Login | Datasets | Logout
Jump to... Home PLOT search PLANT search COMMUNITY search Simple search Manage datasets Tutorial About FAQ ------- Site map VegBranch Data dictionary ERD

stdcommconcept3479134791

View Community Concepts - Detail

(Kalmia latifolia, Physocarpus opulifolius) / Schizachyrium scoparium - Thalictrum revolutum - Sibbaldiopsis tridentata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation | Southeastern Ecology Working Gro...
click to update datacart
Name: (Kalmia latifolia, Physocarpus opulifolius) / Schizachyrium scoparium - Thalictrum revolutum - Sibbaldiopsis tridentata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation Reference: Southeastern Ecology Working Gro... Description: These are sloping, grass-dominated, herbaceous openings which range from a grassland to shrubland physiognomy. This community occurs at high elevations (around 1200 m [3970 feet]) in the Blue Ridge uplands where the soils are thin and poorly developed over amphibole or hornblende bedrock. Examples occur on upper south-facing slopes. The soils (Lithic Haplorthents) are droughty and thin and do not buffer the flora from the mafic character of the bedrock. They may, however, be seasonally wet, and the diagnostic flora may reflect the unique soil and moisture conditions. The occurrence of continuous, generally flat mafic rock as opposed to the irregular fragmented rock of most rocky summits is characteristic of this community. This feature may restrict the flora to those species which can survive in shallow crevices or on thin veneers over smooth rock. There are typically some extremely stunted trees and scattered shrubs, the most common being <i>Quercus rubra, Kalmia latifolia, Salix humilis, Physocarpus opulifolius, Vaccinium stamineum</i>, and <i>Vaccinium pallidum</i>. Woody plants are generally restricted to microsites with slightly deeper soils. The most characteristic herbaceous species include <i>Schizachyrium scoparium</i> (generally most abundant), <i>Danthonia spicata, Coreopsis major, Thalictrum revolutum, Sibbaldiopsis tridentata, Heuchera villosa, Helianthemum bicknellii, Ionactis linariifolius</i>, and <i>Liatris</i> spp. Many of the characteristic herbaceous species occur in crevices among exposed rock, but some larger, continuous patches of the dominant grasses may occur where thin veneers of soil have accumulated over the rock surfaces. Annuals such as <i>Hypericum gentianoides</i> and <i>Polygala curtissii</i> may be seasonally abundant. Many additional herbaceous species occur at low cover and constancy. Much of the remaining area is dominated by <i>Cladonia</i> and <i>Cladina</i> lichens which grow directly on the exposed bedrock.  Accession Code: VB.CC.34791.CEGL004238 Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
	Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization) Perspective from: 17-Nov-2014 to: 01-May-2019
	status: accepted This Community's Level: association This Community's Children: [none]		Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.686261 NatureServe Explorer   Common: Southern Appalachian High-Elevation Mafic Glade (Flatrock Type)   Translated: (Mountain Laurel, Common Ninebark) / Little Bluestem - Waxyleaf Meadowrue - Shrubby Fivefingers Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation   Scientific: (Kalmia latifolia, Physocarpus opulifolius) / Schizachyrium scoparium - Thalictrum revolutum - Sibbaldiopsis tridentata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation   Code: CEGL004238