Name:
Quercus muehlenbergii Woodland Alliance
Reference:
Midwestern Ecology Working Group...
Description:
This alliance contains woodland communities in which Quercus muehlenbergii is a characteristic, and sometimes dominant, tree. Communities of this alliance are usually restricted to shallow soils derived from calcareous bedrock on gently rolling terrain or on slopes. The moisture regime of these communities is generally dry to well-drained. The canopy is often sparse, with widely spaced trees, although the physiognomy is variable. These woodlands often occur in association with 'glade' vegetation. Associated canopy species include Quercus alba, Celtis tenuifolia, Cercis canadensis, Cornus florida, Carya ovata, Carya carolinae-septentrionalis, Fraxinus americana, Fraxinus quadrangulata, Ostrya virginiana, and Juniperus virginiana var. virginiana. In addition, Quercus austrina may be present within its range. Shrubs are sparse in some examples, the understory characterized by light-demanding herbs such as Bouteloua curtipendula, Asclepias verticillata, Schizachyrium scoparium, Helianthus divaricatus, Sorghastrum nutans, Eryngium yuccifolium, Carex meadii, Anemone cylindrica, Desmodium spp., and Andropogon gerardii. Some more shrubby Alabama dolomite examples may contain Sideroxylon lycioides, Acer leucoderme, Cercis canadensis var. canadensis, Cornus florida, Hypericum frondosum, and Croton alabamensis var. alabamensis. Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas examples contain Cercis canadensis as an associate in the subcanopy. In addition, Kentucky (and Tennessee) examples would probably have Acer saccharum, Quercus stellata, and Juniperus virginiana var. virginiana on shallow, dry, calcareous soils. There are several other associations in the Northeast and Midwest. Primarily on limestone in the Ozarks and the sedimentary rock provinces of the Appalachians.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.17909.QUERCUSMUEHLENB
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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