Name:
Andropogon gerardii - Sorghastrum nutans - Schizachyrium scoparium Tallgrass Prairie Group
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
This group is found primarily within the Flint Hills and Osage Plains of Kansas and Oklahoma ranging into the Arkansas River Valley region of Arkansas and Oklahoma and the undissected portions of the Springfield Plateau region of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Small patches can be found in the Ozarks of Missouri and the Arbuckle Mountains of Oklahoma. In southern Oklahoma and Texas, this is the primary natural group of the "Grand Prairie" or "Fort Worth Prairie," ranging south into the Lampasas Cutplain of Texas. It is distinguished from ~Central Tallgrass Prairie Group (G333)$$ by having more species with southwestern geographic affinities and the presence of a thin or rocky soil layer over limestone beds ranging to more acidic substrates, although some areas of deeper soil are found within the region, especially on lower slopes, draws and terraces. Because of the presence of the rocky substrate close to the surface and the rolling topography, this area is relatively unsuitable for agriculture. The Flint Hills contain one of the largest remaining, relatively intact pieces of tallgrass prairie. The vegetation in this group is typified by tallgrass species such as <i>Andropogon gerardii, Panicum virgatum, Schizachyrium scoparium</i>, and <i>Sorghastrum nutans</i> forming a dense cover. A moderate to high density of forb species also occurs. Species composition varies geographically, with <i>Oligoneuron rigidum, Liatris punctata, Symphyotrichum ericoides, Lespedeza capitata</i>, and <i>Viola pedatifida</i> occurring in some localities. Areas of deeper soil, especially lower slopes along draws, slopes and terraces, can include <i>Baptisia alba var. macrophylla, Liatris pycnostachya</i>, and <i>Vernonia missurica</i>. Shrub and tree species are relatively infrequent and, if present, constitute less than 10% cover in the area. The combined effect of droughty soils, reduced precipitation, and prevailing level topography create conditions highly conducive to the ignition and spread of fires. Although many of the native common plant species still occur, grazing does impact this region. Poor grazing practices can lead to soil erosion and invasion by cool-season grasses such as <i>Bromus inermis</i> within its range.
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:40084-{0EBAE01B-AEB2-444C-A6D2-9C6E2B824C3F}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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