Natural Resources
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Ecological site F116AY066MO
Fragipan Upland Flatwoods
Last updated: 9/24/2020
Accessed: 08/28/2026
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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): 116A–Ozark Highland
The Ozark Highland constitutes the Salem Plateau of the Ozark Uplift. Elevation ranges from about 300 feet on the southeast edge of the Ozark escarpment, to about 1,600 feet in the west, adjacent to the Burlington Escarpment of the Springfield Plateau. The underlying bedrock is mainly horizontally bedded Ordovician-aged dolomites and sandstones that dip gently away from the uplift apex in southeast Missouri. Cambrian dolomites are exposed on deeply dissected hillslopes. In some places, Pennsylvanian and Mississipian sediments overlie the plateau. Relief varies, from the gently rolling central plateau areas to deeply dissected hillslopes associated with drainageways such as the Buffalo, Current, Eleven Point and White Rivers.
Classification relationships
Terrestrial Natural Community Type in Missouri (Nelson, 2010):
The reference state for this ecological site is most similar to an Upland Flatwoods.
Missouri Department of Conservation Forest and Woodland Communities (MDC, 2006):
The reference state for this ecological site is most similar to a Post Oak Woodland.
National Vegetation Classification System Vegetation Association (NatureServe, 2010):
The reference state for this ecological site is most similar to a Quercus stellata / Cinna arundinacea Flatwoods Forest (CEGL002405).
Geographic relationship to the Missouri Ecological Classification System (Nigh & Schroeder, 2002):
This ecological site occurs primarily in the Central Plateau Subsection, in the western portion of the Ozark Highlands Section.Ecological site concept
NOTE: This is a “provisional” Ecological Site Description (ESD) that is under development. It contains basic ecological information that can be used for conservation planning, application and land management. After additional information is collected, analyzed and reviewed, this ESD will be refined and published as “Approved”.
Fragipan Upland Flatwoods occur on areas of the Ozark Highlands that have not been deeply dissected by streams. Soils have root-restricting fragipans, and are affected by seasonal wetness. The reference plant community is a woodland with an overstory dominated by post oak and blackjack oak and a ground flora of wet-tolerant grasses, sedges, and forbs.Associated sites
F116AY004MO Fragipan Upland Woodland
Fragipan Upland Woodlands are adjacent, on slightly higher, convex positions.
F116AY011MO Chert Upland Woodland
Chert Upland Woodlands and other upland ecological sites are downslope, on gently sloping shoulders and upper backslopes.
Similar sites
F116AY004MO Fragipan Upland Woodland
Fragipan Upland Woodlands are adjacent, on slightly higher, more convex positions.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree (1) Quercus stellata
(2) Quercus marilandicaShrub (1) Rhus aromatica
Herbaceous (1) Carex
(2) Schizachyrium scopariumPhysiographic features
This site is on level to broadly convex upland summits that include broad shallow depressions in some areas. Slopes range from 0 to 3 percent. The site generates runoff to adjacent, downslope ecological sites. This site does not flood.
The following figure (adapted from Sturdevant et al, 2001) shows the typical landscape position of this ecological site, and landscape relationships with other ecological sites. It is within the area labeled “2” on the figure, shown here as a broad depressional area within an area of Fragipan Upland Woodland.
Figure 2. Landscape relationships for this ecological site.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Ridge
(2) Interfluve
(3) Depression
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Slope 0 – 8 % Water table depth 6 – 12 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The Ozark Highland 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 Ozark Highland 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 crossing the MLRA from northwest to southeast.
The average annual precipitation in almost all of this area is 38 to 45 inches. Snow falls nearly every winter, but the snow cover lasts for only a few days. The average annual temperature is about 53 to 60 degrees F. The lower temperatures occur at the higher elevations in the western part of the MLRA.
Mean January minimum temperature follows a stronger north-to-south gradient. However, mean July maximum temperature shows hardly any geographic variation in the MLRA.
Mean annual precipitation varies along a northwest to southeast gradient. 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.
