Name:
Quercus velutina - Quercus ellipsoidalis Wooded Grassland Alliance
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
This fire-dependent oak barrens alliance is found in the Great Lakes region and northeastern Great Plains. Herbaceous species dominate this alliance, but trees and shrubs are common and can be abundant in the prolonged absence of fire. Trees and shrubs may be scattered across the landscape or clumped. The most abundant trees are <i>Quercus macrocarpa</i> and <i>Quercus ellipsoidalis</i>, which have a height of 5-15 m and an open canopy (10-60%). Cover in the tall-shrub and low-shrub layers varies from 0-40%. Short-shrub species include <i>Amorpha canescens, Corylus americana, Rhus glabra</i>, and <i>Toxicodendron radicans</i>. <i>Symphoricarpos occidentalis</i> can be common on heavier soils. The herb layer is dominated by graminoids, with forbs more prominent in shaded areas. Herbaceous species include <i>Ambrosia psilostachya, Amphicarpaea bracteata, Andropogon gerardii, Artemisia ludoviciana, Calamovilfa longifolia, Carex pensylvanica, Carex</i> spp., <i>Comandra umbellata, Hesperostipa spartea, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Schizachyrium scoparium</i>, and <i>Sorghastrum nutans</i>. Stands of this alliance are found on well-drained, coarse-textured sandy soils derived from glacial outwash or end moraine formations. Soils range from almost pure sand, to loamy sand, to sandy loam. The soils have low fertility, organic matter, and moisture-retention capacity. Factors which affect seasonal soil moisture are strongly related to variation in this type; slope, aspect, topographic position, elevation, depth to water table, and presence or absence of less permeable soil layers are among these factors. The conditions were also favorable to periodic fires, necessary to maintain the open structure and floristic composition.
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:38241-{30DD2A26-B19B-411F-BBB8-67C667EAEA27}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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