Low, open to dense succulent shrublands dominated by alkali-tolerant Chenopodiaceae, especially Allenrolfea occidentalis or several Sueda species. Understories usually are lacking, though sparse herbaceous cover dominated by [Bromus rubens] develop occasionally. The annuals are most active from January to April; the perennials from March to September.
SITE FACTORS:
Heavy, saline and/or alkaline clays of lakebeds or playas. High ground water supplies provide capillary water for the perennials. Soil surfaces often have a brilliant white salty crust over dark, sticky clay. Hot, dry summers, damp winters with long periods of tule fog. Interdigitates on less severe sites with Valley Saltbush Scrub (36220).
DISTRIBUTION:
Formerly surrounded the large San Joaquin Valley lakes (Kern, Buena Vista, Tulare, Goose) and north along the trough of the San Joaquin Valley through Merced County to the gooselands of the Sacramento Valley (Solano to Glenn County, west of the Sacramento river); but now essentially extirpated due to flood control, agricultural developments, and ground water pumping.
UPDATE: 10/86
Source: Holland, 1986
Digital Text: NatureBase