Name:
Quercus prinus / Quercus ilicifolia / Danthonia spicata - Solidago bicolor Woodland
Reference:
Fleming, G. P., and P. P. Coulli...
Description:
The known range of this vegetation type includes the extreme north end of the southern Blue Ridge, the northern Blue Ridge, and the Ridge and Valley region of Virginia. The likely global range encompasses the entire central Appalachian extent of these provinces in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Stands are generally confined to low elevations, from 400-840 m (1400-2760 feet), but exceptionally to 1100 m (3600 feet). Habitats are mostly steep, south- to west-facing, middle to upper slopes with abundant outcrops, loose stones, and exposed mineral soils. However, substrates appear to be relatively stable and lack the ongoing erosional processes of shale barrens, which these habitats often border on the landscape. Slope shape is typically convex in at least one direction. Site moisture potential is very low. This community is an open to very open woodland dominated by Quercus prinus. Overstory trees are often stunted and gnarled. Quercus rubra and Carya glabra are constant, usually minor canopy associates that attain codominance with Quercus prinus locally. Pinus virginiana is an important canopy associate in some situations, but is entirely absent from other stands of the type. Understory tree layers are sparse, consisting mostly of younger reproduction of the canopy species. Quercus ilicifolia, Vaccinium stamineum, and Vaccinium pallidum are the chief species of a patchy shrub layer, which may also include Rosa carolina, Amelanchier arborea, and Viburnum rafinesquianum. Quercus ilicifolia usually forms open colonies in this community type, rather than the dense thickets characteristic in pyrophytic pine-oak/heath vegetation. The herb layer is typically quite patchy and sparse, but contains a surprising diversity of xerophytic graminoids and forbs.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.19378.QUERCUSPRINUSQU
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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