April 17, 2008 Update

 

 

TOWNSHIP 12 SOUTH, RANGE 06 WEST, PIMA COUNTY, ARIZONA

Gila and Salt River Baseline and Meridian

 

 

“An increasing need for careful husbandry of the earth’s natural resources has renewed interest

in the classification and mapping of ecosystems. The inventory of our remaining biotic entities is particularly urgent because the increased aspirations of a constantly growing world population

are placing ever greater stress on these generous, but finite, living resources.”

 

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, General Technical Report RM-73

 

 

 

This photograph was taken looking northwest into the Little Ajo Mountains.

William T. Kendall September 17, 2003

 

 

“To know the desert involves an acquaintance with all its aspects, and all its physical features,

as well as all of the animals and plants that have learned how to find in it a congenial place to live. The

most significant lesson that the desert dweller can learn from a familiarity with its plant and animal life is to

 regard himself not as an exile from some better place, but as a man at home in an environment to which his life can be adjusted without physical or intellectual loss.” Forest Shreve, The Cactus and

Its Home (Found in Discovering the Desert, by William G. McGinnies)

 

 

 

MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS AND SOURCES OF INFORMATION

 

 

Matthew B. Johnson, Program Manager and Curator of the Desert Legume Program - Boyce Thompson Southwestern Arboretum *MBJ (observation date, if shown)*  

 

William T. Kendall *WTK (observation date, if shown)*

 

Arizona Game and Fish Department, Heritage Data Management System - Special Status Species Reports *8*

 

Southwest Environmental Information Network (SEINet) *85 (date of search for information on species)*

 

E. Lendell Cockrum, 1960. The Recent Mammals of Arizona: Their Taxonomy and Distribution, The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, Arizona. This Inclusion is based on the general distribution maps and statements. *118 (distribution note, map - Figure Number and Page Number)*

 

 

 

SPECIES DISTRIBUTION LISTINGS

 

 

Species Distribution Listings are being developed to encourage and promote the conservation of local native animals and plants. Species Distribution Listings are developed for legally defined geographic areas, and larger bodies of water. Listings include species reported as having been observed in or reported from the described area. Due to continuing additions and corrections the listings should be considered works in progress. The source(s) used for the inclusion of the species in a listing is highlighted in green *00* in the footnotes. Due to the lack of first hand knowledge, in the listing of animals, unless otherwise noted in the footnotes, species may be included based on general distribution maps and/or statements and not on an actual sight record. I recommend that we consider a species as being “confirmed” to a township or general listing area only after we have at least three recorded sightings, cited in the footnotes, with no more than one of those records being based on general distribution mapping for the species. Note that the Southwest Environmental Information Network (SEINet) *85* may have several collections recorded for a species within any given township or listing area, and that the date shown in parentheses is a date of the search of their records and not a date of recorded sighting.  Note also that many of the individual species collection records found in SEINet include additional associated species.

 

Individual species records are presented alphabetically by division, class, family and genus within their kingdoms. Following the scientific name is the authority, common synonym(s), common name(s), a general description of the species habitat, the biotic communities in which it has reportedly been observed and footnotes. An attempt is being made to identify the range in mature (flowering/fruiting) heights reported for the plants. The habitat description is provided in order to help you visualize the types of natural habitats the species is found in and ones in which it might be planted back into in a landscape or restoration project. The range in elevation has been rounded off to the nearest 100 feet up, for the higher elevation or down, for the lower elevation. Species reported from within 0 to 100 feet as their lower elevation limit have been recorded as occurring “from sea level”. Species once reported as having occurred within the described area, but that no longer occurs there are shown are having been EXTIRPATED. This list includes species that are not native to Arizona (EXOTIC). Exotic plants are not recommended for use in landscaping or restoration projects. Disjunct species, outliers and plants on the edge of the main population, as observed by the surveyor, may be noted as being PERIPHERAL PLANT(S). Landscaped plants are not included in the listings unless they have become naturalized into the surrounding native environment.

 

Local native plants are recommended for use in landscape and restoration projects. Many native species require little, if any, irrigation once established. Ideally restoration should include those plants that were native to the property prior to clearing. In order to determine what plants were native to the property you might try to locate photographs of the property prior to clearing or look for natural areas and remnant populations and plants adjacent to where the restoration is to take place. Plants should be planted in their approximate original habitat and density.

 

The use of native plants in landscape and restoration projects encourages native animals to remain in the area and helps to retain the areas natural beauty and unique identity and heritage.

 

Species Distribution Lists are periodically updated and revised. These listings have been created and maintained by William T. Kendall. Questions, concerns, corrections and comments, including the reporting of unrecorded species and information relating to historical distributions, may be sent to the following address: Kendall Environmental Surveys, P.O. Box 86091, Tucson, Arizona 85754-6091, or E-mail to:KendallEnvironmentalSurveys@msn.com.

 

 

DISCLAIMER: The information presented as township notes has been obtained from large scale mapping and should be used only as a general guide. These listings are not meant to take the place of on-site surveys for species. Information used in these lists is accepted from biologists and individuals interested in helping to promote the conservation of our natural resources. Mistakes are made in the identification of species and in the recording of information, and changes in nomenclature occur. For these reasons I can not and do not warrant the accuracy of these listings. Attempts are made to keep the information contained in the Species Distribution Listings as accurate as possible, but Kendall Environmental Surveys disclaims any implied warranty or representation about its accuracy, completeness, or appropriateness for any particular purposes. Users of the information found in the listings assume full responsibility for their use of the information and understand that Kendall Environmental Surveys is not responsible or liable for any claim, loss, or damage resulting from its use.

