Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site F115XB031MO
Loamy Floodplain Forest
Last updated: 12/30/2024
Accessed: 09/15/2026
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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 Riverfront Forest.
Missouri Department of Conservation Forest and Woodland Communities (MDC, 2006):
The reference state for this ecological site is most similar to a Riverfront Bottomland Forest.
National Vegetation Classification System Vegetation Association (NatureServe, 2010):
The reference state for this ecological site is most similar to a Fraxinus pennsylvanica - Celtis spp. - Quercus spp. - Platanus occidentalis Bottomland Forest (CEGL002410).
Geographic relationship to the Missouri Ecological Classification System (Nigh & Schroeder, 2002):
This ecological site occurs primarily in Land Type Associations of the following Subsections:
Inner Ozark Border
Outer Ozark Border
Mississippi River HillsEcological site concept
Loamy Floodplain Forests are widely distributed on the tributary floodplains of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Sites are typically associated with a variety of upland drainageway, terrace and footslope ecological sites in the secondary stream valleys. Soils are loamy and very deep, and are subject to frequent flooding. The reference plant community is forest dominated by American elm, hackberry, sycamore, eastern cottonwood, and green ash.
Associated sites
F115XB015MO Sandy/Loamy Floodplain Forest
Sandy/Loamy Floodplain Forests sometimes form a complex with this ecological site.
F115XB041MO Clayey Floodplain Forest
Clayey Floodplain Forests are commonly adjacent to Loamy Floodplain Forests, but farther away from the main channel.
R115XB042MO Ponded Floodplain Prairie
Ponded Floodplain Prairies are in the lowest former channel areas that have high seasonal water tables with some ponding.
Similar sites
F115XB028MO Loamy/Gravelly Upland Drainageway Forest
Loamy/Gravelly Upland Drainageway Forests are upstream, in narrow drainageways. The reference state woodland community in the Upland Drainageways contains more upland species, such as white oak and mockernut hickory.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree (1) Ulmus americana
(2) Celtis occidentalisShrub (1) Vitis
(2) Staphylea trifoliaHerbaceous (1) Carex
(2) Laportea canadensisPhysiographic features
This site is on low floodplains with slopes of 0 to 3 percent. The site receives some runoff from higher floodplains, stream terraces and uplands. This site is subject to frequent flooding.
The following figure (adapted from Davis, 2004) shows the typical landscape position of this ecological site on floodplains of major tributaries to the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. This site is within the area labeled as “3” on the figure, and is typically adjacent to the river channel in these tributary systems.
Figure 2. Landscape relationships for this ecological site.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Flood plain
Runoff class Low to high Flooding duration Very brief (4 to 48 hours) to long (7 to 30 days) Flooding frequency Frequent Ponding frequency None Elevation 350 – 1200 ft Slope 0 – 3 % Water table depth 6 – 60 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor 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 38 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 is normal, moisture is stored in the soil profile 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 create characteristic glade and cliff ecological sites. 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 ecological site is measurably different from the climate of the more open grassland or savanna ecological sites.
Source:
University of Missouri Climate Center - http://climate.missouri.edu/climate.php;
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) 40-50 in Frost-free period (actual range) 150-190 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 180-210 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) CAPE GIRARDEAU MUNI AP [USW00003935], Chaffee, MO
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(2) ALTON MELVIN PRICE L&D [USC00110137], West Alton, IL
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(3) KASKASKIA RVR NAV LOCK [USC00114629], Ellis Grove, IL
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(4) BOONVILLE [USC00230817], Boonville, MO
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(5) ELSBERRY 1 S [USC00232591], Elsberry, MO
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(6) JEFFERSON CITY WTP [USC00234271], Jefferson City, MO
">Influencing water features
This ecological site is typically in natural levee positions directly adjacent to a perennial stream. Stream levels typically respond quickly to storm events, especially in watersheds where surface runoff is dominant. Short- to medium- duration flooding is common in many areas, particularly during spring and early summer storm events. Constructed levees, often accompanied by stream channelization, have altered the hydrology and flooding dynamics in many places. Streambeds that are typically incised into the surrounding floodplain by as much as 10 feet may be a sign of an alternative state. <br />
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Some soils in this ecological site have seasonal water tables in the winter and spring, generally receding with the falling river levels in the early summer. In most areas the water table has a minimal effect on the vegetative community. <br />
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This site is in the RIVERINE class of the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) classification system (Brinson, 1993). The stream hydrograph drives the inflows and outflows of RIVERINE wetlands. Water moves into floodplain wetlands as surface water during flood stage, or as groundwater exchange from the stream channel to the floodplain during high flow stages. As the flood stage recedes, surface and groundwater return to the channel. The direction of movement is horizontal. The direction is also bi-directional in the lateral axis across the floodplain, but is uni-directional on the longitudinal axis parallel to the valley as water flows downhill along the valley gradient.Soil features
These soils have no rooting restriction. They were formed under forest vegetation, with periodic depositional flood events. Organic matter content is variable. Parent material is alluvium. They have silt loam surface horizons, and loamy subsoils that may be skeletal with depth. Some soils are affected by seasonal wetness. Soil series associated with this site include Arenzville, Armiesburg, Coffeen, Dameron, Dockery, Dupo, Haymond, Jamesfin, Medway, Motark, Orion, Perche, Racket, Riley, Sensabaugh, Sharon, Wakeland, Wilbur, and Wirt.
