvifollia, burro bush
Hymenoclea salsola, honey mesquite Prosopis glandulosa and brittlebush
Encelia farinosa. Other associated species include joshua tree Yucca
brevifolia, yucca Yucca spp., prickly pear Opuntia engelmannii and
cholla.
Distribution - This class occurs widely within the Mojave desert
below 4000 feet, and typically is found in valley bottoms, lowlands
and flatlands of mild slope. |
| 42.)
|
GREASEWOOD
- Shrubland principally dominated by greasewood Sarcobatus vermiculatus.
Primary associated shrub species include shadscale Atriplex confertifolia,
iodine bush Allenrolfea occidentalis, basin sagebrush Artemisia tridentata
var. tridentata and bailey greasewood Sarcobatus baileyi. Other associated
species include seepweed Suaeda torreyana, halogeten Halogeten glomeratus
and tumbleweed Salsolia iberica.
Distribution - Greasewood is found throughout Nevada, typically
in the salt desert scrub zone. It is very salt tolerant and can usually
be found on flat valley floors. |
| 43.)
|
HOPSAGE
- Shrubland characterized by the occurrence of hopsage Grayia spinosa,
typically in concert with desert thorn Lycium spp, rabbitbrush Chrysothamnus
spp., tea Ephedra spp. and shadscale Atriplex confertifolia. Primary
associated shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia spp. blackbrush
Coleogyne ramosissima, rabbitbrush Chrysothamnus spp., winterfat Ceratoides
lanata, ratany Krameriaceae parvifollia, bursage Ambrosia dumosa and
creosote Larrea tridentata.
Distribution - This is a transition shrubland, typically between
mojave and great basin ecosystems. This class occurs in the northern
reaches of the mojave and the southern fringe of the great basin.
|
| 44.)
|
MESQUITE
- Shrubland dominated by mesquite Prosopsis glandulosa. Primary associated
shrub species include salt cedar Tamarix pentandra, torrey saltbush
Atriplex torreyi and creosote Larrea tridentata.
Distribution - This cover-type is only found principally on
the west side of the mojave desert in scattered clumps. |
| 45.) |
MOJAVE MIXED SCRUB - Mojave desert mixed scrublands are usually characterized
by the occurrence of creosote Larrea tridentata, in association with
several possible species including bursage Ambrosia dumosa, dalea
Psorothamnus fremontii, desert thorn Lycium spp., shadscale Atriplex
confertifolia, hopsage Grayia spinosa, ratany Krameriaceae parvifollia
and tea Ephedra spp.. Primary associated shrub species include blackbrush
Coleogyne ramosissima, brittlebrush Encelia farinosa, burro bush Hymenoclea
salsola, bebbia Bebbia juncea, desert saltbush Atriplex polycarpa
and desert holly Atriplex hymenelytra. Other associated species include
joshua tree Yucca brevifolia., yucca Yucca spp., cacti Echinocereus
spp. and cholla Opuntia biglovii.
Distribution - This class typically occurs on slopes, washes
or upland areas within the Mojave desert that are difficult to charactarize
because of several mixed shrub species with no clear dominance. |
| 46.) |
MOUNTAIN SAGEBRUSH - Mountain shrubland dominated or co-dominated
by mountain big sagebrush Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana, subalpine
sagebrush Artemisia tridentata ssp. spiciformis, low sagebrush Artemisia
arbuscula and silver sagebrush Artemisia cana, in concert with mountain
shrubs, grasses and forbs. Primary associated tree species include
pinyon pinus monophylla., mountain mahogany Cercocarpus ledifolius,
limber pine Pinus flexilis, white fir Abies concolor, subalpine fir
Abies lasiocarpa, engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii, ponderosa pine
Pinus ponderosa, lodgepole pine Pinus contortus, whitebark pine Pinus
albicaulis and jeffry pine Pinus jeffreyi. Primary associated shrub
species include snowberry Symphoricarpos spp., alder leaf mountain
mahogany Cercocarpus montanus, bitterbrush Purshia tridentata, littleleaf
mountain mahogany Cercocarpus intricatus, buckbrush Ceanothus spp.,
manzanita Arctostaphylos spp., ninebark Physocarpus alternans, currant
Ribes spp., squawbush Rhus spp. and cliffrose Cowania mexicana.
