Name:
Danthonia compressa - (Sibbaldiopsis tridentata) Herbaceous Vegetation
Reference:
Southeastern Ecology Working Gro...
Description:
This community consists of graminoid-dominated vegetation with scattered shrubs, occurring on moderate to high elevation peaks and saddles in the Southern Blue Ridge. Characteristically, this vegetation is strongly dominated by Danthonia compressa, or in some areas codominated by the subshrub Sibbaldiopsis tridentata (= Potentilla tridentata). Other characteristic herbaceous species are Angelica triquinata, Oclemena acuminata (= Aster acuminatus), Carex pensylvanica, Carex debilis, Carex intumescens, Carex brunnescens, Deschampsia flexuosa, Erythronium umbilicatum ssp. monostolum, Gentiana austromontana, Gentianella quinquefolia, Houstonia serpyllifolia, Ionactis linariifolius (= Aster linariifolius), Lysimachia quadrifolia, Potentilla canadensis, Prenanthes roanensis, Smilax herbacea, Solidago bicolor, Solidago glomerata, Stachys clingmanii, Trautvetteria caroliniensis var. caroliniensis. The floristic composition is a mixture of widespread species, northern disjunct species (such as Agrostis mertensii, Carex siccata (= Carex aenea), Minuartia groenlandica, Packera schweinitziana (= Senecio schweinitzianus), Sibbaldiopsis tridentata), and Southern Appalachian endemics (such as Erythronium umbilicatum ssp. monostolum, Geum geniculatum, Geum radiatum, Houstonia serpyllifolia, Lilium grayi, Prenanthes roanensis, Solidago glomerata, Stachys clingmanii). Typical shrubs (which may occur as scattered individuals or as patches) are Rhododendron calendulaceum, Rhododendron catawbiense, Menziesia pilosa, Vaccinium corymbosum, and Rubus canadensis. Species indicative of past grazing include Phleum pratense, Agrostis gigantea, Hieracium scabrum, Rumex acetosella, Prunella vulgaris. This community occurs on high-elevation (usually above 1350 m or 4500 feet), often south- to southwest-facing domes, ridgetops, and gentle slopes. Strong winds, high rainfall, frequent fog, shallow rocky soils, and extremes of temperature and moisture are characteristic of these environments. It is known from the highest elevations of the southern Appalachian Mountains. It is typically surrounded by dwarfed forests dominated by Fagus grandifolia or Quercus rubra.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.17906.DANTHONIACOMPRE
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
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