The accompanying picture of the Dameron series shows dark, loamy alluvium, underlain by stratified very gravelly sediments. Picture from Baker (1998).
Figure 9. Dameron series
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium
Surface texture (1) Silt loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Poorly drained to well drained Permeability class Moderately slow to moderate Soil depth 72 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 3 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 3 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)5 – 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)0 – 50 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 6 % 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 a forest dominated by an overstory of American elm and hackberry with sycamore, eastern cottonwood, green ash and other early successional species scattered throughout. Occasionally, bur oak, shellbark hickory, black walnut and other hardwood species may occur in later stages of development. Canopy height is 85 to 110 feet with a canopy closure of 80 to 100 percent.
Loamy Floodplain Riverfront Forests were a common natural community on the Missouri and Mississippi River floodplains. They occur on natural levees and low floodplains that flood frequently. Flooding of these ecological sites commonly occurs annually or at least once every 5 years. Loamy sediments, originating from the loess and till in the surrounding uplands, make up a significant portion of the alluvium in these floodplains.
The forest is dominated by flood tolerant, tree species such as elm, hackberry, sycamore, eastern cottonwood and green ash. Young stands of these species tend to stabilize the low floodplain and continue to accumulate loamy materials. Consequently, these developing ecological sites tend to be near even aged. Young stands are often dense with a sparse understory and ground flora.
Over the long term, these floodplains may become elevated and/or isolated and begin to accumulate more fine sediments, becoming more stable and enduring. Oaks, shellbark hickory and black walnut begin to accumulate in these later stages of succession. Catastrophic floods will often partially or completely knock down the earlier species and regenerate this site creating a mosaic of early to late successional floodplain forests.
These sites are very productive. Today most of these ecological sites have been cleared and converted to agriculture. While some cleared fields have retained a narrow strip of forest along the river, other sites are often cleared right up to the bank. In such cases, flooding may cause severe stream bank erosion.
Uncontrolled grazing by domestic livestock in the remaining strips of forest is not uncommon and can cause significant damage, killing trees and removing the ground cover, resulting in further de-stabilization and degradation of this ecological site as well. Carefully planned timber harvests can be tolerated in this system, but high grading of the timber will eventually degrade the ecological site.
Loamy Floodplain Forests, generally occurring as a rather narrow band of forests traversing the river edge, are an abundant floodplain forest type. These bands of forest still play an important role as a source of food and shelter for migrating birds and as a source for course woody debris for the adjacent stream systems.
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 increases.State 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
SWAPAEHSWAPAEHSWAPAEHSWAPAEHSWAPAEHStates 2 and 5 (additional transitions)
SWAPAEHSWAPAEHState 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 5 submodel, plant communities
State 1
ReferenceThe historical reference state for this ecological site was old growth bottomland forest. Natural flooding cycles were the primary processes affecting this ecologic site. The understory was complex, with multiple layers of shade-tolerant species. A highly diverse ground flora was also present. Vines were common and went well into the canopy. Scattered open areas were common. Over the long term, these floodplains may become more elevated and/or isolated and accumulate more fine sediments, becoming more stable and enduring. Oaks, shellbark hickory and black walnut begin to accumulate in these later stages of succession. Catastrophic floods will often partially or completely knock down the early species and regenerate this site creating a mosaic of early to late successional floodplain forests.