 

 

CAUTION: Many native desert plants have sharp thorns and spines. Care should be given when handling these plants and consideration should be given to public safety at sites where they are to be planted. Range plants having a known toxic or poisonous property may be so noted. Footnotes for plants whose sources may have cautionary statements, comments and information on rarely poisonous or suspected poisonous range plants may be shown in red (*00*). Many poisonous plants are similar in appearance to edible ones. No field collected plant should be eaten unless you know for a fact that it is safe for you to do so.

 

 

 

 

CONTENTS

 

 

Introduction

 

Township Notes

 

Conservation Related Organizations and Nurseries

 

Listing of Plants

 

Kingdom Plantae: The Plant Kingdom

Subkingdom Tracheobionta: The Vascular Plants

Division Pteridophyta: The Ferns

Class Filicopsida: The Ferns

Superdivision Spermatophyta: The Seed Plants

Division Gnetophyta: The Gnetophytes

Class Gnetopsida: The Gnetops

Division Magnoliophyta: The Flowering Plants

Class Liliopsida: The Monocots

Class Magnoliopsida: The Dicots

 

Listing of Animals

 

Kingdom Animalia: The Animal Kingdom

Subkingdom Metazoa: The Multicellular Animals

Phylum Arthropoda: The Arthropods

Subphylum Mandibulata: The Mandibulates

                                Class Insecta: The Insects

Section Deuterostomia: The Deuterostomes

Phylum Chordata: The Chordates

Subphylum Vertebrata: The Vertebrates

Class Aves: The Birds

Class Mammalia: The Mammals

Class Osteichthyes: The Bony Fishes

Class Reptilia: The Reptiles

 

Acknowledgements

 

Species Distribution Listings Footnotes and References

 

 

 

 

TOWNSHIP NOTES

 

 

LOCATION: This township is located in northwestern Pima County in south-central Arizona. The communities of Ajo, Gibson and Mexican Town are located in this township. A portion of the east boundary for the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge is located along the west township line.

 

Historic Mining Activities: Named mine sites include the New Cornelia Mine.

 

LANDMARKS: A major portion of the northwestern end of the Little Ajo Mountains is located in the southwestern half of this township. Named canyons and peaks include Ajo Peak (2,617 feet), Arkansas Mountain, Camelback Mountain (2,573 feet), Cardigan Peak (2,922 feet), Concentrator Hill, Copper Canyon, North Ajo Peak (2,776 feet) and Pinnacle Peak. Named arroyos include the Darby Arroyo and Gibson Arroyo. A portion of this township is located within the Valley of the Ajo.

 

ELEVATION: Elevations (excluding a mine pit depth of approximately 870 feet) range from approximately 1,529 feet at the northwest corner to approximately 2,776 feet at North Ajo Peak located in the southwest quarter of the township (1).

 

PHYSIOGRAPHIC PROVINCE: This township is located within the Sonoran Desert Section of the Basin and Range Physiographic Province (2).

 

SOILS: Soils have been described as being Hyperthermic (very hot) Arid Soils (soils with mean annual soil temperatures of more than 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Centigrade) and less than 10 inches (25 cm)  mean annual precipitation) of the Gilman - Antho - Valencia Association (deep soils on floodplains and alluvial fans), Gunsight - Rillito - Harqua Association (deep, gravelly, calcareous soils on the upper slopes) and the Rock Outcrop - Lomitas - Cherioni Association (rock outcrop and very shallow, and shallow soils on low hills and mountains) (3).

 

BIOTIC COMMUNITY: Portions of this township are located within the Lower Colorado River and Arizona Upland Subdivisions of the Sonoran Desertscrub Regional Formation of the Desertscrub Formation with associated Wetlands (4).

 

 

Map Printed from TOPO! R C 2002 National Geographic

 

Map of Township and Adjacent Sections

 

 

 

A FEW OF THE NATIVE PLANTS REPORTED AS OCCURRING IN THIS TOWNSHIP THAT MIGHT BE CONSIDERED FOR USE IN LANDSCAPE AND RESTORATION PROJECTS

 

 

Trees and Large Shrubs (over 7 feet in height)

 

Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea - 5’ to 60’)

Velvet Mesquite (Prosopis velutina - 2’ to 56’)

Blue Paloverde (Parkinsonia florida - 40” to 40’)

Desert Ironwood (Olneya tesota - 10’ to 33’)

Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens - 5’ to 33’)

Foothill Paloverde (Parkinsonia microphylla - 6’ to 26’)

Elephant Tree (Bursera microphylla - 2½’ to 26’)

Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi - 5’ to 25’)

Catclaw Acacia (Acacia greggii var. greggii - 40” to 25’)

Desert Olive (Forestiera shrevei - 40” to 25’)

Arizona Jumping Bean (Sebastiania bilocularis - 7’ to 20’, CAUTION: Handle with care, or do not handle

at all, the sap is poisonous, not recommended for use in urban landscaping)

Bitter Snakewood (Condalia globosa var. pubescens - 2’ to 20’)

Whitethorn Acacia (Acacia constricta - 2’ to 18’)

Chain-fruit Cholla (Cylindropuntia fulgida var. fulgida - 3’ to 15’)

Desert Lavender (Hyptis emoryi - 8” to 15’)

Kearney Snakewood (Condalia warnockii var. kearneyana - 40” to 13’)

Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata var. tridentata - 20” to 12’)

Fishhook Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni - 2’ to 11’)

