Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site F115XB001MO
Deep Loess Upland Woodland
Last updated: 12/30/2024
Accessed: 09/18/2026
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Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
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Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 115X–Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes
This MLRA is characterized by deeply dissected, loess-covered hills bordering well defined valleys of the Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Wabash Rivers and their tributaries. It is used to produce cash crops and livestock. About one-third of the area is forested, mostly on the steeper slopes. This area is in Illinois (50 percent), Missouri (36 percent), Indiana (13 percent), and Iowa (1 percent) in two separate areas. It makes up about 25,084 square miles (64,967 square kilometers).
Most of this area is in the Till Plains section and the Dissected Till Plains section of the Central Lowland province of the Interior Plains. The Springfield-Salem plateaus section of the Ozarks Plateaus province of the Interior Highlands occurs along the Missouri River and the Mississippi River south of the confluence with the Missouri River. The nearly level to very steep uplands are dissected by both large and small tributaries of the Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Wabash Rivers. The Ohio River flows along the southernmost boundary of this area in Indiana. Well defined valleys with broad flood plains and numerous stream terraces are along the major streams and rivers. The flood plains along the smaller streams are narrow. Broad summits are nearly level to undulating. Karst topography is common in some parts along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and their tributaries. Well-developed karst areas have hundreds of sinkholes, caves, springs, and losing streams. In the St. Louis area, many of the karst features have been obliterated by urban development.
Elevation ranges from 90 feet (20 meters) on the southernmost flood plains to 1,030 feet (320 meters) on the highest ridges. Local relief is mainly 10 to 50 feet (3 to 15 meters) but can be 50 to 150 feet (15 to 45 meters) in the steep, deeply dissected hills bordering rivers and streams. The bluffs along the major rivers are generally 200 to 350 feet (60 to 105 meters) above the valley floor.
The uplands in this MLRA are covered almost entirely with Peoria Loess. The loess can be more than 7 feet (2 meters) thick on stable summits. On the steeper slopes, it is thin or does not occur. In Illinois, the loess is underlain mostly by Illinoian-age till that commonly contains a paleosol. Pre-Illinoian-age till is in parts of this MLRA in Iowa and Missouri and to a minor extent in the western part of Illinois. Wisconsin-age outwash, alluvial deposits, and sandy eolian material are on some of the stream terraces and on dunes along the major tributaries. The loess and glacial deposits are underlain by several bedrock systems. Pennsylvanian and Mississippian bedrock are the most extensive. To a lesser extent are Silurian, Devonian, Cretaceous, and Ordovician bedrock. Karst areas have formed where limestone is near the surface, mostly in the southern part of the MLRA along the Mississippi River and some of its major tributaries. Bedrock outcrops are common on the bluffs along the Mississippi, Ohio, and Wabash Rivers and their major tributaries and at the base of some steep slopes along minor streams and drainageways.
The annual precipitation ranges from 35 to 49 inches (880 to 1,250 millimeters) with a mean of 41 inches (1,050 millimeters). The annual temperature ranges from 48 to 58 degrees F (8.6 to 14.3 degrees C) with a mean of 54 degrees F (12.3 degrees C). The freeze-free period ranges from 150 to 220 days with a mean of 195 days.
Soils The dominant soil orders are Alfisols and, to a lesser extent, Entisols and Mollisols. The soils in the area have a mesic soil temperature regime, an aquic or udic soil moisture regime, and mixed or smectitic mineralogy. They are shallow to very deep, excessively drained to poorly drained, and loamy, silty, or clayey.
The soils on uplands in this area support natural hardwoods. Oak, hickory, and sugar maple are the dominant species. Big bluestem, little bluestem, and scattered oak and eastern redcedar grow on some sites. The soils on flood plains support mixed forest vegetation, mainly American elm, eastern cottonwood, river birch, green ash, silver maple, sweetgum, American sycamore, pin oak, pecan, and willow. Sedge and grass meadows and scattered trees are on some low-lying sites. (United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2022)LRU notes
The Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes, Western Part consists of deeply dissected, loess-covered hills bordering the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers as well as floodplains and terraces of these rivers. The Northern boundary runs along the South Fabius River valley separating it from the broad rounded interfluves of the northern till plain. A major physiographic feature within the LRU (Land Resource Unit) includes the Lincoln Hills region. The Lincoln Hills extend along the Mississippi River in Missouri, starting about 40 miles (64 kilometers) northwest of St. Louis and extending north to Hannibal. The Lincoln Hills partially escaped the most recent glaciation in the region during the Pleistocene. In geology and biology, they resemble the rugged and forested hills of the Ozark Highlands (MLRA 116A) more than the rolling plains of northern Missouri. The underlying limestone bedrock has formed bluffs, glades, caves, springs, and sinkholes. Elevation ranges from about 420 feet (128 meters) along the Mississippi River near Cape Girardeau, Missouri to about 830 feet (253 meters) near Clarksville along the Mississippi River upstream from St. Louis. High ridges near Hillsboro, Missouri can reach over 1,000 feet (305 meters). Underlying bedrock is mainly Ordovician-aged dolomite and sandstone, with Mississippian-aged limestone north of the Missouri River. Loess caps both stream and glacial outwash terraces along the major rivers along with Pre-Illinoisan till near the edges of the area.