Distribution - This class is widespread throughout Nevada mountains
usually at elevations from 6500-10,000 feet. It is especially prevalent
in central and northern Nevada where mountain forests are minimal.
|
| 47.)
|
MOUNTAIN
SHRUB - Deciduous shrubland principally dominated by oak Quercus spp.,
maple Acer spp., alder leaf mountain mahogany Cercocarpus montanus,
cliffrose Cowania mexicana, bitterbrush Purshia tridentata, serviceberry
Amelanchier spp., buckbrush Ceanothus spp.,, snowberry Symphoricarpos
spp., manzanita Arctostaphylos spp.,ninebark Physocarpus alternans,
currant Ribes spp., squawbush Rhus spp. and littleleaf mountain mahogany
Cercocarpus intricatus . Primary associated shrub species include
sagebrush Artemisia spp. and rabbitbrush Chrysothamnus spp. Primary
associated tree species include pinyon Pinus monophylla, juniper juniperus
osteosperma, mountain mahogany Cercocarpus ledifolius, aspen Populus
tremuloides, white fir Abies concolor, limber pine Pinus flexilis,
ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa, subalpine fir Abies lasiocarpa and
engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii.
Distribution - This is a wide-spread class in the foothills
and mountains of Nevada. Because of the landscape scale of the mapping,
many of these species could not be isolated. The largest concentrations
of this class are found in the mountains of southern, eastern and
northeastern Nevada. |
| 48.) |
SAGEBRUSH - Shrubland principally dominated by big sagebrush Artemisia
tridentata spp., black sagebrush Artemisia nova or low sagebrush Artemisia
arbuscula. Primary associated tree species include juniper juniperus
osteosperma, pinyon pinus monophylla., mountain mahogany Cercocarpus
ledifolius, jeffry pine Pinus Jeffreyi and ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa.
Primary associated shrub species include rabbitbrush Chrysothamnus
spp., snakeweed Gutierrezia sarothrae, blackbrush Coleogyne ramosissima,
shadscale Atriplex confertifolia, greasewood Sarcobatus spp., spiny
hopsage Grayia spinosa, and bitterbrush Purshia tridentata. Primary
associated grass species include wheatgrasses Agropyron spp., cheatgrass
Bromus tectorum, bluegrasses Poa spp., Needlegrasses Stipa spp. Fescues
Festuca spp., and galleta Hilaria jamesii.
Distribution - Sagebrush is the most widespread and abundant
cover-type in Nevada. Typically this class occurs above 5000 feet
with associated grass species making up less than 25% of the sagebrush
canopy. |
| 49.)
|
SAGEBRUSH/PERENNIAL
GRASS - Co-dominate sagebrush Artemisia spp. shrubland and perennial
grassland. Co-dominance is defined by either shrub or grass occurring
at canopies at least 25% of the other Principle grass species include
wheatgrasses Agropyron spp., bluegrasses Poa spp., Needlegrasses Stipa
spp. Fescues Festuca spp., ricegrass Oryzopsis hymenoides and galleta
Hilaria jamesii. Primary associated shrub species include rabbitbrush
Chrysothamnus spp., bitterbrush Purshia tridentata and cliffrose Cowania
mexicana. Primary associated grass species include cheatgrass Bromus
tectorum and squirreltail Elymus elymoides.
Distribution - This class typically occurs mid-elevation between
sagebrush and mountain sagebrush classes in central Nevada, and is
wide-spread as part of the sagebrush steppe of northern Nevada. |
| 50.)
|
SALT
DESERT SCRUB - Shrublands principally dominated by one or more of
the following; shadscale atriplex confertifolia, desert holly Atriplex
hymenelytra, bailey's greasewood Sarcobatus baileyi, desert thorn
Lycium spp., torrey saltbush Atriplex torreyi, winterfat Ceratoides
lanata, budsage Artemisia spinescens, fourwing saltbush Atriplex canescens,
mormon tea Ephedra spp., bailey's greasewood Sarcobatus baileyi, horsebrush
Tetradymia canescens and snakeweed Gutierrezia sarothrae. Primary
associated shrub species include greasewood Sarcobatus vermiculatus,
sagebrush Artemisia spp. blackbrush Coleogyne ramosissima, iodine
bush Allenrolfea occidentalis and creosote Larrea tridentata. Primary
associated forb species includes halogeten Halogeten glomeratus. Primary
associated grass species include saltgrass Distichlis spicata and
cheatgrass Bromus tectorum.
