Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Little Bluestem - Witchgrass species - American Bluehearts - Pale Purple Coneflower Grassland

Colloquial Name: Arkansas Cherokee Prairie, Dry Phase

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: 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 (90-120 cm [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 Schizachyrium scoparium, Dichanthelium sp., Echinacea pallida, Rudbeckia grandiflora, and Sorghastrum nutans. Some other characteristic herbaceous species include Andropogon virginicus, Asclepias tuberosa, Buchnera americana, Callirhoe digitata, Ceanothus americanus, Delphinium carolinianum ssp. carolinianum, Elymus glabriflorus, Euphorbia corollata, Gaillardia aestivalis var. aestivalis, Stenaria nigricans, Helenium flexuosum, Koeleria macrantha, Lobelia spicata, Manfreda virginica, Mimosa nuttallii, Pedicularis canadensis, Penstemon arkansanus, Phlox pilosa, Ratibida pinnata, Rosa carolina, Rudbeckia hirta, Ruellia humilis, Setaria parviflora, Setaria pumila, Solidago canadensis, Solidago speciosa, Tephrosia virginiana, Triodanis perfoliata, and Verbesina helianthoides. Under management, woody species are of limited extent. They could include Berchemia scandens, Celtis laevigata, Diospyros virginiana, Juniperus virginiana var. virginiana, Liquidambar styraciflua, Prunus serotina, Rhus copallinum, Rubus flagellaris, Sassafras albidum, and Smilax rotundifolia, 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.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: The type locality is in Franklin County, Arkansas. High-quality examples of this association exist at Cherokee Prairie Natural Area, Flanagan Prairie Natural Area, and Presson-Oglesby Preserve. Other sites are known from Scott, Logan, and Sebastian counties, Arkansas. See ~Andropogon gerardii - Sorghastrum nutans Unglaciated Grassland (CEGL002204)$$ for the more mesic equivalent. This type may need to be compared to other more widespread prairie vegetation types.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available