Dominant plant species
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American elm (Ulmus americana), tree
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common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), tree
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shellbark hickory (Carya laciniosa), tree
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American bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia), shrub
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Virginia wildrye (Elymus virginicus), grass
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summer grape (Vitis aestivalis), other herbaceous
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Canadian woodnettle (Laportea canadensis), other herbaceous
Community 1.1
American Elm – Hackberry/Grape – American Bladdernut /Canadian Woodnettle – Virginia WildryeThis community phase is characterized by frequent flood events which impact on the canopy structure and species composition. Old growth species such as sycamore, eastern cottonwood, American elm and hackberry are common.
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).
Community 1.2
Bur Oak – Hackberry – Shellbark Hickory/Grape – American Bladdernut /Canadian Woodnettle – VirginiaOver the long term, phase 1.1 may become more elevated and/or isolated and accumulate more sediments, becoming more stable and enduring. Oaks, shellbark hickory and black walnut begin to accumulate in these later stages of succession.
Forest overstory.The Overstory Species list is based on Missouri field surveys and reports.
Forest understory. The Understory Species list is based on Missouri field surveys and reports.
Pathway P1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2This community pathway will result from disturbance free periods (10 to 20 years) and/or sediment accumulation.
Pathway P1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1This community pathway will result from catastrophic flooding and/or blow-downs.
State 2
Managed ForestWhere this state remains, it has often been subjected to very selective timber harvests. While these forested areas may resemble the reference state, the diversity of tree species has been selectively (removal of oak and black walnut) altered.
Dominant plant species
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bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa), tree
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American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), tree
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black walnut (Juglans nigra), tree
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American bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia), shrub
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Virginia wildrye (Elymus virginicus), grass
Community 2.1
Bur Oak – Sycamore – Black Walnut/American Bladdernut/ WildryeThis community phase has often been subjected to selective timber harvests. While these forested areas may resemble the reference state (some old growth), the diversity of tree species has been selectively (removal of oak and walnut) altered.
State 3
GrasslandMany acres of this ecological site have been converted to non-native grasslands of tall fescue and red clover. This state frequently transitions to a cropland state especially when commodity prices are high.
Dominant plant species
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tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), grass
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red clover (Trifolium pratense), other herbaceous
Community 3.1
Tall Fescue – Red CloverThis 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).
State 4
High Graded/Grazed ForestThis state is subjected to uncontrolled grazing and high-graded timber harvests. The grazing will open up the understory and remove much of the diverse ground flora. This can lead to erosion of the topsoil during floods. Grazed units also often undergo timber harvest removing a wide variety of outstanding hardwood trees, further diminishing the structural and compositional diversity.
Dominant plant species
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American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), tree
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green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), tree
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coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus), shrub
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Virginia wildrye (Elymus virginicus), grass
Community 4.1
Sycamore – Green Ash/Coralberry/ Greenbier – WildryeThis is the only phase associated with this state at this time. See the corresponding state narrative for details.
State 5
CroplandMany areas of this ecological site have been converted to row crop agriculture. A return to the near-reference state is not practical from this state.
Community 5.1
Corn, Soybeans, WheatThis is the only phase associated with this state at this time. See the corresponding state narrative for details.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Uneven-age timber management and selective harvesting will result in a transition to this state.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3Clearing, grassland planting, grassland management and prescribed grazing will result in a transition to this state.
Transition T1C
State 1 to 4Poorly planned harvests (high-grading) and uncontrolled grazing will result in a transition to this state.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1This state can be restored to a reference state by modifying or eliminating timber harvests, extending rotations, incorporating forest stand improvement and allowing long-term succession to occur.
Transition T3B
State 3 to 5Removing the grass sod, adding conservation tillage and conservation cropping system will result in a transition to this state.
Transition T4C
State 4 to 2Forest stand improvement and livestock exclusion will result in a transition to this state.
Transition T4A
State 4 to 3Clearing the timber, adding grassland planting, grassland management and prescribed grazing will result in a transition to this state.