Classification relationships
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) (USDA-NRCS, 2022):
115X–Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes
Terrestrial Natural Community Type in Missouri (Nelson, 2010):
The reference state for this ecological site is most similar to a Dry-Mesic Loess/Glacial Till Woodland.
Missouri Department of Conservation Forest and Woodland Communities (MDC, 2006):
The reference state for this ecological site is most similar to a White Oak Loess/Glacial Till Woodland.
National Vegetation Classification System Vegetation Association (NatureServe, 2010):
The reference state for this ecological site is most similar to a Quercus alba - (Carya ovata) / Carex pensylvanica Glaciated Woodland (CEGL002134).
Geographic relationship to the Missouri Ecological Classification System (Nigh & Schroeder, 2002):
This ecological site occurs in many Land Type Associations of the following Subsections:
Inner Ozark Border
Outer Ozark Border
Mississippi River HillsEcological site concept
Deep Loess Upland Woodlands are on uplands adjacent to the Missouri and Mississippi River Floodplains. Soils are very deep, with no rooting restrictions. The reference plant community is woodland with an overstory dominated by white oak and black oak, with minor amounts of post oak, and a ground flora of native grasses and forbs.
Associated sites
F115XB003MO Deep Loess Protected Backslope Forest
Deep Loess Protected Backslope Forests are downslope on north and east facing slopes.
F115XB008MO Loamy Limestone/Dolomite Protected Backslope Forest
Loamy Limestone/Dolomite Protected Backslope Forests are on the lower backslopes underlain with limestone and/or dolomite bedrock at 20 to 40 inches.
F115XB043MO Deep Loess Exposed Backslope Woodland
Deep Loess Exposed Backslope Woodlands are downslope on south and west facing slopes
F115XB045MO Loamy Limestone/Dolomite Exposed Backslope Woodland
Loamy Limestone/Dolomite Exposed Backslope Woodlands are on the lower backslopes underlain with limestone and/or dolomite bedrock at 20 to 40 inches.
Similar sites
F115XB004MO Loess Upland Woodland
Loess Upland Woodlands have similar structure and composition but are not as productive.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree (1) Quercus alba
(2) Quercus velutinaShrub (1) Rhus aromatica
Herbaceous (1) Elymus virginicus
(2) Solidago ulmifoliaPhysiographic features
This site is on upland summit crests, shoulders and upper backslopes, with slopes of 2 to 14 percent. The site generates runoff to adjacent, downslope ecological sites. This site does not flood.
The accompanying figure (adapted from Young et al., 2003) shows a typical landscape position of this ecological site, and landscape relationships with other ecological sites in the uplands adjacent to the Missouri River. The site is within the area labeled “1”, on convex hillslope crests and shoulders. Deep Loess Backslope sites are directly downslope, and are included within the area labeled “1”.
Figure 2. Landscape relationships for this ecological site.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Ridge
(2) Interfluve
(3) Hill
Runoff class Low to high Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 450 – 1020 ft Slope 2 – 14 % Water table depth 24 – 72 in Aspect W, NW, N, NE, E, SE, S, SW Climatic features
The Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes, Western Part has a continental type of climate marked by strong seasonality. In winter, dry-cold air masses, unchallenged by any topographic barriers, periodically swing south from the northern plains and Canada. If they invade reasonably humid air, snowfall and rainfall result. In summer, moist, warm air masses, equally unchallenged by topographic barriers, swing north from the Gulf of Mexico and can produce abundant amounts of rain, either by fronts or by convectional processes. In some summers, high pressure stagnates over the region, creating extended droughty periods. Spring and fall are transitional seasons when abrupt changes in temperature and precipitation may occur due to successive, fast-moving fronts separating contrasting air masses.
The Central Mississippi Valley Wooded Slopes, Western Part experiences regional differences in climates, but these differences do not have obvious geographic boundaries. Regional climates grade inconspicuously into each other. The basic gradient for most climatic characteristics is along a line diagonally crossing the MLRA from northwest to southeast. Both mean annual temperature and precipitation exhibit gradients along this line.
