Print Report

CEGL006333 Schizachyrium scoparium - (Andropogon virginicus) - Solidago spp. Ruderal Meadow

Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Little Bluestem - (Broomsedge Bluestem) - Goldenrod species Ruderal Meadow

Colloquial Name: Little Bluestem Old-field Meadow

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This broadly defined vegetation type includes old fields of well-drained soils, either sandy or shallow to bedrock. They are characterized by dominance of warm-season grasses. Schizachyrium scoparium is characteristic and nearly always present. Species composition is variable, depending on land-use history, but in general this vegetation is quite wide-ranging in northeastern and midwestern states. In addition to the nominal species, other associates may include Andropogon virginicus, Eragrostis spectabilis, Festuca rubra, Deschampsia flexuosa, Danthonia spicata, Nuttallanthus canadensis, Rubus flagellaris, Panicum virgatum, Dichanthelium depauperatum, Potentilla simplex, Dichanthelium meridionale, Dichanthelium dichotomum, Solidago rugosa, and Carex pensylvanica. Scattered shrubs are often present, including Comptonia peregrina, Morella pensylvanica, Gaylussacia baccata, and scattered tree saplings, such as Prunus serotina, Sassafras albidum, and Juniperus virginiana. Polytrichum juniperinum and other Polytrichum spp. are common bryophytes.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: This type is distinguished, in theory, from the very similar ~Dactylis glomerata - Phleum pratense - Festuca spp. - Solidago spp. Ruderal Meadow (CEGL006107)$$ by the dominance of warm-season grasses as opposed to cool-season grasses (Phleum, Festuca) dominating CEGL006107. Additional data will be required to see how this distinction holds up and what geographic differences might accompany such a distinction.

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

Floristics: Schizachyrium scoparium is characteristic and nearly always present. Species composition is variable, depending on land-use history, but in general, this vegetation is quite wide-ranging in northeastern and midwestern states. In addition to the nominal species, other associates may include Andropogon virginicus, Eragrostis spectabilis, Festuca rubra, Deschampsia flexuosa, Centaurea stoebe ssp. micranthos (= Centaurea maculosa), Danthonia spicata, Hypericum perforatum, Nuttallanthus canadensis (= Linaria canadensis), Rubus flagellaris, Panicum virgatum, Dichanthelium depauperatum (= Panicum depauperatum), Potentilla simplex, Dichanthelium meridionale (= Panicum meridionale), Dichanthelium dichotomum (= Panicum dichotomum), Solidago juncea, Solidago nemoralis, Solidago rugosa, Hieracium spp., and Carex pensylvanica. Scattered shrubs are often present, including Comptonia peregrina, Morella pensylvanica, Gaylussacia baccata, and scattered tree saplings, such as Prunus serotina, Sassafras albidum, and Juniperus virginiana.

Dynamics:  No Data Available
Environmental Description:  This vegetation occurs on well-drained soils, either on sandy flats or on dry knolls with shallow soils. The vegetation arises spontaneously after soil disturbance.
Geographic Range: This vegetation is quite wide-ranging in northeastern and midwestern states, and possibly occurs at higher elevations in the southeastern states.

Nations: US

States/Provinces:  CT, MA, ME, MS, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, TN, VT


Confidence Level: Moderate

Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNA

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.90 Orchardgrass - Canada Goldenrod - Multiflora Rose Eastern North American Ruderal Grassland & Shrubland M123 2.B.2.Nc.90
Group 2.B.2.Nc.90.a Tall goldenrod - Kentucky Bluegrass - Stiff Dogwood Ruderal Meadow & Shrubland Group G059 2.B.2.Nc.90.a
Alliance A3934 Canada Bluegrass - Gray Goldenrod - Spotted Knapweed Ruderal Dry Meadow & Shrubland Alliance A3934 2.B.2.Nc.90.a
Association CEGL006333 Little Bluestem - (Broomsedge Bluestem) - Goldenrod species Ruderal Meadow CEGL006333 2.B.2.Nc.90.a
Concept Lineage: No Data Available

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Sandy Fields (House 1917)
Concept Author(s): L.A. Sneddon

Author of Description: L.A. Sneddon and S.C. Gawler

Acknowledgements: No Data Available

Version Date: 06-21-06
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