John G. Dobbins: Rainbowsphere on Badger Mountain Desert in Washington? : the shrub-step environment "...A common feature of the Columbia River Basin is the shrub-steppe ecosystem where moisture is scarce (coming mostly from snow in winter), the wind is persistent, and temperatures vary from 38C in summer to well below freezing in winter. Big sagebrush is especially adapted to survive these conditions. Its root structure can reach as far as 27 m in diameter, dominating the water source and limiting the number of other large plants that can establish themselves. Its small gray-green leaves are covered with minute white hairs that keep water in the plant. In this harsh climate, sagebrush provides important cover and forage for wildlife. Accompanying sagebrush in the community are a variety of native plants such as rabbitbrush, bitterbrush, greasewood, winterfat, spiny hopsage, horsebrush, fescue, Indian ricegrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, and wildrye. Other herbaceous plants, or forbs, include lupines, globe mallow, Indian paintbrush, sego lilies, phlox, and arrowleaf balsamroot. An occasional prickly pear cactus can also be found." read the full article here Return