Moderate density of aromatic woody shrubs, mostly 1-2 m in height. Salvia dorrii and Chamaebatiaria millefolium are dominant, but many other Great Basin species may be present in shrub layer. Artemisia tridentata and Purshia tridentata are most important. Understory layer of scattered, diverse bunchgrasses and cheatgrass.
SITE FACTORS:
Well drained substratum of basalt lava flow. Elevation of big sagebrush and juniper woodland. In ungrazed areas, a possible factor in promoting the abundance of the two dominant shrubs over sagebrush.
DISTRIBUTION:
Occurs in Lava Beds National Monument, an area of relatively recent basalt lava flows. Elevations from about 1400-1600 m. Distribution elsewhere uncertain.
Source: Adapted from Erhard, 1979.