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Western Sonoran Mountains

Ecoregion in Sonoran Desert, CA

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The Western Sonoran Mountains ecoregion includes the erosional highlands of exposed bedrock that rise above the more gently sloping sediment-filled basins (Ecoregion 81c). The terrain is dissected by dry washes that can flash flood during the infrequent rainfall events. The mountains in this western ecoregion receive less summer precipitation than the ranges in Ecoregions 81i and 81k to the east. The vegetation of this mostly rocky terrain typically is Sonoran creosotebush scrub transitioning into succulent scrub with numerous ocotillo and cacti. There is some Mojavean as well as Peninsular Range influence compared to Sonoran mountain ranges to the east. Ocotillo, white bursage, teddy bear cholla, range ratany, barrel cactus, brittlebush, staghorn cholla, beavertail cactus, yucca, jojoba, Mormon tea, and a few juniper are present. Spring annual forbs include fiddleneck, popcorn flower, desertbells, and desert mariposa lily.

— EPA

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