The average annual precipitation in most of this area is 41 to 48 inches. The average annual temperature is 53 to 57 degrees F. Mean January minimum temperature follows the northwest-to-southeast gradient. However, mean July maximum temperature shows hardly any geographic variation in the MLRA. Mean July maximum temperatures have a range of only two or three degrees across the area.
Mean annual precipitation varies along the same gradient as temperature. Seasonal climatic variations are more complex. Seasonality in precipitation is very pronounced due to strong continental influences. June precipitation, for example, averages three to four times greater than January precipitation. Most of the rainfall occurs as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms in summer. Snowfall is common in winter.
During years when precipitation comes in a fairly normal manner, moisture is stored in the top layers of the soil during the winter and early spring, when evaporation and transpiration are low. During the summer months the loss of water by evaporation and transpiration is high, and if rainfall fails to occur at frequent intervals, drought will result. Drought directly affects plant and animal life by limiting water supplies, especially at times of high temperatures and high evaporation rates.
Superimposed upon the basic MLRA climatic patterns are local topographic influences that create topoclimatic, or microclimatic variations. In regions of appreciable relief, for example, air drainage at nighttime may produce temperatures several degrees lower in valley bottoms than on side slopes. At critical times during the year, this phenomenon may produce later spring or earlier fall freezes in valley bottoms. Higher daytime temperatures of bare rock surfaces and higher reflectivity of these unvegetated surfaces may create distinctive environmental niches such as glades and cliffs. Slope orientation is an important topographic influence on climate. Summits and south-and-west-facing slopes are regularly warmer and drier than adjacent north- and-east-facing slopes. Finally, the climate within a canopied forest is measurably different from the climate of a more open grassland or savanna areas.
Source:
University of Missouri Climate Center - http://climate.missouri.edu/climate.php; accessed June 2012
Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin, United States Department of Agriculture Handbook 296 - http://soils.usda.gov/survey/geography/mlra/Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 160-170 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 190-200 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 40-40 in Frost-free period (actual range) 160-190 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 190-210 days Precipitation total (actual range) 40-50 in Frost-free period (average) 170 days Freeze-free period (average) 200 days Precipitation total (average) 40 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 4. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 5. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 6. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 7. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 8 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) KASKASKIA RVR NAV LOCK [USC00114629], Ellis Grove, IL
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(2) JEFFERSON CITY WTP [USC00234271], Jefferson City, MO
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(3) NEW FRANKLIN 1W [USC00236012], Franklin, MO
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(4) JACKSON [USC00234226], Jackson, MO
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(5) ST LOUIS LAMBERT INTL AP [USW00013994], Saint Louis, MO
">Influencing water features
The water features of this upland ecological site include evapotranspiration, surface runoff, and drainage. Each water balance component fluctuates to varying extents from year-to-year. Evapotranspiration remains the most constant. Precipitation and drainage are highly variable between years. Seasonal variability differs for each water component. Precipitation generally occurs as single day events. Evapotranspiration is lowest in the winter and peaks in the summer. Water stored as ice and snow decreases drainage and surface runoff rates throughout the winter and increases these fluxes in the spring. The surface runoff pulse is greatly influenced by extreme events. Conversion to cropland or other high intensities land uses tends to increase runoff, but also decreases evapotranspiration. Depending on the situation, this might increase groundwater discharge, and decrease baseflow in receiving streams (Vano 2005).
Soil features
These soils have no major rooting restriction. The soils were formed under woodland vegetation, and have thin, light-colored surface horizons. Parent material is loess. The soils have silt loam surface horizons. Subsoils are silt loam to silty clay loam. Some soils are slightly affected by seasonal wetness. Soil series associated with this site include Harvestor, Iva, Menfro, Weller, and Winfield.
The accompanying picture of the Menfro series shows a thin, light-colored surface horizon to about 7 inches overlying the brown silt loam to silty clay loam subsoil. The excellent rooting characteristics of Menfro and other soils allow for productive, diverse reference vegetation communities on this ecological site. Scale is in feet. (Photo credit: NRCS)
Figure 9. Soil profile of the Menfro soil series.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Loess
Surface texture (1) Silt loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Somewhat poorly drained to well drained Permeability class Moderately slow to moderate Soil depth 72 – 0 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)6 – 8 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)Not specified Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 2 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)Not specified Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)4.5 – 7.3 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Ecological dynamics
Information contained in this section was developed using historical data, professional experience, field reviews, and scientific studies. The information presented is representative of very complex vegetation communities. Key indicator plants, animals and ecological processes are described to help inform land management decisions. Plant communities will differ across the MLRA because of the naturally occurring variability in weather, soils, and aspect. The Reference Plant Community is not necessarily the management goal. The species lists are representative and are not botanical descriptions of all species occurring, or potentially occurring, on this site. They are not intended to cover every situation or the full range of conditions, species, and responses for the site.
