INTRODUCTION 



Shrubs dominate much of the vegetation in the Western United States and form 

 characteristic types from the lowest deserts to the tops of the mountains (Plummer 1974) . 

 There are approximately 325 million hectares (700 million acres) of shrubland over this 

 broad area. In Utah, shrubby plants dominate or characterize approximately 75 percent 

 of the vegetation (McArthur and others 1974) . Most shrubs are palatable and are 

 important components of the forage consumed by big game and livestock on the western 

 ranges. In addition, some shrubs are useful for stabilizing and beautifying readouts, 

 mine spoils, and other raw, exposed soils, as well as for landscaping residential, 

 commercial, and recreational areas. 



Some of the most important browse and ornamental shrubs belong to the rose 

 (Rosaceae) family. Ecotypes within species exhibit immense variation. Some rosaceous 

 shrubs in association with micro-organisms can fix nitrogen (Webster and others 1967; 

 Hoeppel and Wollum 1971; Krebill and Muir 1974). This is a particularly valuable trait 

 in nitrogen-deficient soils common on western wildlands. Natural hybridization of 

 species of the same genus and even between genera is fairly common. Therefore, we 

 believe by careful selection and artificial hybridization these shrubs can be improved 

 for a variety of purposes, but particularly for increased browse on big game ranges 

 and for cover on disturbed areas such as readouts and mine spoils. 



The purpose of this paper is to document what is presently known about some impor- 

 tant browse shrubs of the rose family in the Intermountain area with regard to their 

 vegetative and flowering characteristics, hybridization, distribution, and use. Most 

 of the observational information and experimental data was gathered from the Intermoun- 

 tain area (Holmgren and Reveal 1966), especially from Utah. Holmgren and Reveal's 

 Intermountain area includes all of Utah, that portion of Arizona north of the Grand 

 Canyon, most of Nevada, parts of California that lie within the Great Basin, the sage- 

 brush areas of southeastern Oregon, southern Idaho to the high mountainous areas to the 

 north, and the red desert area of southwestern Wyoming. However, comment and reference 

 to species distribution and attributes outside this area are made when pertinent. We 

 believe this will be helpful in formulating the basis for genetic improvement of these 

 shrubs for specific needs. 



Each species, its hybridization, distribution, and use are described in detail. 

 Each genus and its included species are arranged in alphabetical order. A key for the 

 included genera and species is given (appendix) . 



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