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. Deep sinkholes often have a microclimate significantly cooler, moister, and shadier than surrounding surfaces that may result in a strikingly different vegetational composition and community structure. 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) 140-160 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 170-180 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 50-50 in Frost-free period (actual range) 140-160 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 170-190 days Precipitation total (actual range) 50-50 in Frost-free period (average) 150 days Freeze-free period (average) 180 days Precipitation total (average) 50 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) BUFFALO 2N [USC00231087], Buffalo, MO
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(2) VIENNA 2 WNW [USC00238620], Vienna, MO
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(3) WEST PLAINS [USC00238880], West Plains, MO
">Influencing water features
This ecological site is not influenced by wetland or riparian water features. However, a seasonal zone of saturation occurs, perched on the fragipan in the subsoil. In broad depressional areas within this site, seasonal wetness and ponding can occur, resulting in a flatwoods woodland community on sites. Where present, these depressional areas are in the MINERAL FLAT class in the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) system (Brinson, 1993), and are Forested Palustrine wetlands (Cowardin et al., 1979).
Soil features
These soils have a root-restricting fragipan at about 24 inches. The soils were formed under woodland vegetation, and have thin, light-colored surface horizons. They have silt loam surface horizons, and silty clay loam subsoils. Soil materials in and below the fragipan may be very gravelly. Parent material is a thin layer of loess over residuum derived primarily from cherty limestone. These soils are affected by seasonal wetness in spring months from a water table perched on the fragipan. Soil series associated with this site include Celt, Mariosa, Needleye, and Plato.
The accompanying picture of the Plato series shows a thin, light-colored surface horizon and reddish brown gravelly silt loam subsoil, over a fragipan at about 60 cm. The fragipan is a barrier to roots. Redoximorphic features in the subsoil above the fragipan are an indication of seasonal wetness. Scale is in centimeters. Photo credit, NRCS.
Figure 9. Plato series
Table 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture (1) Silt loam
(2) Loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Poorly drained to somewhat poorly drained Permeability class Very slow Soil depth 11 – 24 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 3 % Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)4 – 6 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)3.5 – 7.3 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)15 – 60 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 50 % 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.
Historically, Fragipan Upland Flatwoods were dominated by drought and fire-tolerant post and blackjack oaks that were also very tolerant of seasonal wetness. Their landscape position and juxtaposition to prairies lead to a high fire frequency (every 1 to 3 years). The flatwoods ranged from open savannas near the prairie edge to open, park-like woodlands farther away. Canopy closure varied from 30 to 60 percent and tree height from 35 to 50 feet. Seasonal wetness created periods of time where standing water limited tree growth and ground flora development.
Native sedges along with prairie grasses dominated the open understory, along with a scattered mix of native legume, aster, sunflower and other forbs. Dense thickets of oak sprouts occurred during periods of less-frequent fire, but periodic fire would eventually clear them out. Grazing by native large herbivores, such as bison, elk, and white-tailed deer, also influenced the understory, keeping it more open and structurally diverse.
Today, this community has often been cleared and converted to pasture or has been logged with increased stand density in the absence of fire. Most occurrences exhibit canopy closure of 80 to 100 percent. In addition, the sub-canopy and understory layers are more developed. Post and blackjack oak share dominance with black oak and black hickory. Under these denser, more shaded conditions, the original sun-loving ground flora has diminished in diversity and cover. While some woodland species persist in the ground flora, many have been replaced by more shade-tolerant species.
Uncontrolled domestic grazing has also impacted these communities, further diminishing the diversity of native plants and introducing invasive species that are tolerant of grazing, such as coralberry, gooseberry, Virginia creeper and, in severely overgrazed situations, mosses and lichens.
Although timber products from flatwoods are of limited value, logging does occur, and influences the community. Occasional partial cuts provide sunlight to the woodland floor, stimulating native woodland ground flora. However, in the absence of fire and continual cultural treatments, oaks sprout and grow into a dense stand, again shading out the sun-loving ground flora.
Partial cutting and prescribed fire can, however, restore the more open structure and diversity of ground flora species. Managed areas show an exceptional resiliency. This type of management may provide limited timber products, abundant wildlife habitat, and potential native forage. 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.
A state-and-transition model 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
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
ReferenceThe reference state was dominated by post oak and blackjack oak. Periodic disturbances from fire, wind or ice maintained the dominance of oaks by opening the canopy and allowing more light for oak reproduction. Two community phases are recognized in this state, with shifts between phases based on disturbance frequency. Good examples of reference states still exist today. Some sites have been converted to grassland (State 3). Others have been subject to repeated, high-graded timber harvest coupled with uncontrolled domestic livestock grazing (State 4). Fire suppression has also resulted in increased canopy density, which has affected the abundance and diversity of ground flora.