Transition T4B
State 4 to 5Clearing timber, adding tillage and conservation cropping system will result in a transition to this state.
Transition T5B
State 5 to 2Tree planting, long-term succession (50 to 70 years), forest stand improvement, and livestock exclusion will result in a transition to this state.
Transition T5A
State 5 to 3Grassland planting, grassland management and prescribed grazing will result in a transition to this state.
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) Treebitternut hickory CACO15 Carya cordiformis Native – – – 0 shellbark hickory CALA21 Carya laciniosa Native – – – 0 sugarberry CELA Celtis laevigata Native – – – 0 common hackberry CEOC Celtis occidentalis Native – – – 0 green ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica Native – – – 0 Kentucky coffeetree GYDI Gymnocladus dioicus Native – – – 0 black walnut JUNI Juglans nigra Native – – – 0 American sycamore PLOC Platanus occidentalis Native – – – 0 bur oak QUMA2 Quercus macrocarpa Native – – – 0 American elm ULAM Ulmus americana Native – – – 0 silver maple ACSA2 Acer saccharinum Native – – – 0 Table 7. Community 1.1 forest understory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height (ft) Canopy cover (%) Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)hop sedge CALU4 Carex lupulina Native – – squarrose sedge CASQ2 Carex squarrosa Native – – Indian woodoats CHLA5 Chasmanthium latifolium Native – – Virginia wildrye ELVI3 Elymus virginicus Native – – scouringrush horsetail EQHY Equisetum hyemale Native – – Forb/Herbeastern false rue anemone ENBI Enemion biternatum Native – – eastern waterleaf HYVI Hydrophyllum virginianum Native – – pale touch-me-not IMPA Impatiens pallida Native – – Canadian woodnettle LACA3 Laportea canadensis Native – – Virginia bluebells MEVI3 Mertensia virginica Native – – cutleaf coneflower RULA3 Rudbeckia laciniata Native – – evening campion SINI Silene nivea Native – – striped cream violet VIST3 Viola striata Native – – Shrub/Subshrubburningbush EUAT5 Euonymus atropurpureus Native – – American bladdernut STTR Staphylea trifolia Native – – TreeOhio buckeye AEGL Aesculus glabra Native – – American hornbeam CACA18 Carpinus caroliniana Native – – red mulberry MORU2 Morus rubra Native – – slippery elm ULRU Ulmus rubra Native – – Vine/LianaVirginia creeper PAQU2 Parthenocissus quinquefolia Native – – eastern poison ivy TORA2 Toxicodendron radicans Native – – summer grape VIAE Vitis aestivalis Native – – Table 8. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 9. Community 1.2 forest overstory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height ft Canopy cover (%) Diameter in Basal area (square ft/acre) Treeblack maple ACNI5 Acer nigrum Native – – – 0 silver maple ACSA2 Acer saccharinum Native – – – 0 sugar maple ACSA3 Acer saccharum Native – – – 0 Ohio buckeye AEGL Aesculus glabra Native – – – 0 eastern cottonwood PODE3 Populus deltoides Native – – – 0 American basswood TIAM Tilia americana Native – – – 0 American elm ULAM Ulmus americana Native – – – 0 slippery elm ULRU Ulmus rubra Native – – – 0 bitternut hickory CACO15 Carya cordiformis Native – – – 0 shellbark hickory CALA21 Carya laciniosa Native – – – 0 common hackberry CEOC Celtis occidentalis Native – – – 0 green ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica Native – – – 0 black walnut JUNI Juglans nigra Native – – – 0 American sycamore PLOC Platanus occidentalis Native – – – 0 Table 10. Community 1.2 forest understory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height (ft) Canopy cover (%) Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)Virginia wildrye ELVI3 Elymus virginicus Native – – nodding fescue FESU3 Festuca subverticillata Native – – eastern narrowleaf sedge CAAM8 Carex amphibola Native – – eastern woodland sedge CABL Carex blanda Native – – rosy sedge CARO22 Carex rosea – – – Indian woodoats CHLA5 Chasmanthium latifolium Native – – Forb/Herbbluntleaf waterleaf HYCA3 Hydrophyllum canadense Native – – jewelweed IMCA Impatiens capensis Native – – Canadian woodnettle LACA3 Laportea canadensis Native – – smallspike false nettle BOCY Boehmeria cylindrica Native – – Canadian honewort CRCA9 Cryptotaenia canadensis Native – – wingstem VEAL Verbesina alternifolia Native – – common blue violet VISO Viola sororia Native – – cutleaf coneflower RULA3 Rudbeckia laciniata Native – – Canadian blacksnakeroot