Distribution - This is a broad abundant class which can occur
in a variety of physiographic areas throughout the state. Typically
this class occurs below 5000 feet (except for central Nevada) and
especially dominates the Lahontan basin of western Nevada. |
| 51.)
|
SIERRA
MOUNTAIN SHRUB- Shrubland principally dominated or co-dominated by
foothill and montane chaparral shrub species locally abundant in the
Sierra mountains including manzanita Arctostaphylos spp., buck/snow/tobacco
brush Ceanothus spp., oak Quercus spp., currant Ribes spp., bitter
cherry Prunus emarginata, and snowberry Symphoricarpos spp.. Primary
associated shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia spp. and bitterbrush
Purshia tridentata Primary associated tree species include pinyon
pinus monophylla., mountain mahogany Cercocarpus ledifolius, jeffry
pine Pinus Jeffreyi, ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa, red fir Abies
magnifica, western white pine Pinus monticola, lodgepole Pinus contorta,
mountain hemlock Tsuga mertensiana, and whitebark pine Pinus albicaulis.
Distribution - Confined to the east slope of the Sierra Mountains.
This class contains a wide latitude of shrubs and elevations zones.
|
| HERBACEOUS
|
| 52.)
|
ALPINE
- High elevation tundra vegetation, including forbs, sedges, grasses
and shrubs. Principle forb species include alpine avens Geum rossii,
Silene acaulis, Eriogonum spp., Draba spp., Principle sedge species
include Carex spp., Principle grass species include tufted hair grass
Deschampsia caespitosa, Trisetum spicatum, Agropyron scribneri, Festuca
ovina, Phleum alpinum. Principle shrub species include willow Salix
spp., cinquefoil Potentilla spp. and blueberry Vaccinium spp.. Primary
associated tree species include limber pine Pinus flexilis, whitebark
pine Pinus albicaulis and bristlecone pine Pinus aristata.
Distribution - This class usually occurs above 10,000 feet
on mountains throughout Nevada. Because there is a wide variation
in floristic composition in alpine zones throughout Nevada, this list
includes only a sample of some of the most common species. |
| 53.) |
DRY MEADOW - Herbaceous dry meadow , including mostly forbs and grasses.
Principal forb species include yarrow Achillea millefolium, dandelion
Taraxacum officinale, richardson's geranium richardsonii, penstemon
spp., mulesears Wyethia amplexicaulis, golden aster Chrysopis villosa,
arrowleaf balsamroot Balsamorhiza sagittata, hawkbit Agoseris pumila,
larkspur Delphinium spp. and scarlet gilia pulchella Principal grass
species include alpine fescue Festuca spp., shorthair Calamagrostis
spp., wheatgrass Agropyron spp., needlegrass Stipa spp, timothy Phleum
spp., poa's poa spp., hairgrass Deschampsia caespitosa, spike trisetum
Trisetum spicatum and sedges Carex spp.. Primary associated shrub
species include sagebrush Artemisia spp., rabbit brush Chrysothamnus
viscidiflorus, cinquefoil Potentilla fruitcosa, alpine laurel Kalmia
polifolia, snowberry Symphoricarpos spp. and elderberry Sambucus cerulea.
Distribution - This class is widely distributed throughout
Nevada foothills and mountains, with highest concentrations in northern
Nevada and the Sierra mountains. Plant species are abundant and variable.
|
| 54.) |
GRASSLAND - Perennial and annual grasslands. Principle perennial grass
species include wheatgrasses Agropyron spp., bluegrass Poa spp., basin
wildrye Elymus cinereus, galleta Hilaria spp., needlegrass Stipa spp.,
sand dropseed Sporobolus cryptandrus, blue gramma Bouteloua gracilis,
squirreltail Sitanion hystrix and indian ricegrass Oryzopsis hymenoides.
Principle annual grass species include cheatgrass Bromus tectorum.
