Name:
Cornus drummondii Shrubland Alliance
Reference:
Midwestern Ecology Working Group...
Description:
In the central Great Plains and western tallgrass regions of the United States, stands of this alliance occur on level to moderate, well-drained slopes of uplands, usually along the borders of upland woods, but also in grassland ravines. In the upper southeastern states, this alliance typically occupies disturbed or successional uplands over limestones, dolomites, or other neutral to basic substrates. The vegetation consists of thickets or patches of shrubs 2-3 m tall. Cornus drummondii and Rhus glabra are usually the dominant species, although Prunus americana, Prunus angustifolia, Prunus mexicana, Rhus aromatica, or Symphoricarpos orbiculatus may dominate in places. In the midwestern states, Corylus americana may be a component. Where shrub cover is dense, vines may be present. In the southeastern states, these may include Berchemia scandens, Toxicodendron radicans, and Parthenocissus quinquefolia. In the midwestern states, Celastrus scandens and Parthenocissus vitacea may assume this role. Under the dense canopy, the herbaceous layer may be sparse, consisting of various native grasses and forbs, but also exotic species such as Lespedeza cuneata, Poa pratensis, and/or Nepeta cataria. In open stands, the herbaceous layer is more dense and consists of species characteristic of tallgrass and mixedgrass prairie, or in the southeastern states, species which are common to perennial limestone glade-margin associations.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.28447.CORNUSDRUMMONDI
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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