Community 1.1
Post Oak – Blackjack Oak/Fragrant Sumac/ Sedge – Little Bluestem
Figure 11. Reference state at Western Star Flatwoods Natural Area, Phelps County, Missouri; photo credit MDC.
Figure 12. Reference state at St. Francois State Park, St. Francois County, Missouri; photo credit MDC.
Two community phases are recognized in this state, with shifts between phases based on disturbance frequency.
Forest overstory.The Overstory Species list is based on field reconnaissance as well as commonly occurring species listed in Nelson 2010; names and symbols are from USDA PLANTS database.
Forest understory. The Understory Species list is based on field reconnaissance as well as commonly occurring species listed in Nelson 2010; names and symbols are from USDA PLANTS database.
Community 1.2
Post Oak – Blackjack Oak/Hickory Saplings – Fragrant Sumac/ Sedge – Little BluestemTwo community phases are recognized in this state, with shifts between phases based on disturbance frequency.
Pathway P1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2No disturbance (10+ years)
Pathway P1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Disturbance (fire, wind, ice) 3-5 years
State 2
Fire Excluded Managed WoodlandThese woodlands can resemble the reference state but are denser. The biggest differences are tree age, most being only 50 to 90 years old, and canopy closure. Composition is also likely altered from the reference state depending on tree selection during harvest. These former woodlands are now rather dense, with an under developed understory and ground flora. Thinning and selective harvesting can increase overall tree vigor and improve understory diversity. Continual good forest management will maintain this state.
Community 2.1
Post Oak – Black Oak/ Hickory Saplings/ TicktrefoilState 3
GrasslandConversion of woodlands to planted, non-native pasture species such as tall fescue has been common in this MLRA. Soil wetness, AND low organic matter make non-native pastures challenging to maintain in a healthy, productive state on this ecological site. If grazing is uncontrolled and active pasture management is discontinued, the site will transition to phase 3.2.
Community 3.1
Tall Fescue - Red CloverSoil wetness, low organic matter, and soil acidity make non-native pastures challenging to maintain in a healthy, productive state on this ecological site.
Community 3.2
Tall fescue - Broomsedge/Oak SproutsSoil wetness, low organic matter, and soil acidity make non-native pastures challenging to maintain in a healthy, productive state on this ecological site.
Pathway P3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2Over grazing; no fertilization
Pathway P3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1Brush management; grassland seeding; grassland management
State 4
High-Graded/Grazed WoodlandWoodland sites subjected to repeated, high-graded timber harvests and uncontrolled domestic grazing transition to this state. This state exhibits an over-abundance of blackjack oak, hickory and other less desirable tree species, and weedy understory species such as buckbrush, gooseberry, poison ivy and Virginia creeper. The vegetation offers little nutritional value for cattle, and excessive stocking damages tree boles, degrades understory species composition and results in soil compaction and accelerated erosion and runoff.
Exclusion of livestock from sites in this state coupled with good forest management techniques will cause a transition to State 2 (Fire Excluded Managed Woodland).
Community 4.1
Blackjack Oak – Hickory/ Coralberry/ BroomsedgeTransition T1A
State 1 to 2Harvesting; forest management; fire suppression
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3Clearing; pasture planting; grassland management
Transition T1C
State 1 to 4High-grade harvesting; uncontrolled grazing
Restoration pathway R1A
State 2 to 1Extended rotations; prescribed fire; forest stand improvement
Transition T3A
State 3 to 2Tree planting; long-term succession; no grazing; forest stand improvement
Transition T3B
State 3 to 4Long-term abandonment; uncontrolled grazing; unrestricted logging
Restoration pathway T4B
State 4 to 2Tree planting; long-term succession; no grazing; forest stand improvement
Transition T4A
State 4 to 3Clearing; pasture planting; grassland management
