Alum Beds

Alum Beds proposed Research Natural Area (PRNA) was selected to represent bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata)/Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda) ecosystems. Hutton Gulch forms the north boundary of the pRNA and rises to a steep east-west ridge which terminates at the Snake River. The PRNA also contains Willow Creek. Ponderosa pine and Nuttal's fescue dominate the forested areas and water birch (Betula occidentalis) dominates the riparian areas. Snake River greenbush and hackberry (Celtis spp.) are common shrubs. The grassland consists of Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis)-prairie junegrass (Koeleria macrantha), Bluebunch wheatgrass-Sandberg's bluegrass, Bluebunch wheatgrass/prickly pear (Opuntia spp.), Sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus), Red three-awn (Aristida purpurea), Needle and thread grass (Hesperostipa comata), and Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides).