Name:
Quercus prinus - Pinus virginiana - Quercus (marilandica, stellata) / Dichanthelium depauperatum Woodland
Reference:
Fleming, G. P., and P. P. Coulli...
Description:
The known range of this community is limited to the northern Blue Ridge and immediately adjacent Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. Since geologic substrates and site conditions similar to those supporting the known examples occur elsewhere in the northern Blue Ridge and Ridge and Valley provinces, a broader geographic range seems likely. Sites are confined to the lowest elevations (<600 m or 2000 feet), are distinctly xeric, and usually have southeast to southwest aspects. Most habitats are characterized by moderate to steep, erosive slopes with much exposed mineral soil. The canopy cover of stunted, often gnarled trees varies from open to very open. Quercus prinus and Pinus virginiana are codominant in variable proportions. Minor tree associates include Quercus marilandica, Quercus stellata, Quercus velutina, Quercus coccinea, Carya glabra, Nyssa sylvatica, Sassafras albidum, and Amelanchier arborea. The shrub layer varies from moderately dense to sparse, with Vaccinium pallidum and Vaccinium stamineum the most constant and abundant species. Quercus ilicifolia, Kalmia latifolia, Rhus copallinum, Castanea pumila, and Toxicodendron pubescens are inconstant, but occasionally common or abundant, in the type. Herbaceous composition and density varies with shrub density. Graminoid-rich openings dominated by Schizachyrium scoparium, Dichanthelium depauperatum, Dichanthelium commutatum, and Carex pensylvanica are frequent. Also present is a surprising variety of low-cover forbs.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.22022.QUERCUSPRINUSPI
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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