SACA15 Sanicula canadensis Native – – smooth hedgenettle STTE Stachys tenuifolia Native – – smooth blue aster SYLA3 Symphyotrichum laeve Native – – calico aster SYLA4 Symphyotrichum lateriflorum Native – – white snakeroot AGAL5 Ageratina altissima Native – – American hogpeanut AMBR2 Amphicarpaea bracteata Native – – Canadian wildginger ASCA Asarum canadense Native – – wild blue phlox PHDI5 Phlox divaricata Native – – Canadian clearweed PIPU2 Pilea pumila Native – – dotted smartweed POPU5 Polygonum punctatum Native – – Greek valerian PORE2 Polemonium reptans Native – – jumpseed POVI2 Polygonum virginianum Native – – bristly buttercup RAHI Ranunculus hispidus Native – – Fern/fern allyrattlesnake fern BOVI Botrychium virginianum Native – – Shrub/Subshrubnorthern spicebush LIBE3 Lindera benzoin Native – – roughleaf dogwood CODR Cornus drummondii Native – – pawpaw ASTR Asimina triloba Native – – calico aster SYLA4 Symphyotrichum lateriflorum Native – – Table 11. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 13. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 14. Community 5.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife Species (MDC 2006):
This ecological site is a dense, muti-layered forest, with snags and cavities and down dead wood that provides habitat for many species requiring cool, rich, moist conditions.
Bird species associated with these mature forests include Great Blue Heron (colonies especially in large sycamores and cottonwoods), Bald Eagle, Belted Kingfisher, Red-shouldered Hawk, Northern Parula, Louisiana Waterthrush, Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Kentucky Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, Barred Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Cerulean Warbler, and Yellow-throated Warbler.
Reptiles and amphibians associated with this ecological site include small-mouthed salamander, central newt, midland brown snake, and gray treefrog.Other information
Forestry (NRCS 2002, 2014):
Management: Field measured site index values average 87 for green ash, 91 for eastern cottonwood and 75 for silver maple. Timber management opportunities are good to excellent. 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 group selection cuttings of ½ to 1 acre are other options that can be used if clear cutting is not desired or warranted. Harvest methods that leave some mature trees to provide shade and soil protection may be desirable. Maintain adequate riparian buffer areas.
Limitations: Wetness from flooding – short duration and/or high water table; Use of equipment may be restricted in spring and other excessively wet periods. Equipment use when wet may compact soil and damage tree roots. Tree planting is difficult during spring flooding periods. Seedling mortality may be high due to excess wetness. Ridging the soil and planting on the ridges may increase survival.Supporting information
Inventory data references
Potential Reference Sites: Loamy Bottomland Forest Plot DIGGCA03 – Jamesfin soil Located in Marshall Diggs CA, Audrain County, MO Latitude: 39.07861 Longitude: -91.63593 Plot GRCASP_KS10 – Haymond soil Located in Graham Cave State Park, Montgomery County, MO Latitude: 38.905461 Longitude: -91.588885 Plot GRCASP08 – Haymond soil Located in Graham Cave State Park, Montgomery County, MO Latitude: 38.904649 Longitude: -91.584279 Plot MAJUCA01 – Dockery soil Located in Marshall Junction CA, Saline County, MO Latitude: 38.946022 Longitude: -93.261057
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.
Brinson, M.M. 1993. A hydrogeomorphic classification for wetlands. Technical Report WRP-DE-4, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, & E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. U.S. Dept. of Interior, Fish & Wildlife Service, Office of Biological Services, Washington DC.
Davis, Keith O. 2004. Soil Survey of Cole County, Missouri. U.S. Dept. of Agric. Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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.
Missouri Department of Conservation. 2010. 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
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 2012Contributors
Fred Young
Doug WallaceApproval
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 09/15/2026 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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