The reference plant community is well developed woodland dominated by an overstory of white oak*, along with black oak and an occasional post oak. The canopy is tall (70 to 90 feet) but less dense (65 to 85 percent canopy closure) and less structurally diverse than nearby protected slopes. Increased light from a more open canopy causes a diversity of woodland ground flora species to flourish. Woodlands are distinguished from forest, by their relatively open understory, and the presence of sun-loving ground flora species. Characteristic plants in the ground flora can be used to gauge the restoration potential of a stand along with remnant open-grown old-age trees, and tree height growth.
Despite being somewhat distant from prairies, fire still played a role in the maintenance of these systems. It is likely that these ecological sites burned at least once every 10 to 15 years. These periodic fires kept woodlands open, removed the litter, and stimulated the growth and flowering of the grasses and forbs. During fire free intervals, woody understory species increased and the herbaceous understory diminished. The return of fire would open the woodlands up again and stimulate the abundant ground flora.
Deep Loess Upland Woodlands were also subjected to occasional disturbances from wind and ice, as well as grazing by native large herbivores, such as bison, elk, and white-tailed deer. Wind and ice would have periodically opened the canopy up by knocking over trees or breaking substantial branches off canopy trees. Grazing by native herbivores would have effectively kept understory conditions more open, creating conditions more favorable to oak reproduction and woodland ground flora species.
Today, many of these ecological sites have been cleared and converted to pasture and cropland or have undergone repeated timber harvest and domestic grazing. Most existing forested ecological sites have a younger (50 to 80 years) canopy layer whose species composition and quality has been altered by timber harvesting practices. In the long term absence of fire, woody species, especially hickory, encroach into these woodlands. Once established, these woody plants can quickly fill the existing understory increasing shade levels with a greatly diminished ground flora. Removal of the younger understory and the application of prescribed fire have proven to be effective restoration means.
Uncontrolled domestic grazing has also impacted these communities, further diminishing the diversity of native plants and introducing species that are tolerant of grazing, such as coralberry, gooseberry, and Virginia creeper. Grazed sites also have a more open understory. In addition, soil compaction and soil erosion from grazing can be a problem and lower site productivity.
These ecological sites are productive. Oak regeneration is typically problematic. Sugar maple, slippery elm, and hickories are often dominant competitors in the understory. Maintenance of the oak component will require disturbances that will encourage more sun adapted species and reduce shading effects. Single tree selection timber harvests are common in this region and often results in removal of the most productive trees (high grading) in the stand leading to poorer quality timber and a shift in species composition away from more valuable oak species. Better planned single tree selection or the creation of group openings can help regenerate and maintain more desirable oak species and increase vigor on the residual trees.
Clearcutting also occurs and results in dense, even-aged stands dominated by oak. This may be most beneficial for existing stands whose composition has been highly altered by past management practices. However, without some thinning of the dense stands and the application of prescribed fire, the ground flora diversity can be shaded out and diversity of the stand may suffer.
*All plant common and scientific names in this document were obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service National PLANTS Database.
A State and Transition Diagram follows. Detailed descriptions of each state, transition, plant community, and pathway follow the model. This model is based on available experimental research, field observations, professional consensus, and interpretations. It is likely to change as knowledge increasesState and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
Figure 10. State and transition diagram for this ecological site
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
SWAPAEHSWAPAEHSWAPAEHStates 1, 6, 2 and 5 (additional transitions)
SWAPAEHSWAPAEHT1A - Fire suppression; even-age management T1B - Fire suppression; uneven age management T1C - Disturbances; logging; unmanaged grazing R1A - Restoration; prescribed fire T2A - Uneven age management R1B - Restoration; prescribed fire T3A - Even-age management T4A - Plantings; prescribed grazing T5C - Livestock exclusion; tree planting; forest stand improvement. T5A - Tillage; cropping system T5B - Light grazing; high-grade harvesting T6B - Uneven-age management; tree planting; forest stand improvement T6C - Tillage; crop production T6A - Pasture establishment and management State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 5 submodel, plant communities
SWAPAEHSWAPAEHState 6 submodel, plant communities
State 1
ReferenceThe historical reference state for this ecological site was old growth oak woodland. The woodland was dominated by white oak and black oak. Maximum tree age was likely 150 to 300 years. Periodic disturbances from fire, wind or ice as well as grazing by native large herbivores maintained the woodland structure and diverse ground flora species. Long disturbance-free periods allowed an increase in both the density of trees and the abundance of shade tolerant species.
