Name:
Schizachyrium scoparium - Dichanthelium spp. - Buchnera americana - Echinacea pallida Herbaceous Vegetation
Reference:
Southeastern Ecology Working Gro...
Description:
This dry to dry-mesic Arkansas Valley prairie community occurs on the hilltops and upper slopes of small hills and ridges. Vegetation is typically of medium height (3-4 feet) and moderately dense. This community can become shrubby with fire suppression and disturbance. Fuel accumulation is rapid (complete burn after one growing season). Dominant species include <i>Schizachyrium scoparium, Dichanthelium</i> sp., <i>Echinacea pallida, Rudbeckia grandiflora</i>, and <i>Sorghastrum nutans</i>. Some other characteristic herbaceous species include <i>Andropogon virginicus, Asclepias tuberosa, Buchnera americana, Callirhoe digitata, Ceanothus americanus, Delphinium carolinianum ssp. carolinianum, Elymus virginicus var. virginicus (= Elymus glabriflorus), Euphorbia corollata, Gaillardia aestivalis var. aestivalis, Hedyotis nigricans, Helenium flexuosum, Koeleria macrantha (= Koeleria pyramidata), Lobelia spicata, Manfreda virginica, Mimosa nuttallii (= Schrankia nuttallii), Pedicularis canadensis, Penstemon arkansanus, Phlox pilosa, Ratibida pinnata, Rosa carolina, Rudbeckia hirta, Ruellia humilis, Setaria parviflora (= Setaria geniculata), Pennisetum glaucum (= Setaria glauca), Solidago canadensis, Solidago speciosa, Tephrosia virginiana, Triodanis perfoliata</i>, and <i>Verbesina helianthoides</i>. Under management, woody species are of limited extent. They could include <i>Berchemia scandens, Celtis laevigata, Diospyros virginiana, Juniperus virginiana var. virginiana, Liquidambar styraciflua, Prunus serotina, Rhus copallinum, Rubus flagellaris, Sassafras albidum</i>, and <i>Smilax rotundifolia</i>, which occur locally during periods of fire suppression and along fencerows. Fire and edaphic factors (drought) play a role in limiting woody vegetation distribution in this community. Without fire management, woody vegetation could become dense and shade out herbaceous prairie species. Soils are of the Mountainburg-Montevallo Series, which are derived from weathering of acidic sandstones and shales, respectively. These soils are acidic sands and sandy clay loams with low water-holding capacities; they tend to be excessively drained and droughty.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.35459.CEGL007827
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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