Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Ashe''s Juniper - Sandpaper Oak Woodland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This woodland occurs over shallow soils, on limestone mesatops and edges in the western Edwards Plateau, including portions of the Stockton Plateau of Texas. It may also occur along shallow drainages on mesatops in drier (southwestern) portions of the range. The association is dominated by Juniperus ashei and Quercus vaseyana. Height and density of the vegetation can vary but generally range from 3 to 6 m in height (rarely to 8 m), with canopy cover of 50 to 80%. Quercus fusiformis, Quercus buckleyi, Celtis laevigata var. reticulata, or Pinus remota may also be found in the overstory. The shrub layer is often well-developed, with smaller representatives of the overstory species as well as other woody species such as Diospyros texana, Forestiera reticulata, Mahonia trifoliolata, Sophora secundiflora, Rhus virens, Karwinskia humboldtiana, Ungnadia speciosa, and Cercis canadensis var. texensis. As canopy cover increases, shrub cover decreases, but can often attain a cover of 50% at a height of 1 to 2 m. Herbaceous cover is sparse, especially when canopy density is high and may include Carex planostachys, Erioneuron pilosum, Salvia farinacea, Salvia roemeriana, and Senna lindheimeriana. Adjacent associations include ~Quercus fusiformis / Schizachyrium scoparium Woodland (CEGL002115)$$ on slightly deeper soils, as well as ~Pinus remota - Juniperus ashei - Quercus spp. Woodland (CEGL002124)$$ on drier sites.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: Restricted to Texas. This association is a part of the former Juniperus ashei - Quercus (buckleyi, fusiformis, vaseyana, sinuata var. breviloba) Woodland (CEGL002126). As Juniperus pinchotii becomes more prevalent to the west, it may co-occur with Quercus vaseyana and replace Juniperus ashei in a similar association. This association is differentiated from Juniperus-invaded Quercus fusiformis woodlands by soil type: CEGL002115 occurs on deeper (clay loam) soils, while this association is restricted to shallow, rocky soils. The prevalence of Juniperus ashei has likely increased since presettlement times in some areas of central Texas. This is speculated to have resulted from several factors including overgrazing and altered fire regimes. As a result, it may be difficult to distinguish juniper-invaded habitats from areas where juniper was naturally a dominant component of the vegetation. This association is intended to represent areas where Juniperus ashei is expected to be naturally dominant.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available