Two community phases are recognized in the reference state, with shifts between phases based on disturbance frequency. Reference states are very rare today. Fire suppression has resulted in increased canopy density, which has affected the abundance and diversity of ground flora. Most, if not all, reference states are currently altered because of fire suppression, timber harvesting, domestic grazing or clearing and conversion to grassland or cropland.Dominant plant species
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white oak (Quercus alba), tree
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black oak (Quercus velutina), tree
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elmleaf goldenrod (Solidago ulmifolia), other herbaceous
Community 1.1
Reference CommunityThis phase has an overstory that is dominated by white oak and black oak with hickory also present. This woodland community has a two-tiered structure with an open understory and a dense, diverse herbaceous ground flora.
Periodic disturbances including fire, ice and wind create canopy gaps, allowing white oak and black oak to successfully reproduce and remain in the canopy.Forest overstory.The Overstory Species list is based on field surveys and commonly occurring species listed in Nelson (2010).
Forest understory. The Understory Species list is based on field surveys and commonly occurring species listed in Nelson (2010).
Dominant plant species
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white oak (Quercus alba), tree
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black oak (Quercus velutina), tree
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fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica), shrub
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Virginia wildrye (Elymus virginicus), grass
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elmleaf goldenrod (Solidago ulmifolia), other herbaceous
Community 1.2
Fire suppressed CommunityThis phase is similar to community phase 1.1 but oak and hickory understory densities are increasing due to longer periods of fire suppression. Displacement of some grasses and forbs may be occurring due to shading and competition from the increased densities of oak and hickory saplings in the understory.
Dominant plant species
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white oak (Quercus alba), tree
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black oak (Quercus velutina), tree
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hybrid hickory (Carya), tree
Pathway P1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2This pathway is the result of fire-free interval 10 to 15 years.
Pathway P1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1This pathway is the result of a fire 5 to 10 year cycle being reestablished.
State 2
Even-Age Managed WoodlandAn even-age managed forest can resemble the reference state. The primary difference is tree age, most being only 50 to 90 years old. Composition is also likely altered from the reference state depending on tree selection during harvests and disturbance activities. Without a regular 15 to 20 year harvest re-entry into these stands, they will slowly increase in more shade tolerant species such as sugar maple and white oak will become less dominant.
This state can be restored to a reference state by modifying or eliminating timber harvests, extending rotations, incorporating selective thinning, and re-introducing prescribed fire.Dominant plant species
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white oak (Quercus alba), tree
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black oak (Quercus velutina), tree
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sugar maple (Acer saccharum), tree
Community 2.1
Even Age CommunityThis is an even-aged forest management phase. Logging activities are removing higher volumes of white oak causing a decrease in white oak in the canopy and an increase in red oak. Large group, shelterwood or clearcut harvests create a more uniform age class structure throughout the canopy layer while also opening up the understory and allowing more sunlight to reach the forest floor.
Dominant plant species
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white oak (Quercus alba), tree
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black oak (Quercus velutina), tree
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sugar maple (Acer saccharum), tree
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northern red oak (Quercus rubra), tree
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slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), shrub
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ticktrefoil (Desmodium), other herbaceous
State 3
Uneven-Age Managed WoodlandDue to selective single tree harvesting canopy densities have increased. Composition is likely altered from the Reference State depending on tree selection during harvest. This state will slowly increase in more shade tolerant species and white oak will become less dominant and is also dense because of fire suppression. Without periodic canopy disturbance, stem density and fire intolerant species, like hickory and maple will increase in abundance.
This state can be restored to a reference state by modifying or eliminating timber harvests, extending rotations, incorporating selective thinning, and re-introducing prescribed fire.Dominant plant species
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white oak (Quercus alba), tree
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mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa), tree
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sugar maple (Acer saccharum), tree
Community 3.1
Uneven-Age CommunityThis is an uneven-aged forest management phase. Selective logging activities are removing higher volumes of white oak causing a decrease in white oak in the canopy. The density of more shade tolerant species is increasing at the lower size-class levels.
Dominant plant species
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white oak (Quercus alba), tree
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mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa), tree
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sugar maple (Acer saccharum), tree
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hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), shrub
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hairy woodland brome (Bromus pubescens), grass
State 4
CroplandThis is a state that exists currently with intensive cropping of corn, soybeans, and wheat, especially on slopes of 5 percent or less. Some conversion to cool season grassland occurs for a limited period of time before transitioning back to cropland. Limited acres are sometimes converted to native warm season grassland.
