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CEGL003857 Phemeranthus teretifolius - Minuartia glabra - Diodia teres - Croton michauxii var. ellipticus Flatrock Vegetation

Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Quill Fameflower - Appalachian Stitchwort - Rough Buttonweed - Willdenow''s Croton Flatrock Vegetation

Colloquial Name: Virginia Piedmont Granitic Flatrock Glade

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This association represents a zonal component of granitic flatrock communities of the Piedmont of Virginia. Characteristic species include the annuals Minuartia glabra, Diodia teres, Hypericum gentianoides, Croton michauxii var. ellipticus, and Bulbostylis capillaris, with the perennial Phemeranthus teretifolius. In addition Cyperus granitophilus, Portulaca smallii, Aristida dichotoma, Panicum philadelphicum, Selaginella rupestris, Opuntia humifusa, and Diamorpha smallii may be found.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: Distinct vegetation zones on Virginia granitic outcrops are recognizable but occur at a scale considerably smaller than that of a standard 10x10-m plot. These zonal assemblages are therefore treated here as within-community variation.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available

Floristics: Overall, lichens (Xanthoparmelia conspersa, Cladonia caroliniana, Cladonia spp.) and mosses (especially Grimmia laevigata) dominate the surface of stands. Vascular plants dominate locally in crevices, gravelly flats, and depressions where moisture and thin detritus accumulate. The most constant and characteristic herbaceous species are the perennial Phemeranthus teretifolius (= Talinum teretifolium) and the annuals Minuartia glabra, Diodia teres, Hypericum gentianoides, Croton michauxii var. ellipticus (= Croton willdenowii), and Bulbostylis capillaris. In addition, Cyperus granitophilus, Portulaca smallii, Aristida dichotoma, Panicum philadelphicum, Selaginella rupestris, Opuntia humifusa (= var. humifusa), and Diamorpha smallii (restricted to one Virginia site) are less constant but locally abundant. Deeper marginal soils are often invaded by Schizachyrium scoparium var. scoparium, Andropogon virginicus, Dichanthelium laxiflorum, and other perennials (VDNH unpubl. data).

Dynamics:  No Data Available
Environmental Description:  This association is found on exposed, gently sloping to flat outcrops of granite and related rocks such as granitic gneiss and granodiorite. These habitats are located on gentle slopes along streams, where the erosive power of water over time has worn rock surfaces smooth and created gravel-filled depressions. Very thin, acidic soil mats are present around the periphery of the outcrops. The moisture regime is generally xeric, although substantial seasonal moisture, ephemeral seepage, and periodic standing water may be present in certain zones.
Geographic Range: In Virginia, this association is found very locally throughout the southeastern Piedmont. Plot samples are from Brunswick, Lunenburg, Nottoway, and Powhatan counties.

Nations: US

States/Provinces:  VA


Confidence Level: Moderate

Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G2

Greasons: No Data Available
Type Name Database Code Classification Code
Class 2 Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class C02 2
Subclass 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass S18 2.B
Formation 2.B.2 Temperate Grassland & Shrubland Formation F012 2.B.2
Division 2.B.2.Nc Eastern North American Grassland & Shrubland Division D024 2.B.2.Nc
Macrogroup 2.B.2.Nc.1 Catawba Rosebay / Michaux''s Saxifrage - Flattened Oatgrass Felsic & Mafic Scrub & Grassland Macrogroup M506 2.B.2.Nc.1
Group 2.B.2.Nc.1.f Willdenow''s Croton - Appalachian Stitchwort - Woolly Ragwort Piedmont Flatrock Group G671 2.B.2.Nc.1.f
Alliance A3962 Willdenow''s Croton - Appalachian Stitchwort - Fameflower species Piedmont Open Flatrock Alliance A3962 2.B.2.Nc.1.f
Association CEGL003857 Quill Fameflower - Appalachian Stitchwort - Rough Buttonweed - Willdenow''s Croton Flatrock Vegetation CEGL003857 2.B.2.Nc.1.f
Concept Lineage: No Data Available

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Talinum teretifolium - Minuartia glabra - Diodia teres - Croton willdenowii Sparse Herbaceous Vegetation (Fleming 2002b)
Concept Author(s): G.P Fleming (2002b)

Author of Description: M. Pyne

Acknowledgements: No Data Available

Version Date: 05-23-02
  • Fleming, G. P. 2002b. Preliminary classification of Piedmont & Inner Coastal Plain vegetation types in Virginia. Natural Heritage Technical Report 02-14. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage, Richmond. 29 pp.
  • Fleming, G. P., K. D. Patterson, and K. Taverna. 2017. The natural communities of Virginia: A classification of ecological community groups and community types. Third approximation. Version 3.0. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage, Richmond, VA. [http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-communities/]
  • Fleming, G. P., and K. D. Patterson. 2003. Preliminary vegetation classification for the National Capitol Region parks. Regional (VA-WVA-MD-DC) analysis prepared for NatureServe and USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program, March 2003. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage, Richmond.
  • Southeastern Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Durham, NC.