Loamy Exposed Backslope Woodland

Description

The historical reference state for this ecological site was old growth, oak woodland. The reference state was dominated by white oak, black oak, and hickory. Periodic disturbances from fire, wind or ice 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.

Dominant plant species

1. white oak (Quercus alba), tree

2. mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa), tree

3. fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica), shrub

4. sedge (Carex), grass

5. little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass

Submodel

Description

These stands will slowly increase in more shade tolerant species and white oak will become less dominant. These woodlands tend to be rather dense, with a sparse understory and ground flora. Thinning can increase overall tree vigor and improve understory diversity. However, in the absence of fire, the diversity and cover of the ground flora is still diminished. Without periodic disturbance, stem density and fire intolerant species, like sassafras and hickory, increase in abundance.

Dominant plant species

1. black oak (Quercus velutina), tree

2. white oak (Quercus alba), tree

3. mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa), tree

4. shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), tree

5. American hazelnut (Corylus americana), shrub

6. Virginia wildrye (Elymus virginicus), grass

Submodel

Description

Fire Managed Woodland state results from managing woodland communities with prescribed fire and canopy thinning. This state can resemble the reference state, but with younger maximum tree ages, more open canopies and lower ground flora diversity. Cessation of prescribed fire will allow transition to various managed woodland states.

Dominant plant species

1. oak (Quercus), tree

2. mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa), tree

3. shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), tree

4. fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica), shrub

5. hairy woodland brome (Bromus pubescens), grass

6. little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass

Submodel

Description

Conversion of woodlands to planted, non-native cool season grassland species such as tall fescue is common for this region. Steep slopes, low organic matter contents and low soil infertility make grasslands harder to maintain in a healthy, productive state on this ecological site. Two community phases are recognized in the grassland state, with shifts between phases based on types of management.

Dominant plant species

1. tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), grass

2. red clover (Trifolium pratense), grass

Submodel

Description

States that were subjected to repeated, high-grading timber harvests and uncontrolled domestic grazing transitioned 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 coralberry, 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.

Dominant plant species

1. black oak (Quercus velutina), tree

2. mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa), tree

3. shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), tree

4. common serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), shrub

5. coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus), shrub

6. sedge (Carex), grass

Submodel