Dominant plant species
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corn (Zea mays), grass
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wheat (Triticum), grass
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soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous
Community 4.1
Cropland CommunityThis is a phase that exists currently with intensive cropping of corn, soybeans, and wheat occurring. Some conversion to cool season grassland occurs for a limited period of time before transitioning back to cropland.
Dominant plant species
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corn (Zea mays), grass
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wheat (Triticum), grass
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soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous
State 5
GrasslandConversion of other states to non-native cool season species such as tall fescue, orchard grass, and red clover has been common. Occasionally, these pastures will have scattered oaks. Long term uncontrolled grazing can cause significant soil erosion and compaction. A return to the reference state may be impossible, requiring a very long term series of management options.
Two community phases are recognized in the grassland state, with shifts between phases based on types of management. Poor management will result in a shift to Community 5.2 that shows an increase in oak sprouting and increases in broomsedge densities. If oak sprouting is left unchecked and grazing is eliminated or reduced then over time this state will transition to an even-age managed woodland (livestock controlled and woodland management initiated) or to a high-graded/grazed woodland (continued grazing, high graded harvesting, and no woodland management).Dominant plant species
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tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), grass
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orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), grass
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red clover (Trifolium pratense), other herbaceous
Community 5.1
Managed GrasslandThis phase is well-managed grassland, composed of non-native cool season grasses and legumes. Grazing and haying is occurring. The effects of long-term liming on soil pH, and calcium and magnesium content, is most evident in this phase. Studies show that these soils have higher pH and higher base status in soil horizons as much as two feet below the surface, relative to poorly managed grassland and to woodland communities (where liming is not practiced).
Dominant plant species
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tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), grass
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orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), grass
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red clover (Trifolium pratense), other herbaceous
Community 5.2
Poor GrasslandThis phase is the result of over use, poor grassland and grazing management and lack of adequate nutrient application. Oak sprouts, oak saplings, and invasive species are increasing as a result of poor management.
Dominant plant species
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oak (Quercus), tree
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tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), grass
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ironweed (Vernonia), other herbaceous
Pathway P5.1A
Community 5.1 to 5.2This pathway is the result of over grazing and no fertilization.
Pathway P5.2A
Community 5.2 to 5.1This pathway is the result of brush management, grassland reseeding and proper grassland management.
State 6
High Graded/Grazed WoodlandStates that were subjected to repeated, high-grading timber harvests and uncontrolled domestic grazing will transition to a High-Graded/Grazed Woodland State. This state exhibits an over-abundance of hickory and other less desirable tree species, and weedy understory species such as buckbrush, gooseberry, poison ivy and Virginia creeper. The existing vegetation offers little nutritional value for cattle, and excessive cattle stocking damages tree boles, degrades understory species composition and results in soil compaction and accelerated erosion and runoff.
Two common transitions from this state are woody clearing and conversion to State 5, Grassland or removing livestock, limited harvesting, and allowing long term succession to occur to some other woodland or forest state.Dominant plant species
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hybrid hickory (Carya), tree
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oak (Quercus), tree
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buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus), shrub
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currant (Ribes), shrub
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tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), grass
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Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), other herbaceous
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eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), other herbaceous
Community 6.1
High Grade CommunityDue to high-grade logging and uncontrolled grazing, this community phase exhibits an over-abundance of hickory and other less economically desirable tree species and weedy understory species such as buckbrush, gooseberry, poison ivy and multi-flora rose. The understory vegetation offers little nutritional value for cattle, and excessive livestock stocking damages tree boles, degrades understory species composition and results in soil compaction and accelerated erosion and runoff.
Dominant plant species
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hybrid hickory (Carya), tree
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oak (Quercus), tree
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coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus), shrub
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currant (Ribes), shrub
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2This transition is the result of fire suppression and even-aged management.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3This transition is the result of fire suppression and uneven-aged management.
Transition T1C
State 1 to 6This transition is the result of poorly planned harvests and uncontrolled livestock grazing. .
Restoration pathway R1A
State 2 to 1This restoration pathway is the result of prescribed fire and extended rotations.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3This transition is the result of uneven-age management and thinning.
Transition R1B
State 3 to 1This restoration pathway is the result of prescribed fire and extended rotations.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 2This transition is the result of even-age management and thinning.
Transition T4A
State 4 to 5This transition is the result of grassland planting, grassland management and prescribed grazing.
Transition T5C
State 5 to 2This transition is the result of livestock exclusion, tree planting, extended rotations, and forest stand improvement.
Transition T5A
State 5 to 4This transition is the result of tillage and conservation cropping system.
Transition T5B
State 5 to 6This transition is the result of light grazing, woody regrowth, and high-grade harvesting.
Transition T6B
State 6 to 3This transition is the result of uneven-age management, tree planting, cessation of grazing, forest stand improvement, and extended rotations.