Desert Broom (Baccharis sarothroides - 3’ to 10’)

Desert Wolfberry (Lycium macrodon - 3’ to 10’)

Parish Desert-thorn (Lycium parishii - 3’ to 10’)

Pancake Pricklypear Cactus (Opuntia chlorotica - 3’ to 10’)

Arizona Desert-thorn (Lycium exsertum - 20” to 10’)

Colorado Buckhorn Cholla (Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa var. coloradensis - 44” to 9’)

Teddybear Cholla (Cylindropuntia bigelovii - 3’ to 9’)

Shrubby Limberbush (Jatropha cuneata - 2’ to 9’)

Desert Honeysuckle (Anisacanthus thurberi - 3’ to 8’)

Emory Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus emoryi - 1’ to 8’)

 

 

Vines and Climbers

 

Slender Janusia (Janusia gracilis - 18” to 10’)

Little Snapdragon Vine (Maurandella antirrhiniflora - 7’ to 8’)

Slimjim Bean (Phaseolus filiformis - 2’ to 7’)

Yellow Twining Snapdragon (Neogaerrhinum filipes - 2’ to 3’)

 

 

Shrubs (2 to 7 feet in height)

 

Major Cholla (Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa var. major - 32” to 7’)

Canyon Ragweed (Ambrosia ambrosioides - 1’ to 7’)

Limberbush (Jatropha cardiophylla - 1’ to 7’)

Desert Rosemallow (Hibiscus coulteri - 3” to 7’)

Desert Saltbush (Atriplex polycarpa - 1’ to 6½ ’)

Desert Pricklypear Cactus (Opuntia engelmannii var. engelmannii - 20” to 6’)

White Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa - 18” to 6’)

Desert Christmas Cactus (Cylindropuntia leptocaulis - 1’ to 6’)

California Copperleaf (Acalypha californica - 20” to 5’)

Rough Jointfir (Ephedra aspera - 1’ to 5’)

White Cheesebush (Hymenoclea salsola var. pentalepis - 1 to 5’)

White Rantany (Krameria grayi - 1’ to 5’)

American Threefold (Trixis californica - 10” to 5’)

Fairyduster (Calliandra eriophylla - 4” to 5’)

Triangleleaf Bursage (Ambrosia deltoidea - 1’ to 4’)

Desert Penstemon (Penstemon pseudospectabilis - 1’ to 4’)

Range Ratany (Krameria erecta - 8” to 40”)

White Bursage (Ambrosia dumosa - 7” to 40”)

Arizona Cockroach Plant (Haplophyton crooksii - 7” to 40”)

Eastern Mojave Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum var. polifolium - 4” to 40”)

Bastardsage (Eriogonum wrightii var. nodosum - 6” to 36”)

 

 

Grasses

 

Blue Threeawn (Aristida purpurea var. nealleyi - 6” to 40”)

Desert Fluffgrass (Dasyochloa pulchella - 2” to 6”)

 

 

Shrubs (under 2’), Subshrubs, Herbs and Small Succulents

 

Desert Lily (Hesperocallis undulata - 1’ to 6’)

Coulter Globemallow (Sphaeralcea coulteri - 6” to 5’)

Brownfoot (Acourtia wrightii - 12” to 52”)

Parish Larkspur (Delphinium parishii var. parishii - 1’ to 4’)

Yellow Menodora (Menodora scabra - 6” to 4’)

Yellow Monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus - 2” to 44”)

Bigelow Wishbone Bush (Mirabilis laevis var. villosa - 24” to 32”)

Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata - 6” to 30”)

Dagger-spine Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus engelmannii var. chrysocentrus - 5” to 30”)

Whitestem Paperflower (Psilostrophe cooperi - 4” to 30”)

Golden Suncup (Camissonia brevipes subsp. brevipes - 1” to 30”)

Caliche Globemallow (Sphaeralcea laxa - 12” to 28”)

Nichol Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus nicholii - 12” to 24”)

Goodding Mock Vervain (Glandularia gooddingii - 12” to 24”)

Desert Senna (Senna covesii - 12” to 24”)

Arizona Lupine (Lupinus arizonicus - 8” to 24”)

Chia (Salvia columbariae var. columbariae - 4” to 24”)

Mojave Lupine (Lupinus sparsiflorus - 8” to 20”)

Whitedaisy Tidytips (Layia glandulosa - 4” to 20”)

Lacy Tansyaster (Machaeranthera pinnatifida subsp. pinnatifida - 6” to 16”)

Needle-spined Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus engelmannii var. acicularis - 6” to 15”)

White Tackstem (Calycoseris wrightii - 10” to 12”)

Arizona Poppy (Kallstroemia grandiflora - 8” to 12”)

Desert Evening Primroase (Camissonia chamaenerioides 6” to 12”)

Scarlet Lupine (Lupinus concinnus - 4” to 12”)

California Evening Primrose (Oenothera arizonica - 2” to 12”)

Mohave Desertstar (Monoptilon bellioides - 1” to 12”)

Arizona Scaley Cloakfern (Astrolepis cochisensis subsp. arizonica - to 8”)

Graham Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria grahamii - 2” to 8”)

Yellow Desert Evening-primrose (Oenothera primiveris - 2” to 8”)

Miniature Woollystar (Eriastrum diffusum - 1½” to 8”)

 

 

 

 

CONSERVATION RELATED ORGANIZATIONS AND NURSERIES

 

 

 

Arizona Department of Agriculture

http://www.azda.gov/

 

The Arizona Department of Agriculture enforces the sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes commonly referred to as the “Arizona Native Plant Law”. The Native Plant Law requires, in part, that anyone who is clearing land notify the State of Arizona in advance of the clearing. Some land owners involved in the clearing of land allow for nurseries and people who are interested in salvaging plants to do so prior to the clearing. The Arizona Department of Agriculture posts these notifications in their county offices. You may also contact the Arizona Department of Agriculture and, for a fee, be put on a mailing list of people receiving copies of the Notices of Intent to Clear Land.

