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A4038 Rhus trilobata Great Plains Shrubland Alliance

Type Concept Sentence: This alliance occurs in the southern Great Plains, in the northern panhandle of Texas and adjacent Oklahoma,. It occurs on steep talus slopes with a moderate short-shrub canopy dominated by Rhus trilobata with lesser amounts of Dalea formosa, Mimosa borealis, and Yucca glauca and a herbaceous layer dominated by Bouteloua curtipendula and Schizachyrium scoparium.

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Skunkbush Sumac Great Plains Shrubland Alliance

Colloquial Name: Great Plains Skunkbush Sumac Shrubland

Hierarchy Level:  Alliance

Type Concept: This alliance occurs in the northern panhandle of Texas and Oklahoma, but may be more widespread in the southwestern Great Plains. There is a moderate short-shrub canopy dominated by Rhus trilobata with lesser amounts of Dalea formosa, Mimosa borealis, and Yucca glauca. North-facing slopes often have denser shrub cover. There are also scattered individuals of Ptelea trifoliata and shrubby Celtis laevigata scattered throughout. Bouteloua curtipendula and Schizachyrium scoparium dominate the moderate to dense herbaceous stratum. Many other herbaceous species, including Andropogon gerardii, Bouteloua hirsuta, Erioneuron pilosum, Elymus canadensis, Eriogonum longifolium, and Tetraneuris scaposa, can occur in this type, but none are abundant. This alliance occurs on steep talus slopes consisting of large and small boulders. Stands occur on north- and south-facing slopes and typically have loamy soils.

Diagnostic Characteristics: This alliance occurs in the southwestern Great Plains on rocky slopes with >25% canopy of short shrubs. Rhus trilobata is the most abundant shrub. Short and mid grasses, particularly Schizachyrium scoparium and Bouteloua curtipendula, dominate the herbaceous stratum.

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: This alliance currently has one association that was described from a location in the Texas Panhandle. Rhus trilobata communities in the southwestern Great Plains are more widespread and more diverse than is reflected in this description.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: This alliance has a short-shrub (<1 m) canopy, typically with low to moderate cover (25-60%). Short and mid grasses can have moderate to dense cover. Scattered small trees may be present.

Floristics: The shrub stratum in this alliance is dominated or codominated by Rhus trilobata. Associated shrubs include Dalea formosa, Mimosa borealis, and Yucca glauca and scattered scrubby trees of Ptelea trifoliata and Celtis laevigata. Bouteloua curtipendula and Schizachyrium scoparium dominate the moderate to dense (30-50% cover) herbaceous stratum. Many other herbaceous species, including Andropogon gerardii, Artemisia ludoviciana, Calylophus serrulatus, Chaetopappa ericoides (= Leucelene ericoides), Elymus canadensis, Eriogonum longifolium, and Tetraneuris scaposa, can occur in this alliance, but none is abundant. Forbs are variable depending on site characteristics.

Dynamics:  Rhus trilobata has seeds that are impermeable and exhibit embryonic dormancy. Germination requires scarification either through cold stratification, fire, or animal ingestion. However, the primarily means of reproduction is vegetative through root sprouts which can result in dense thickets.
Environmental Description:  This alliance occurs on steep talus slopes consisting of large and small boulders. Stands occur on north- and south-facing slopes and typically have loamy soils.
Geographic Range: This alliance has been identified only in Oklahoma and the panhandle of northern Texas but may occur elsewhere on rocky slopes in the southwestern Great Plains.

Nations: US

States/Provinces:  OK, TX


Confidence Level: Low

Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR

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.Nb Central North American Grassland & Shrubland Division D023 2.B.2.Nb
Macrogroup 2.B.2.Nb.2 Needle-and-Thread - Western Wheatgrass - Plains Rough Fescue Grassland Macrogroup M051 2.B.2.Nb.2
Group 2.B.2.Nb.2.a Little Bluestem - Sideoats Grama - Western Wheatgrass Mixedgrass Prairie Group G133 2.B.2.Nb.2.a
Alliance A4038 Skunkbush Sumac Great Plains Shrubland Alliance A4038 2.B.2.Nb.2.a
Association CEGL005026 Skunkbush Sumac / Sideoats Grama - Little Bluestem Shrubland CEGL005026 2.B.2.Nb.2.a
Concept Lineage: This alliance contains one association from old A.3569.

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
Concept Author(s): J. Drake, in Faber-Langendoen et al. (2013)

Author of Description: J. Drake

Acknowledgements: We have incorporated significant descriptive information previously compiled by B. Hoagland.

Version Date: 12-18-14
  • Belcher, E., editor. 1985. Handbook on seeds of browse-shrubs and forbs. Technical Publication R8-TP8. USDA Forest Service, Southern Region, Atlanta, GA. 246 pp.
  • Faber-Langendoen, D., J. Drake, M. Hall, G. Kittel, S. Menard, C. Nordman, M. Pyne, M. Reid, M. Russo, K. Schulz, L. Sneddon, K. Snow, and J. Teague. 2013-2019b. Screening alliances for induction into the U.S. National Vegetation Classification: Part 1 - Alliance concept review. NatureServe, Arlington, VA.