Name:
Schizachyrium scoparium - Hesperostipa spartea - Bouteloua (curtipendula, gracilis) Sand Herbaceous Vegetation
Reference:
Midwestern Ecology Working Group...
Description:
This dry sand prairie or barrens is found in the northern tallgrass region of the midwestern United States. Stands are located on glacial outwash and post-glacial lake dunes, including low dunes in swales. Soils are deep coarse sands, with low nutrient levels, low levels of organic matter, and poor water-retaining capacity. The vegetation structure can be somewhat open, sometimes less than 50% cover. The major graminoid species include Bouteloua gracilis, Bouteloua hirsuta, Calamovilfa longifolia, Carex siccata (= Carex foenea), Carex inops ssp. heliophila (= Carex heliophila), Cyperus schweinitzii, Koeleria macrantha, Schizachyrium scoparium, Sporobolus cryptandrus, and Hesperostipa spartea (= Stipa spartea). Other graminoids that may be present include Bouteloua curtipendula, Panicum virgatum, and Sorghastrum nutans (in wetter years). Characteristic forbs include Antennaria plantaginifolia, Ambrosia psilostachya (= Ambrosia coronopifolia), Dalea villosa (= Petalostemon villosus), and less commonly Penstemon grandiflorus. Shrubs are sparsely distributed in this type. Species include Artemisia frigida, Amorpha canescens, Prunus pumila, Rosa arkansana, and Salix humilis. Diagnostic characteristics include sand-preferring species, such as Sporobolus cryptandrus, Carex inops ssp. heliophila, Cyperus schweinitzii, and Dalea villosa.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.27164.SCHIZACHYRIUMSC
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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