 

Contact Information: Arizona Department of Agriculture, 1688 West Adams Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007; 602-542-4373.

 

 

 

Arizona Native Plant Society

http://aznps.org/

 

The Arizona Native Plant Society is a statewide nonprofit organization devoted to Arizona's native plants. Its mission is to promote knowledge, appreciation, conservation, and restoration of Arizona native plants and their habitats. They work with the Southwest Rare Plant Task Force to develop strategies for protecting rare species and their habitats; they keep abreast of conservation issues concerning native plants species and responds to those through their Conservation Committee; they promote the use of native species in residential and commercial landscapes; they publish the Plant Press, support the publication of scholarly works and maintains a website with information and links about native plant, and they host a series of statewide events that provide forums to learn from professionals. Member activities and benefits include chapter and statewide gatherings; field trips and educational presentations; conservation through education, outreach and restoration; habitat restoration projects; informative website, newsletters and journals, and interactions with plant experts and enthusiasts.

 

 

LISTING OF SOURCES FOR NATIVE PLANTS AND SEEDS

 

The Arizona Native Plant Society maintains a listing of Native Plant and Seed Sources at: http://www.aznps.org/sources.html

 

 

Contact Information: Arizona Native Plant Society, PO Box 41206, Tucson, Arizona 85717.

 

 

 

Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society

http://www.tucsoncactus.org/

 

The Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, teaching and learning about cacti and succulent plants. Their monthly programs feature knowledgeable individuals who can educate you and help you understand more about these fascinating plants. They conduct and sponsor native cactus and succulent rescue operations, plant sales, field trips, nursery and garden visits, conventions and conferences as well as other activities throughout the year. 

 

 

NATIVE PLANT RESCUE NOTICE

 

The Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society puts a tremendous amount of time and effort  into the

organizing and overseeing of their rescue events. The native plant rescues carried out by the dedicated

members of the Society provide an immeasurable service to our community.

 

 

The Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society organizes native plant rescues in areas being cleared for development. If interested in rescuing plants and/or obtaining local native plants for your landscaping or restoration project join the Society and become a rescue crew member.

 

Contact Information: Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society, PO Box 64759, Tucson, Arizona 85728-4759; 520-885-6367.

 

 

 

Desert Survivors Native Plant Nursery

http://www.desertsurvivors.org/nursery.asp

 

The Desert Survivors Native Plant Nursery sells many local native plants and is willing to consider growing any native plant for which there is a buyer.

 

Contact Information: Desert Survivors Native Plant Nursery, 1020 West Starr Pass Boulevard, Tucson, Arizona 85713; 520-791-9309.

 

 

 

Native Seeds/SEARCH

http://www.nativeseeds.org

 

The Native Seeds/SEARCH is a nonprofit conservation organization that seeks to preserve the crop seeds that connect the Native American cultures to their lands. The mission of the Native Seeds/SEARCH is to conserve, distribute and document the adapted and diverse varieties of agricultural seeds, their wild relatives and the role these seeds play in the cultures of the American Southwest and Northwest Mexico.

 

Contact Information: Native Seeds/SEARCH, 526 North Fourth Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85705; 520-622-5561, toll free at 866-622-5561, FAX 520-622-5561; e-mail:  info@nativeseeds.org

 

 

 

Tohono Chul Park Greenhouse

http://www.tohonochulpark.org/

 

The Tohono Chul Park Greenhouse offers for sale a wide variety of native and arid adapted plants. Many of these plants require minimal watering once they are established. Flowers, trees, bushes and seeds are sold throughout the year.

 

Contact Information: Tohono Chul Park, 7366 North Paseo del Norte, Tucson, Arizona 85704-4415; Information: 520-742-6455 (Greenhouse ext. 239), FAX: 520-797-1213, Russ Buhrow, Curator of Plants, 520-742-6455 ext. 234; e-mail:  russbuhrow@tohonochulpark.org

 

 

 

Wildlife Rehabilitation of Northwest Tucson

 

The goal of Wildlife Rehabilitation of Northwest Tucson is to provide experienced care for injured and orphaned wild birds and mammals so that they can be released back into the wild. For assistance with an injured bird or mammal, please call 520-743-0217, briefly explain the situation, being sure to repeat your name and phone number before ending the call.

 

Contact Information: Lewis and Janet Miller, 3690 Hills of Gold, Tucson, Arizona 85745; 520-743-0217.