Primary associated shrub species include sagebrush Artemisia spp.,
shadscale Atriplex confertifolia, greasewood Sarcobatus vermiculatus
and creosote Larrea tridentata. Primary associated tree species include
juniper Juniperus spp..
Distribution - This is a wide-spread, broadly defined class
distributed mostly in central and northern Nevada.. The majority of
this class occurs as a result of seeded perennial grasslands or fire
induced annual grasslands. However, it does also include valley, foothill
and mountain native grasslands. |
| |
55.)
WET MEADOW - Mountain meadows where soil moisture is abundant throughout
the growing season. Principle species include sedges Carex spp., rushes
Juncus spp., reedgrass Calamagrostis spp., timothy Phleum spp., bluegrass
poa spp., hairgrass Deschampsia cespitosa, willowherb Epilobium spp.,
saxifrage Saxifraga spp., etc. Primary associated species include
willow Salix spp., honeysuckle Lonicera spp., cinquefoil Potentilla
spp. and blueberry Vaccinium spp..
Distribution - This class is sparsely distributed throughout
the Nevada mountains, with highest abundance in the Sierra mountains.
Wet meadows can contain a wide variety of plant species. |
| MISCELLANEOUS
|
| 56.)
|
AGRICULTURE
- Row crops, irrigated pasture and hay fields, dry farm crops. Distribution
- Located state-wide 57.) BARREN - Barren soil or rock with less than
5 percent total vegetative cover.
Distribution - This class is distributed throughout Nevada
with the majority being low elevation barren soil or high elevation
rock cliffs and talus slopes. |
| 58.)
|
LOWLAND
RIPARIAN - Localized vegetation influenced by the presence of abundant
water in contrast to the surrounding landscape in lowland areas. Principal
tree species include fremont cottonwood Populus fremontii and black
cottonwood Populus trichocarpa. Principal shrub species include salt
cedar Tamarix pentandra, velvet ash Fraxinus velutina, desert willow
Chilopsis linearis and mesquite Prosopis glandulosa.
Distribution - Riparian areas generally lower than 4000 feet
in the mojave and 5000 feet in the remaining areas of Nevada. Velvet
ash, desert willow and mesquite are only found in the mojave. This
class is common along the Carson, Colorado, Humboldt, Truckee, Virgin
and Walker rivers. |
| 59.)
|
MOUNTAIN
RIPARIAN - - Localized vegetation influenced by the presence of abundant
water in contrast to the surrounding landscape in highland areas.
Principal tree species include narrowleaf cottonwood Populus angustifolia,
thinleaf alder Alnus tenuifolia, quaking aspen Populus tremuloides,
water birch Betula occidentalis, black hawthorn Crataegus douglasii,
and rocky mountain maple Acer glabrum. Principal shrub species include
willow Salix spp., red-osier dogwood Cornus stolonifera and wild rose
Rosa woodsii.
Distribution - This class is found throughout Nevada in high valley's,
foothills and mountains. |
| 60.)
|
PLAYAS
- Barren internal basin floors which can occasionally be covered by
water.
Distribution - Located state-wide on flat, low elevation valley
floors. |
| 61.)
|
SAND
DUNES - Sand dunes with less than 5 percent total vegetative cover.
Distribution - Located state-wide, with major dunes near Winnemucca
and Sand Mountain near Fallon. |
| 62.)
|
SNOW
- High elevation snowdrifts still occurring when the satellite image
was taken.
Distribution - High elevation snowdrifts usually above 8000
feet. 3 principal locations in the state include the Ruby, Snake and
Sierra Nevada Mountains. |
| 63.)
|
URBAN
- Commercial, mining and residential areas.
Distribution - Located state-wide |
| 64.)
|
WATER
- Open water
Distribution - Located state-wide. |
| 65.)
|
WETLAND -
Low elevation marsh and wetland areas. Principal species include
cattail Typha latifolia, bullrush Scirpus spp., burreed Sparganium
spp., common reed grass Phragmites australis, pondweed Potamogeton
spp. and sedge Carex spp.
Distribution - This class occurs in limited areas throughout
Nevada, typically in low elevation basins around a permanent water
source. The largest expanses occur in Ruby valley and the Carson
Sink.
|
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