Transition T6C
State 6 to 4This transition is the result of clearing, tillage and crop rotation.
Transition T6A
State 6 to 5This transition is the result of clearing, pasture planting and prescribed grazing.
Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 6. Community 1.1 forest overstory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height ft Canopy cover (%) Diameter in Basal area (square ft/acre) Treesugar maple ACSA3 Acer saccharum Native – 2-50 – 0 white oak QUAL Quercus alba Native – 2-50 – 0 northern red oak QURU Quercus rubra Native – 5-25 – 0 shagbark hickory CAOV2 Carya ovata Native – 10-25 – 0 black oak QUVE Quercus velutina Native – 2-10 – 0 sassafras SASSA Sassafras Native – 2-10 – 0 white ash FRAM2 Fraxinus americana Native – 0.1-10 – 0 American basswood TIAM Tilia americana Native – 2-5 – 0 mockernut hickory CATO6 Carya tomentosa Native – 0-5 – 0 post oak QUST Quercus stellata Native – – – 0 Table 7. Community 1.1 forest understory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height (ft) Canopy cover (%) Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)Indian woodoats CHLA5 Chasmanthium latifolium Native – 5–10 Bosc's panicgrass DIBO2 Dichanthelium boscii Native – 0.1–5 eastern bottlebrush grass ELHY Elymus hystrix Native – 0.1–5 eastern woodland sedge CABL Carex blanda Native – 0.1–5 black edge sedge CANI3 Carex nigromarginata Native – 1–2 poverty oatgrass DASP2 Danthonia spicata Native – 1–2 hairy woodland brome BRPU6 Bromus pubescens Native – 0.1–1 rattlesnake fern BOVI Botrychium virginianum Native – 0.1–1 Virginia wildrye ELVI3 Elymus virginicus Native – 0.1–1 rock muhly MUSO Muhlenbergia sobolifera Native – – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium Native – – parasol sedge CAUM4 Carex umbellata Native – – Pennsylvania sedge CAPE6 Carex pensylvanica Native – – big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii Native – – Forb/Herbelmleaf goldenrod SOUL2 Solidago ulmifolia Native – 0.1–10 pointedleaf ticktrefoil DEGL5 Desmodium glutinosum Native – 2–5 Baldwin's ironweed VEBA Vernonia baldwinii Native – 2–5 American hogpeanut AMBR2 Amphicarpaea bracteata Native – 0.1–5 fourleaf milkweed ASQU Asclepias quadrifolia Native – 2–5 slender lespedeza LEVI7 Lespedeza virginica Native – 2–5 manyray aster SYAN2 Symphyotrichum anomalum Native – 1–2 hairy lespedeza LEHI2 Lespedeza hirta Native – 1–2 eastern beebalm MOBR2 Monarda bradburiana Native – 0.1–1 wild blue phlox PHDI5 Phlox divaricata Native – 0.1–1 nakedflower ticktrefoil DENU4 Desmodium nudiflorum Native – 0.1–1 eastern purple coneflower ECPU Echinacea purpurea Native – – hairy sunflower HEHI2 Helianthus hirsutus Native – – Canadian blacksnakeroot SACA15 Sanicula canadensis Native – – bluejacket TROH Tradescantia ohiensis Native – – Fern/fern allyrattlesnake fern BOVI Botrychium virginianum Native – 0.1–1 Shrub/Subshrubfragrant sumac RHAR4 Rhus aromatica Native – 5–10 St. Andrew's cross HYHY Hypericum hypericoides Native – 1–2 coralberry SYOR Symphoricarpos orbiculatus Native – 1–2 leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens – – 0.1–1 New Jersey tea CEAM Ceanothus americanus Native – – American hazelnut COAM3 Corylus americana Native – – Table 8. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 9. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. Community 5.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 13. Community 5.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 14. Community 6.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife (MDC 2006):
Wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and eastern gray squirrel depend on hard and soft mast food sources and are typical upland game species of this type.
Oaks provide hard mast; scattered shrubs provide soft mast.
Native legumes provide high-quality wildlife food; sedges and native cool-season grasses provide green browse; patchy native warm-season grasses provide cover and nesting habitat; and a diversity of forbs provides a diversity and abundance of insects.
Post-burn areas can provide temporary bare-ground – herbaceous cover habitat important for turkey poults and quail chicks.
Bird species associated with mature communities include Indigo Bunting, Red-headed Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Northern Bobwhite, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Broad-winged Hawk, Great-Crested Flycatcher, Summer Tanager, and Red-eyed Vireo.