 

 

 

 

LISTING OF PLANTS

 

STRICTLY ENFORCED LAWS PROTECT MANY OF ARIZONA’S NATIVE  PLANTS FROM

COLLECTION, MUTILATION AND DESTRUCTION

 

* numbers appearing between the asterisks relate to footnotes and sources of information*

 

 

 

Kingdom Plantae: The Plant Kingdom

Subkingdom Tracheobionta: The Vascular Plants

 

 

 

Division Pteridophyta: The Ferns

 

 

 

CLASS FILICOPSIDA: The FERNS

 

 

Family Pteridaceae: The Maidenhair Fern Family

 

Astrolepis cochisensis (L.N. Goodding) R.W. Benham & M.D. Windham subsp. arizonica R.W. Benham (5): Arizona Scaly Cloakfern

COMMON NAMES: Cloak Fern, Cloakfern, Arizona Scaly Cloakfern. DESCRIPTION: Terrestrial perennial evergreen forb/herb (fronds are 8 inches in length) (5), the color of the foliage is olive green or green above and reddish-brown beneath with brown to reddish-brown stipes. HABITAT: Within the range of this species it has been reported from mountains; crevices in rocks; ridges; rocky hillsides; rocky slopes, and along washes in rocky soils, occurring from 1,500 to 3,200 feet in elevation in the desertscrub and wetland ecological formations. NOTE: This plant may be useful as an ornamental. *5, 6, 63 (122007), 85 (122207)*

 

 

 

Division Gnetophyta: The Gnetophytes

 

 

 

CLASS GNETOPSIDA: The GNETOPS

 

 

Family Ephedraceae: The Mormon-tea Family

 

Ephedra aspera G. Engelmann ex S. Watson (5): Rough Jointfir

SYNONYMY: Ephedra nevadensis S. Watson var. aspera (G. Engelmann ex S. Watson) L.D. Benson. COMMON NAMES: Aspera Mormon Tea, Boundary Ephedra, Canatillo, Canutillo, Mormon Tea, Nevada Ephedra, Nevada Joint-fir, Pitamo Real (Hispanic), Popotillo (Hispanic), Rough Jointfir, Sanguinaria, Tepopote. DESCRIPTION: Terrestrial perennial evergreen subshrub or shrub (1 to 5 feet in height, one plant was described as being 1 foot in height with a crown 4 feet in width) (6), the young dark green branches yellow with age, the production of strobili (female and male cones) generally takes place between January and June. HABITAT: Within the range of this species it has been reported from mountains; mountainsides; along rocky canyons; rocky ledges; hills; rocky hillsides; rocky and gravelly slopes; bajadas; rocky outcrops; amongst boulders and rocks; gravelly flats; along arroyos; rocky ravines; sandy stream beds; along and in rocky and gravelly washes; sandy banks; terraces, and riparian areas in bouldery, rocky, gravelly and sandy soils and gravelly loam soils, occurring from 1,000 to 5,900 feet in elevation in the woodland, scrub, grassland, desertscrub and wetland ecological formations. NOTES: This plant may be useful as an ornamental. The Rough Jointfir may reach full size within 20 years living to be 100 years or more in age. This plant is browsed by wildlife, including the Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis). *5, 6, 13 (Ephedra nevadensis S. Wats. var. aspera (Engelm.) L. Benson), 18 (gen.), 46 (Ephedra nevadensis Wats. var. aspera (Engelm.) L. Benson), 48 (gen.), 63 (051607), 77, 85 (081407), 91 (Ephedra aspera Engelm. ex S. Watson), MBJ/WTK (August 2007)*

 

Ephedra nevadensis var. aspera (see Ephedra aspera)

 

 

 

Division Magnoliophyta: The Flowering Plants

 

 

 

CLASS LILIOPSIDA: The MONOCOTS

 

 

Liliaceae: The Lily Family

 

Hesperocallis undulata A. Gray (5): Desert Lily

COMMON NAMES: Ajo, Ajo Lily, Ajo Sylvestre, Desert Lily, Hesperocallis. DESCRIPTION: Terrestrial perennial forb/herb (1 to 6 feet in height) (6), the basal rosette of leaves (8 to 20 inches in length) are bluish-green, the trumpet-shaped flowers (2½ inches in depth) are bluish-white or white, flowering generally takes place between early February and early May (additional record: one for mid-January). HABITAT: Within the range of this species it has been reported from mountains; sandy mesas; sandy hillsides; slopes; sand dunes; clayey plains; gravelly-sandy and sandy flats; valleys; sandy edges of river beds, and rocky and sandy washes in rocky, gravelly-sandy and sandy soils; gravelly-sandy loam and sandy-loam soils, and clay soils, occurring from 100 to 2,100 feet (one record for 6,900 feet) in elevation in the desertscrub ecological formation. NOTE: This plant may be useful as an ornamental, the flowers are fragrant. The flowers are pollinated by Hawk Moths. *5, 6, 28 (color photograph), 46 (This is one of the showiest of the Arizona desert wildflowers.), 63 (010808), 85 (010808), 86 (color photograph)*

 

 

Family Poaceae (Gramineae): The Grass Family

 

Aristida adscensionis C. Linnaeus: Sixweeks Threeawn

COMMON NAMES: Six Weeks Three Awn Grass, Sixweeks Threeawn, Six-weeks Threeawn, Six-weeks Three-awn Grass, Zacate Cola de Zorra, Zacate Tres Barbas. DESCRIPTION: Terrestrial annual graminoid (3 to 40 inches in height), the color of this grass has been described as being bright green to yellow curing to straw, the florets are purple, flowering generally takes place between November and April, the tips of the awns may be purple. HABITAT: Within the range of this species it has been reported from mountains; mountainsides; mesas; plateaus; canyons; rocky and sandy canyon bottoms; talus slopes; crevices in rocks; rocky ledges; ridge tops; foothills; rocky hills; rocky hillsides; bouldery, rocky, gravelly and sandy slopes; bajadas; rock outcrops; amongst boulders and rocks; sand hills; dunes; sandy plains; sandy flats; along rocky railroad right-of-ways; along road beds; roadsides; along arroyos; rocky draws; springs; along streams; creek beds; along rivers; sandy river beds; along and in rocky, gravelly, gravelly-sandy and sandy washes; banks of draws; terraces; bottom lands; flood plains; ditches; riparian areas; sandy waste places, and disturbed areas in bouldery, rocky, rocky-pebbly, gravelly, gravelly-sandy and sandy soils; rocky loam and rocky-gravelly loam and clayey loam soils; gravelly clay soils, and gravelly-sandy silty soils, occurring from sea level to 8,000 feet in elevation in the woodland, scrub, grassland, desertscrub and wetland ecological formations. *5, 6, 15, 16, 33, 46, 58, 63 (070207), 77, 85 (081407), 105*

