Overall Taxon Cover Values are Automatically Calculated?
no
Stem Observation Area
1000
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Effort Level
Very thorough
Floristic Quality
High
Bryophyte Quality
Not examined
Lichen Quality
Not examined
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
--no data--
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Sporobolus pinetorum occurs in FMNF in a small area in the vicinity of Shulerville Road extending a short distance across highway 45. As far as we are aware, this represents the southern range limit of the species and one of the few known sites in SC. Within this small area, S. pinetorum is virtually the exclusive ground layer dominant on intact sites. Unfortunately most of the area with the best stands is south of 45 and is not being prescribed burned due to proximity to Shulerville. Thus this association is rapidly being lost to fire exclusion. The stand sampled here is within a small area of still intact savanna that has thus far resisted shrub and hardwood tree encroachment. At the present rate, however, it too will likely succumb to fire exclusion within the next few years. Already there is considerable development of Ilex glabra and Liquidambar styraciflua in the shrub layer, with the latter beginning to enter the subcanopy as well. However, S. pinetorum still covers the ground in most places and associated ground layer richness is still high. Canopy is of mixed longleaf-loblolly, the latter probably enhanced in importance over pre-settlement conditions. The stand borders closely on a hardwood drain along Bay Branch, but is otherwise part of a formerly extensive area of similar S. pinetorum dominated mesic savanna or flatwoods.