Reptile and amphibian species associated with this site include tiger salamander, small-mouthed salamander, ornate box turtle, northern fence lizard, five-lined skink, broad-headed skink, flat-headed snake, and rough earth snake.Other information
Forestry (NRCS 2002, 2014):
Management: Field collected site index values average 59 for white oak and 65 for northern red oak and black oak. Timber management opportunities are excellent. These groups respond well to management. Create group openings of at least 2 acres. Large clearcuts should be minimized if possible to reduce impacts on wildlife and aesthetics. Uneven-aged management using single tree selection or small group selection cuttings of ½ to 1 acre are other options that can be used if clear cutting is not desired or warranted. Uneven-aged management will slowly cause an increase in more shade tolerant species such as sugar maple. Using prescribed fire as a management tool could have a negative impact on timber quality or should be used with caution on a particular site if timber management is the primary objective.
Limitations: No major equipment restrictions or limitations exist. Erosion is a hazard when slopes exceed 15 percent. On steep slopes greater than 35 percent, traction problems increase and equipment use is not recommended.Supporting information
Inventory data references
Deep Loess Upland Woodland – Potential Reference Sites Plot BAATHS02 – Winfield soil Located in Battle of Athens National Historic Site, DNR, Clark County, MO Latitude: 40.590304 Longitude: -91.710488 Plot HACRCA_JK01 – Menfro soil Located in Hart Creek CA, Boone County, MO Latitude: 38.718624 Longitude: -92.32497151 Plot HACRCA_JK05 – Menfro soil Located in Hart Creek CA, Boone County, MO Latitude: 38.712996 Longitude: -92.33039585 Plot HACRCA_KS07 – Menfro soil Located in Hart Creek CA, Boone County, MO Latitude: 38.713032 Longitude: -92.330373 Plot TRTESP_KS01 - Menfro soil Located in Trail of Tears State Park, Cape Girardeau County, MO Latitude: 37.46492 Longitude: -89.485402
Other references
Batek, M.J., A.J. Rebertus, W.A. Schroeder, T.L. Haithcoat, E. Compas, and R.P. Guyette. 1999. Reconstruction of early nineteenth-century vegetation and fire regimes in the Missouri Ozarks. Journal of Biogeography 26:397-412.
Frost, C., 1996. Pre-settlement Fire Frequency Regimes of the United States: A First Approximation. Pages 70-81, Proceedings of the 20nd Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conference: Fire in Ecosystem Management: Shifting the Paradigm from Suppression to Prescription. Tall Timbers Research Station, Tallahassee, FL.
Harlan, J.D., T.A. Nigh and W.A. Schroeder. 2001. The Missouri original General Land Office survey notes project. University of Missouri, Columbia.
Ladd, D. 1991. Reexamination of the role of fire in Missouri oak woodlands. Pp. 67-80 in G.V. Brown, James K.; Smith, Jane Kapler, eds. 2000. Wildland fire in ecosystems: effects of fire on flora. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-42-vol. 2. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 257 p.
MDC, 2006. Missouri Forest and Woodland Community Profiles. Missouri Department of Conservation, Jefferson City, Missouri.
Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2002. Woodland Suitability Groups. Missouri FOTG, Section II, Soil Interpretations and Reports. 30 pgs.
Natural Resources Conservation Service. Site Index Reports. Accessed May 2014. https://esi.sc.egov.usda.gov/ESI_Forestland/pgFSWelcome.aspx
NatureServe, 2010. Vegetation Associations of Missouri (revised). NatureServe, St. Paul, Minnesota.
Nelson, Paul W. 2010. The Terrestrial Natural Communities of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, Jefferson City, Missouri.
Nigh, Timothy A. and Walter A. Schroeder. 2002. Atlas of Missouri Ecoregions. Missouri Department of Conservation, Jefferson City, Missouri.
United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296. 682 pgs.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2022. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Handbook 296.
University of Missouri Climate Center - http://climate.missouri.edu/climate.php; accessed June 2012
Vano, Julie A. 2005. Land Surface Hydrology in Northern Wisconsin: Influences of climatic variability and land cover. University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Young, Fred J., Caryl A. Radatz, and Curtis A. Marshall. 2003. Soil Survey of Boone County, Missouri. U.S. Dept. of Agric. Natural Resources Conservation Service.Contributors
Doug Wallace
Fred YoungApproval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 12/30/2024
Acknowledgments
Missouri Department of Conservation and Missouri Department of Natural Resources personnel provided significant and helpful field and technical support in the development of this ecological site.
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s) Contact for lead author Date 09/18/2026 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
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Presence of water flow patterns:
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Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
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Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
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Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
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Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
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Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
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Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
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Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
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Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
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Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
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Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
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Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
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Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
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Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
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Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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PrintThe Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
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