 

Aristida glauca (see Aristida purpurea var. nealleyi)  

 

Aristida purpurea var. glauca (see Aristida purpurea var. nealleyi)

 

Aristida purpurea T. Nuttall var. nealleyi (G. Vasey) K.W. Allred: Blue Threeawn

SYNONYMY: Aristida glauca (C.G. Nees von Esenbeck) W.G. Walpers, Aristida purpurea T. Nuttall var. glauca (C.G. Nees von Esenbeck) A. Holmgren & N. Holmgren. COMMON NAMES:  Blue Threeawn, Nealley Three-awn, Reverchon Three-awn, Reverchon Threeawn, Tres Barbas, Tres Barbas Purpurea. DESCRIPTION: Terrestrial perennial graminoid (a bunchgrass 6 to 40 inches in height and to 12 inches in width at the base), the inflorescence is purple, the awns are purple, flowering generally takes place between March and September; however, flowering may occur throughout the year under favorable conditions (flowering records: one for late January, one for late February, one for early April, one for early July, one for mid-August, one for mid-September and two for late November). HABITAT: Within the range of this species it has been reported from mountains; mesas; plateaus; rocky canyons; rocky canyonsides; along gravelly-sandy canyon bottoms; talus slopes; crevices in rocks; ridges; ridge tops; foothills; hills; bouldery, rocky, gravelly and sandy slopes; rocky, rocky-gravelly and gravelly bajadas; rocky outcrops; amongst boulders and rocks; sand dunes; plains; flats; along roadsides; along rocky arroyos; along draws; springs; along and in creek beds; river beds; along rocky, gravelly and sandy washes; bouldery-rocky drainages; banks; gravel bars; sandy beaches; sandy benches; gravelly terraces; flood plains; along ditches; riparian areas, and disturbed areas in bouldery, bouldery-rocky, rocky, rocky-gravelly, rocky-sandy, gravelly, gravelly-sandy and sandy soils; cobbly-gravelly loam, gravelly loam, rocky-clayey loam and sandy loam soils, and rocky-sandy clay soils, occurring from 800 to 7,700 feet in elevation in the woodland, scrub, grassland, desertscrub and wetland ecological formations. NOTE: This plant may useful as an ornamental, it reportedly has a “feathery” appearance. *5, 6, 16, 33 (Aristida glauca (Nees) Walp.), 46 (Aristida glauca (Nees) Walp.), 48 (sp.), 63 (121007), 77, 85 (121107), 105 (sp.)*

 

Avena fatua C. Linnaeus: Wild Oat

COMMON NAMES: Flaxgrass, Oat Grass, Oatgrass, Wheat Oats, Wild Oat. DESCRIPTION: Terrestrial annual graminoid (1 to 4 feet in height), flowering generally takes place between February and July. HABITAT: Within the range of this species it has been reported from mountains; rocky canyons; rocky hillsides; rocky slopes; sandy bajadas; rock outcrops; flats; valleys; along roadsides; springs; along creeks; creek beds; along and in sandy washes; banks of rivers and washes; benches; bottom lands; flood plains; canal banks; ditches; ditch banks; riparian areas; waste places and disturbed areas in rocky and sandy soils; rocky-gravelly loam, gravelly loam and clayey loam soils, and clay soils, occurring from 400 to 8,300 feet in elevation in the forest, woodland, scrub, grassland, desertscrub and wetland ecological formations. NOTE: EXOTIC Invasive Plant, this plant poses a significant threat to native habitat. Seed can remain dormant in soil for as long as 10 years. *5, 6, 15, 16, 33, 46, 63 (061207), 68, 77, 85 (081407), 101 (color photograph)*

 

Cenchrus ciliaris (see Pennisetum ciliare) 

 

