Print Report
CEGL004267 Quercus muehlenbergii - (Juniperus virginiana) Unglaciated Bluff Woodland
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Chinquapin Oak - (Eastern Red-cedar) Unglaciated Bluff Woodland
Colloquial Name: Unglaciated Bluff Chinquapin Oak Woodland
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This chinquapin oak bluff woodland occurs primarily on bluffs of rivers in the southern unglaciated Interior Low Plateau of the United States. Stands occur in scattered areas along steep south- to southwest-facing bluffs or steep slopes, for example on the Green River of Kentucky. The underlying soils and bedrock presumably have a calcareous or circumneutral influence. Stands contain an open tree layer, with Quercus muehlenbergii as the characteristic dominant, and Juniperus virginiana var. virginiana as a common associate. Scattered individuals of Quercus alba and Quercus velutina may be present. Ostrya virginiana may be present in any or all woody strata. Shrubs are often of sparse cover and may include Rhus aromatica, Ulmus alata, Sideroxylon lycioides, and. Symphoricarpos orbiculatus, which may be relatively abundant as a low shrub. The herb layer is very open (usually <40% stratum cover) and somewhat diverse, with characteristically calciphilic and light-demanding forbs, low shrubs, and vines present. Graminoids include Brachyelytrum erectum, Chasmanthium latifolium, Bromus sp., Dichanthelium boscii, and Dichanthelium commutatum. It very likely occurs on other major rivers (Red, Cumberland, Tennessee), but these habitats can be difficult to access and are not often surveyed in detail.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: This association is similar in some respects to limestone glades, but its presence on steep wooded slopes distinguishes it from these associations (e.g., ~Quercus muehlenbergii - Juniperus virginiana / Schizachyrium scoparium - Manfreda virginica Wooded Grassland (CEGL005131)$$). This type is defined from a limited number of samples and consists of small to medium-sized inclusions on steep slopes, especially on river bluffs or steep slopes. Due to the dry nature of the habitat, management is usually not necessary to maintain its woodland character.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: Stands contain an open tree layer, with Quercus muehlenbergii as the characteristic dominant and Juniperus virginiana as a common associate or codominant. Scattered individuals of Quercus alba and Quercus velutina may be present. Trees are generally widely spaced and relatively short (3-10 m). Other associates include Acer saccharum, Carya tomentosa (= Carya alba), Cercis canadensis, Celtis laevigata (or Celtis tenuifolia?), Fraxinus americana, and Quercus rubra (which is stunted and at low cover). Ostrya virginiana may be present in any or all woody strata. Shrubs are often of sparse cover and may include Rhus aromatica, Ulmus alata, Sideroxylon lycioides, and. Symphoricarpos orbiculatus, which may be relatively abundant. The herb layer is very open (usually <40% stratum cover) and somewhat diverse, with low shrubs and vines present. Graminoids include Brachyelytrum erectum, Chasmanthium latifolium, Bromus sp., Dichanthelium boscii, and Dichanthelium commutatum. Associated forbs, many of which are characteristically calciphilic and light-demanding, include Antennaria plantaginifolia, Blephilia ciliata, Galium circaezans, Helianthus microcephalus, Heuchera americana, Houstonia longifolia, Monarda russeliana, Packera obovata (= Senecio obovatus), Polymnia canadensis, Ruellia caroliniensis, Scutellaria elliptica, Solidago sphacelata, Symphyotrichum shortii (= Aster shortii), and Tragia cordata. Pteridophytes include Asplenium platyneuron, Cheilanthes lanosa, and Pellaea atropurpurea. Most sampled stands form woodlands with stunted trees 6-10 m tall contributing 40-60% cover. Exotic weeds are occasionally present in small numbers but do not thrive in the thin, rocky soils. More information is needed about this type, as few stands have been available for characterization.
Dynamics: Due to the dry nature of the habitat, management is usually not necessary to maintain its woodland character. The physiognomy of the type may have varied from more open conditions to more closed-canopy conditions.
Environmental Description: This vegetation type occurs in scattered areas on steep slopes along the major rivers in the unglaciated Interior Low Plateau, such as the Green River of Kentucky at elevations ranging from 160-200 m (500-660 feet). Slopes are typically south- or southwest-facing and about 30-40° but may be steeper. Soils are shallow, dry, stony, calcareous loams derived from limestone or dolomite bedrock. This vegetation type is generally associated with exposed, xeric cliffs and other large outcrops of carbonate rock. Sites are typically on the upper portions or spur crests of sideslopes undercut by rivers or large streams. Slopes are predominantly and sometimes dramatically convex, with rugged, complex, and variable microtopography. Surface cover of exposed bedrock and loose stones is high, with most plants rooted in crevices and on thin-soiled ledges. The surficial rock and associated edaphic stresses often limit both vegetation cover and species richness, which is comparatively low. Periodic drought stress appears to result in occasional mortality of trees and shrubs in these habitats.
Geographic Range: This chinquapin oak woodland occurs primarily on bluffs of major rivers in the unglaciated Interior Low Plateau of the United States, such as the Green River of Kentucky. It is described from the Crawford-Mammoth Cave Uplands (71a of EPA) in Kentucky, but this or similar vegetation could occur on steep rocky slopes above major rivers in related areas of Alabama, Indiana, or Tennessee. Its complete range is not known. There are related types known from the West and North.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: AL?, IN?, KY, TN?
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.814098
Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G2G3
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 1 Forest & Woodland Class | C01 | 1 |
| Subclass | 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest & Woodland Subclass | S15 | 1.B |
| Formation | 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest & Woodland Formation | F008 | 1.B.2 |
| Division | 1.B.2.Na Eastern North American Forest & Woodland Division | D008 | 1.B.2.Na |
| Macrogroup | 1.B.2.Na.1 White Oak - Southern Red Oak - Shortleaf Pine Forest & Woodland Macrogroup | M016 | 1.B.2.Na.1 |
| Group | 1.B.2.Na.1.e Chinquapin Oak - Shumard Oak - Blue Ash Forest & Woodland Group | G601 | 1.B.2.Na.1.e |
| Alliance | A3273 Chinquapin Oak - Blue Ash - Eastern Red-cedar Woodland Alliance | A3273 | 1.B.2.Na.1.e |
| Association | CEGL004267 Chinquapin Oak - (Eastern Red-cedar) Unglaciated Bluff Woodland | CEGL004267 | 1.B.2.Na.1.e |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
- Pyne, M., E. Lunsford Jones, and R. White. 2010. Vascular plant inventory and plant community classification for Mammoth Cave National Park. NatureServe, Durham, NC. 334 pp.
- Southeastern Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Durham, NC.