Tolerances of Sagebrush, Rabbitbrush, and Greasewood to Elevated Water Tables

Abstract

Knowledge of the effects of saturated soils and flooding on Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis), green rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus), and black greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) can enhance our understanding of their distribution. The responses of these 3 species to elevated water tables were studied on 4 contours bordering an expanding lake in southeast Oregon during the 1983 and 1984 growing seasons. When plants were initially selected for study, contours were 0, 10, 20, and 40 cm above the lake surface. Continued expansion of the lake flooded the lower contours and elevated the water tables under the upper contours. Wyoming big sagebrush rapidly succumbed to surface flooding and elevated water tables within 10 cm of the surface. Green rabbitbrush behaved similarly, but responses lagged about 1 week behind sagebrush. Black greasewood tolerated surface flooding for 40 days before effects were apparent. Water tables within 25 to 30 cm of the surface had no effect on greasewood. Given adequate topography and water supplies, water spreading techniques could be used to control Wyoming big sagebrush and green rabbitbrush.