Cynodon dactylon (C. Linnaeus) C.H. Persoon: Bermudagrass

COMMON NAMES: Acabacahuiztle (Hispanic), Acacahuitzli (Nahuatl), Bermudagrass, Bramilla (Hispanic), Canzuuc (Maya), Devil Grass, European Bermuda Grass, Gallitos (Hispanic), Grama (Hispanic), Grama de la Costa (Hispanic), Gramilla (Hispanic), Grana (Hispanic), Guix-biguiρi (Zapoteco), Lan-suuk (Maya), Pasto Bermuda (Hispanic), Pasto Estrella (Hispanic), Pata de Gallo (Hispanic), Pata de Perdiz (Hispanic), Pata de Pollo (Hispanic), Tsakam Toom (Hispanic), Zacate (Hispanic), Zacate Bermuda (Hispanic), Zacate Borrego (Hispanic), Zacate Chino (Hispanic), Zacate del Conejo (Hispanic), Zacate Inglιs (Hispanic), Zacate Pilillo (Hispanic), Zaruue (Hispanic). DESCRIPTION: Terrestrial perennial graminoid (a low-growing sodgrass, 4 to 24 inches in height), the color of this grass has been described as being green or yellow-green, the florets purple, flowering generally takes place between mid-February and late November. HABITAT: Within the range of this species it has been reported from mountains; canyons; buttes; rocky hills; rocky hillsides; rocky outcrops; sand hummocks; prairies; plains; sandy flats; clayey valley bottoms; roadsides; sandy arroyo bottoms; seeps; springs; stream beds; along creeks; creek beds; along rivers; river beds; along and in sandy washes; drainages; along sandy banks of creeks, rivers and washes; cienegas; edges of ponds; beaches; edges of bogs; loamy bottom lands; flood plains; in and around stock tanks; along ditch banks; sandy riparian areas, and disturbed areas in bouldery-cobbly-sandy, bouldery-sandy, rocky-cobbly-sandy, gravelly-sandy and sandy soils and rocky loam and gravelly loam soils, occurring from sea level to 6,400 feet in elevation in the woodland, scrub, grassland, desertscrub and wetland ecological formations. NOTE: This green or yellow-green sodgrass cures to a yellow straw color after frost. EXOTIC Invasive Plant, this plant poses a significant threat to native habitat. Bermudagrass is sometimes confused with another exotic species, Large Crabgrass, Digitaria sanguinalis, a species of similar general appearance. *5, 6, 15, 16, 18, 22 (color photograph), 30, 33, 46, 58, 63 (061407), 68, 77, 80 (Bermudagrass is listed as a Poisonous Cropland and Garden Plant. “Cattle grazing on Bermudagrass pasture may develop photosensitization, paralysis or a nervous syndrome.”), 85 (080907), 101 (color photograph), 105, 109, WTK (August 2007)

 

Dasyochloa pulchella (K.S. Kunth in Humbolt, Bonpland and Kunth) C.L. von Wildenow ex P.A. Rydberg: Low Woollygrass

SYNONYMY: Erioneuron pulchellum (K.S. Kunth in Humbolt, Bonpland and Kunth) T. Tateoka, Tridens pulchellus (K.S. Kunth in Humbolt, Bonpland and Kunth) A.S. Hitchcock, Triodia pulchella K.S. Kunth in Humbolt, Bonpland and Kunth. COMMON NAMES: Desert Fluffgrass, Fluff Grass, Fluff-grass, Fluffgrass, Low Woollygrass, Oerennuak Grass, Zacate Borreguero. DESCRIPTION: Terrestrial perennial (often appearing to be an annual and also described as being a short-lived perennial) graminoid (a bunchgrass 2 to 6 inches in height), the color of this grass has been described as being bluish-green curing to a gray-white, the color of the flower green or silvery, flowering generally takes place between February and October (additional record: one for early December). HABITAT: Within the range of this species it has been reported from mountains; rocky-sandy, gravelly and sandy-loamy mesas; rocky canyons; rocky talus slopes; ridge tops; ridgelines; meadows; foothills; rocky hills; rocky and gravelly hillsides; rocky, gravelly, gravelly-sandy, gravelly-sandy-loamy and sandy slopes; gravelly bajadas; rock outcrops; amongst rocks; sandy plains; cindery and gravelly flats; valleys; rocky, gravelly and sandy roadsides; stream beds; creek beds; along and in gravelly and sandy washes; along and in sandy drainages; marshes; benches; gravelly and sandy terraces; loamy bottom lands; flood plains; sandy riparian areas, and disturbed areas in desert pavement; rocky, rocky-gravelly, rocky-sandy, cindery, gravelly, gravelly-sandy and sandy soils; gravelly loam, gravelly-sandy loam, sandy loam and clayey loam soils; sandy-gravelly clay and clay soils, and sandy silty soils, occurring from 400 to 7,000 feet in elevation in the woodland, scrub, grassland, desertscrub and wetland ecological formations. NOTES: This low, densely tufted perennial grass may be useful as an ornamental. This plant is browsed by the Desert Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis mexicana). This plant is generally avoided by grazing animals. *5, 6, 15, 16, 33 (Tridens pulchellus (H.B.K.) Hitchc.), 46 (Tridens pulchellus (H.B.K.) Hitchc.), 58, 63 (040407), 77, 85 (110607), 105 (Tridens pulchellus (H.B.K.) Hitchc.), WTK (June 2005)*

 

Erioneuron pulchellum (see Dasyochloa pulchellah)

 

Muhlenbergia microsperma (A.P. de Candolle) C.B. von Trinius: Littleseed Muhly

COMMON NAMES: Liendrilla Chica (Hispanic), Liendrilla Fina y Liendrilla Chica (Hispanic), Little-seed Muhly, Littleseed Muhly. DESCRIPTION: Terrestrial annual graminoid (4 to 40 inches in height/length), the color of the spikelets has been described as being purplish, flowering generally takes place between March and May (flowering records: two for late March, one for late April, one for early May, two for mid-May, one for mid-September and one for mid-December, plants in flower have reportedly been collected in all months except for June and July). HABITAT: Within the range of this species it has been reported from mountains; rocky canyons; rocky canyon walls; sandy and sandy-loamy canyon bottoms; along bases of cliffs; buttes; rocky ledges, rocky ridges; margins of meadows; rocky hills; rocky hillsides; rocky, gravelly and sandy slopes; bajadas; rock outcrops; amongst boulders and rocks; lava bluffs; lava slopes; along lava slides; sandy plains; gravelly and sandy flats; coastal plains; along railroad right-of-ways; sandy roadsides; arroyos; arroyo bottoms; gulches; springs; along streams; rocky-sandy stream beds; along creeks; along rivers; along and in gravelly, gravelly-sandy and sandy washes; gravelly-sandy tinajas; along gravelly-sandy banks; benches; sandy flood plains; mesquite bosques; around stock tanks (charcos); rocky margins of reservoirs; along irrigation ditches; riparian areas and disturbed areas in gravelly desert pavement; bouldery, rocky, rocky-gravelly, rocky-sandy, gravelly, gravelly-sandy and sandy soils, and rocky-clayey loam, gravelly loam and sandy loam soils, occurring from sea level to 5,500 feet in elevation in the woodland, scrub, grassland, desertscrub and wetland ecological formations. NOTE: This grass sometimes forms dense mound-like colonies. *5, 6, 15, 16, 30, 33, 46, 63 (070207), 77, 85 (111407)*

