Population dynamics of Encelia farinosa, Encelia frutescens, and Ambrosia salsola in the Mojave Desert

Since 1980, we have monitored population characteristics and dynamics of Encelia farinosa, Encelia frutescens, and Ambrosia salsola, drought deciduous shrub species. Periodically of the perennial evergreen Larrea tridentata at multiple sites between Death Valley and Superior. The Death Valley and Oatman area populations are mapped and monitored annually.

In Death Valley and Oatman, we obtain annual observations:

• population measures (seedlings, adult vitality, adult mortality, and juvenile establishment)
• plant characteristics (size, leaf cover, and phenology)
• spatial patterns among individiduals at a site
• leaves for biochemical, stable isotope analyses
• save leaves for possible future genetic analyses
• click here for some field photos

An Encelia farinosa dominated slope in the Mojave Desert.

Encelia farinosa

Encelia frutescens and Ambrosia salsola sampling in a Mojave Desert wash.