Calcareous Limestone Protected Backslope Forest

Description

The Reference State was dominated by white oak and chinkapin oak. Periodic disturbances from fire, wind or ice maintained the dominance of oaks by opening up the canopy and allowing more light for oak reproduction. Long disturbance-free periods allowed an increase in more shade tolerant species such as hickory, white ash, northern red oak and sugar maple. Two community phases are recognized in this state, with shifts between phases based on disturbance frequency.

Dominant plant species

1. white oak (Quercus alba), tree

2. chinquapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii), tree

3. eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), tree

4. northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin), shrub

5. bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), grass

6. feathery false lily of the valley (Maianthemum racemosum), grass

Submodel

Description

Fire suppression has allowed these previously open woodlands to become dense with less fire-tolerant trees and saplings such as northern red oak, and hickory. The dense, shaded conditions and lack of fire has caused the ground flora to decrease in cover and diversity.

Dominant plant species

1. chinquapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii), tree

2. northern red oak (Quercus rubra), tree

3. mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa), tree

4. shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), tree

5. hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), tree

6. hairy wildrye (Elymus villosus), grass

Submodel

Description

In addition to fire exclusion, many of these sites have been subjected to heavy grazing by domestic livestock and periodic logging. These areas are dense and shady with a diminished ground flora. In addition, grazed areas exhibit a lower diversity of native ground flora species and an increased abundance of eastern redcedar and other invasive natives such as coralberry

Dominant plant species

1. black oak (Quercus velutina), tree

2. mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa), tree

3. shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), tree

4. eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), tree

5. coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus), shrub

Submodel

Description

Conversion of other states to non-native cool season species such as tall fescue and red clover has been common. Occasionally, these pastures will have scattered oaks. Long term uncontrolled grazing can cause significant soil erosion and compaction.

Dominant plant species

1. tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), grass

2. red clover (Trifolium pratense), grass

Submodel