BOTANICAL AND ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
SPECIES: Fendlera rupicola | Fendlerbush 



GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS : 
Fendlerbush is a native, deciduous, widely-branched shrub [12,22,24].
It grows 3 to 9 feet (1-3 m) high [4,12,22,24].  The leaves are thick,
twisted, 0.2 to 1.6 inches (5-40 mm) long and 0.08 to 0.28 inches (2-7
mm) wide [13,24].  The flowers are solitary or two to three together at
the ends of short branches [24].  The fruit is a four-celled capsule
which remains on the plant all year [11,13].  Fendlerbush bark is
shreddy [11].  It generally has deep roots [4].  Fendlerbush can endure
intense heat and considerable drought [21].


RAUNKIAER LIFE FORM : 
   Phanerophyte


REGENERATION PROCESSES : 
Fendlerbush reproduces by seed [4,22].  Commercial production is
accomplished through seed that is stratified at 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5
deg C) for 60 to 90 days [4].  Fendlerbush can also reproduce via branch
cuttings [4,22].


SITE CHARACTERISTICS : 
Fendlerbush is commonly found on rocky ledges and steep slopes of cliffs
and canyons at elevations of 3,000 to 7,000 feet (914-2,133 m)
[16,22,23].  Fendlerbush thrives on very dry, well-drained, poor soils
that may be rocky and/or alkaline [4,21,22].  Less than 15 inches (38.1 cm)
of annual precipitation have been measured in its natural habitat [4].


SUCCESSIONAL STATUS : 
Facultative Seral Species

Fendlerbush occurs in nearly all stages of succession.  It is most
common in mid- to late-seral communities.  In Mesa Verde National Park,
fendlerbush maximum cover and frequency was not reached until 80 years
after a fire in a pinyon-juniper community.  In an adjacent 400-year-old
climax pinyon-juniper stand, fendlerbush cover was only 2 percent;
frequency was 8 percent [7].


SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT : 
Fendlerbush generally flowers from March through June, depending on the
location [12,22].  In the Trans-Pecos, Texas, fendlerbush sometimes
flowers through August [16].  Fendlerbush fruits mature in July and
August [22].

Related categories for Species: Fendlera rupicola | Fendlerbush