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moundscale
Scientific Name: Atriplex ×aptera
Family: Chenopodiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Moundscale (Atriplex spp.)
Moundscale is a term used to describe several species of Atriplex, particularly Atriplex gardneri and hybrids such as Atriplex x aptera.
Considerations for Pets
- Some species described as "moundscale" are subshrubs or shrubs.
- The text mentions the species may not be evergreen and may be yellow/green in color.
Scientific Name and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Atriplex spp. (various species)
- Atriplex x aptera A. Nelson (pro sp.) is a hybrid (canescens x nutallii).
- Atriplex gardneri is another species referred to as Moundscale.
- Family: Chenopodiaceae (now included in Amaranthaceae)
- Rank: Hybrid (for Atriplex x aptera)
- Synonyms: Atriplex falcata (M. E. Jones) Standl. (for saltsage, moundscale, sickle or gardner's saltbush var. falcata)
Common Names
- Moundscale
- Gardner's Saltbush
- Nuttall's Saltbush
- Saltsage
- Sickle Saltbush
- Gardner's Orache
- Saline Orache
- Saline Saltbush
- Saline Spearscale
- Saline Atriplex
Distribution and Habitat
- Frequently found in the western third of North Dakota.
- Observed as far east as Pembina and Barnes counties in North Dakota.
- Mentioned in the context of studies at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico.
- Found growing in the wild near Warren, Montana.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Described as a subshrub or shrub.
- Perennial, meaning it grows year after year.
- Adult species are small in size, reaching approximately 60 cm.
- May not be evergreen during the winter, assuming a yellow-green color.
Ecological Role
- The text mentions moundscale vegetation plots in the context of prairie dog studies. Prairie dogs are noted as keystone species with large impacts on community and ecosystem properties.
- Arthropods and lizards are associated with mound disturbance patches and rodent burrow systems in moundscale plots.
- Plant species composition differences among plots are based on mound-scale data.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Associated with arthropods (including grasshoppers) and lizards in the context of prairie dog mounds.
Resources and Further Information
- Dave's Garden is mentioned as a resource for gardening tips and ideas.