 

Cenchrus ciliaris (see Pennisetum ciliare) 

 

Pennisetum ciliare (C. Linnaeus) J.H. Link: Buffelgrass

SYNONYMY: Cenchrus ciliaris C. Linnaeus. COMMON NAMES: African Foxtail, Anjangrass, Buffelgrass, Bufle, Cadillo Buffel (Hispanic), Huizapol (Hispanic), Sandbur, Zacate Buffle (Hispanic). DESCRIPTION: Terrestrial perennial graminoid (a bunchgrass from under 6 inches to 5 feet in height), the leaves are green, the spikes are gray, reddish-brown, purple or yellowish turning a golden-brown when dry, flowering may take place several times a year when sufficient moisture is available (one record each for; mid-February, mid-April, early October, late October and late November). HABITAT: Within the range of this species it has been reported from mountains; along rocky canyons; bases of cliffs; buttes; ridges; ridge tops; rocky hillsides; rocky slopes; bajadas; sandy plains; valleys; roadsides; along arroyos; draws; ravines; springs; rocky river beds; along and in washes; riparian areas, and disturbed areas in rocky, rocky-cobbly-sandy, rocky-sandy and sandy soils and sandy-silty loess soils, occurring from sea level to 7,100 feet in elevation in the woodland, scrub, grassland and desertscrub ecological formations. NOTE: EXOTIC Invasive Plant, this plant poses a significant threat to native habitat. *5, 6, 16, 22 (color photograph), 30, 33, 46, 63 (081007), 77, 85 (081007), WTK (August 2007)*

 

Pennisetum ruppelii (see Pennisetum setaceum)

 

Pennisetum setaceum (P. Forsskal) E. Chiovenda: Crimson Fountaingrass

SYNONYMY: Pennisetum ruppelii E.G. von Steudel. COMMON NAMES: African Fountain Grass, Annual Fountain Grass, Crimson Fountaingrass, Fountain Grass, Fountain-grass, Plumitas, Purple Fountain Grass Tender Fountain Grass, Zacate de la Fuente. DESCRIPTION: Terrestrial perennial graminoid (a bunchgrass grass 1 to 5 feet in height, one clump noted as being 5 feet in height by 5 feet in width), the leaves are green, the spikes are green, purple, white or luminous yellow, flowering generally takes place from late March to November, the fruits are purplish. HABITAT: Within the range of this species it has been reported from mountains; canyons; canyon bottoms; bases of cliffs; crevices in rocks; ridges; swards; rocky foothills; rocky hillsides; bouldery and rocky slopes; bajadas; amongst boulders and rocks; flats; railroad right-of-ways; along roadsides; draws; along streams; along and in creeks; river beds; along and in washes; drainages; sandy edges of creeks; sand bars; margins of pools; lake shores; mesquite bosques; culverts; ditches; canals; riparian areas, and disturbed areas in bouldery, rocky, rocky-cobbly-sandy, cobbly, cobbly-gravelly, gravelly, pebbly-sandy and sandy soils, occurring from 300 to 7,200 feet in elevation in the woodland, scrub, grassland, desertscrub and wetland ecological formations. NOTE: EXOTIC Invasive Plant, this plant poses a significant threat to native habitat. *5, 6, 16, 22 (color photograph), 26 (color photograph), 33, 46, 63 (080907), 77, 85 (080907), 109, WTK (August 2007)*

 

Schismus barbatus (P. Loefling ex C. Linnaeus) A. Thellung: Common Mediterranean Grass

COMMON NAMES: Common Mediterranean Grass, Mediterraneangrass, Zacate Mediterrane Comun. DESCRIPTION: Terrestrial annual graminoid (1 to 14 inches in height), flowering generally takes place between November and mid-May. HABITAT: Within the range of this species it has been reported from mountains; mesas; rocky cliffs; rocky canyons; canyon bottoms; rocky talus; rocky ridges; hill tops; rocky hillsides; rocky and gravelly slopes; bajadas; rock outcrops; sand dunes; plains; gravelly and sandy flats; roadsides; along streams; along gravelly-sandy creek beds; along rivers; gravelly river beds; gravelly-sandy and sandy washes; sandy banks; benches; gravelly terraces; flood plains; riparian areas, and disturbed areas in rocky, rocky-gravelly, gravelly, gravelly-sandy and sandy soils; gravelly-sandy loam, sandy loam and clayey loam soils, and gravelly silty soils, occurring from 400 to 4,500 feet (one record at 7,880 feet) in elevation in the grassland, desertscrub and wetland ecological formations. NOTE: EXOTIC Invasive Plant, this plant poses a significant threat to native habitat. *5, 6, 15, 16, 22 (color photograph), 33, 46, 58, 63 (040407), 68, 77, 85 (081507), WTK (November 2005)*

 

Tridens pulchellus (see Dasyochloa pulchella)