Core Site Phenology Study from the Chihuahaun Desert Grassland and Shrubland at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico

Plant phenology or life-history patterns change seasonally as plants
grow, mature, flower, and produce fruit and seed. Plant phenology
follows seasonal patterns, yet variation may occur due to annual
differences in the timing of rainfall and ambient temperature
shifts. Foliage growth, flower, fruit, and seed production are
important aspects of plant population dynamics and food resource
availability for animals. The purpose of this study is to assess
phenological patterns of plants across a series of biotic
communities that represent an environmental moisture gradient. These
communities all in the Chihuahuan Desert include: creosote bush
shrubland, black grama grassland, and blue grama grassland. Plant
phenology is recorded for all plant species across 4 replicate 200 m
transects at each of the 3 habitat sites. Plant phenology
measurements are taken once every month from February through
October. The first ten individuals (or ten representative
individuals) of each plant species encountered along each transect
are assessed for life-history status. Data from the site P and J
were only collected in 2000 and 2001 and are included in this data
set.