New Mexico Native Plants

Central New Mexico Ecosystems
These are some of the common types of ecosystems located in Central New Mexico, as well as a general description of each one.
Grasslands and Prairies Grasslands and Prairies are plant communities dominated by grasses, wtih scattered forbs and shrubs intermixed. Different grass species dominate a given site based on factors such as soil, elevation, and precipitation. There are many types of grasslands and prairies in New Mexico. In Central New Mexico, some of the common grasslands and praires include Shortgrass Prairie, Mixed Grass Prairie, Intermountain Semi Desert Grassland, and Chihuahuan Semi Desert Grassland.
Shrublands Shrublands are plant communities that are dominated by shrubs, with some grasses and forbs mixed occasionally. There are several types of shrublands in Central New Mexico which include Sandsage Shrublands, Chihuahuan Desert Scrub, Intermountain Semi Desert Steppe & Shrubland, and Intermountain Shadscale-Four Wing Saltbush Scrub.
Pinyon-Juniper Woodland & Savanna This plant community consists of scattered Pinyon and Juniper trees that can be growing close together (woodland) or widely scattered becoming a savanna dominated by grasses, forbs, and some shrubs growing in between the trees.
Foothills Scrub This plant community occurs at the base of the foothills along the west face of the Sandia and Manzano Mountains. It is a mix of grasses, shrubs, and forbs, with some small trees as well.
Ponderosa Pine Woodland and Mixed Conifer Forest These plant communities are found in the mountains usually above 7,000 ft. They are dominated by Ponderosa Pine in areas, or can be mixed with other pines and conifers at higher elevations. Open areas contain a diverse mix of grasses, forbs, and shrubs.
Riparian Woodland and Shrubland This plant community occurs in riparian lowland areas along streams and rivers such as the Rio Grande. It contains woodlands dominated by Cottonwoods, as well as a mix of grasses, forbs, and shrubs in open areas.