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) Treepost oak QUST Quercus stellata Native – 30-60 – 0 blackjack oak QUMA3 Quercus marilandica Native – 20-40 – 0 black oak QUVE Quercus velutina Native – 10-30 – 0 black hickory CATE9 Carya texana Native – 10-30 – 0 sassafras SAAL5 Sassafras albidum Native – 0-20 – 0 white oak QUAL Quercus alba Native – 0-10 – 0 Table 7. Community 1.1 forest understory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height (ft) Canopy cover (%) Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium Native – – big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii Native – – Virginia wildrye ELVI3 Elymus virginicus Native – – hirsute sedge CACO9 Carex complanata Native – – eastern star sedge CARA8 Carex radiata Native – – fuzzy wuzzy sedge CAHI6 Carex hirsutella Native – – blue sedge CAGL6 Carex glaucodea Native – – inland rush JUIN2 Juncus interior Native – – broomsedge bluestem ANVI2 Andropogon virginicus Native – – fall panicgrass PADI Panicum dichotomiflorum Native – – Indiangrass SONU2 Sorghastrum nutans Native – – poverty oatgrass DASP2 Danthonia spicata Native – – Indian woodoats CHLA5 Chasmanthium latifolium Native – – common spikerush ELPA3 Eleocharis palustris Native – – eastern star sedge CARA8 Carex radiata Native – – Muhlenberg's sedge CAMU4 Carex muehlenbergii Native – – Forb/Herbwild bergamot MOFI Monarda fistulosa Native – – narrowleaf mountainmint PYTE Pycnanthemum tenuifolium Native – – manyray aster SYAN2 Symphyotrichum anomalum Native – – wild quinine PAIN3 Parthenium integrifolium Native – – gray goldenrod SONE Solidago nemoralis Native – – common cinquefoil POSI2 Potentilla simplex Native – – white wand beardtongue PETU Penstemon tubaeflorus Native – – whorled milkweed ASVE Asclepias verticillata Native – – American hogpeanut AMBR2 Amphicarpaea bracteata Native – – sidebeak pencilflower STBI2 Stylosanthes biflora Native – – panicledleaf ticktrefoil DEPA6 Desmodium paniculatum Native – – common cinquefoil POSI2 Potentilla simplex Native – – white wild indigo BAAL Baptisia alba Native – – elmleaf goldenrod SOUL2 Solidago ulmifolia Native – – Virginia tephrosia TEVI Tephrosia virginiana Native – – stiff tickseed COPA10 Coreopsis palmata Native – – largeflower yellow false foxglove AUGR Aureolaria grandiflora Native – – slender lespedeza LEVI7 Lespedeza virginica Native – – queendevil HIGR3 Hieracium gronovii Native – – smooth small-leaf ticktrefoil DEMA2 Desmodium marilandicum Native – – late purple aster SYPAP2 Symphyotrichum patens var. patens Native – – smooth violet prairie aster SYTU2 Symphyotrichum turbinellum Native – – Parlin's pussytoes ANPA9 Antennaria parlinii Native – – hairy bedstraw GAPI2 Galium pilosum Native – – hairy sunflower HEHI2 Helianthus hirsutus Native – – Shrub/Subshrubfragrant sumac RHAR4 Rhus aromatica Native – – American hazelnut COAM3 Corylus americana Native – – New Jersey tea CEAM Ceanothus americanus Native – – black huckleberry GABA Gaylussacia baccata Native – – St. Andrew's cross HYHYM Hypericum hypericoides ssp. multicaule Native – – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 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 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife Species (MDC 2006):
Oaks provide hard mast; numerous native legumes provide high-quality wildlife food; native warm-season grasses provide extensive cover and nesting habitat; and forbs provide a diversity and abundance of insects.
Bird species associated with early-successional Upland Flatwoods are Northern Bobwhite, Painted Bunting, Prairie Warbler, Field Sparrow, Blue-winged Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Brown Thrasher, and Bachman’s Sparrow. All of these species also occur in glades associated with woodlands. Birds associated with mid- to late successional sites [˜ 80+ years]) are Indigo Bunting, Red-headed Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Northern Bobwhite, Summer Tanager, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Whip-poor-will, Chuck-will’s widow, and Red-eyed Vireo.
Reptiles and amphibians associated with upland Flatwoods include ornate box turtle, northern fence lizard, five-lined skink, coal skink, broad-headed skink, six-lined racerunner, western slender glass lizard, prairie ring-necked snake, flat-headed snake, rough earth snake, red milk snake, western pygmy rattlesnake, and timber rattlesnake.Other information
Forestry (NRCS 2002, 2014):
Management: Field collected site index values average 53 for oak . Timber management opportunities are poor to fair. 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. These sites respond well to prescribed fire as a management tool.
Limitations: Restricted rooting depth; seasonal wetness; long term ponding. Unsurfaced roads and traffic areas tend to be slippery and form ruts easily. Graveling roads facilitates year-round use. Equipment use when wet or ponded may compact soil and damage tree roots. Reduced rooting depth and seasonal high water tables restricts tree growth and increases windthrow hazards. Planting is difficult during wet spring periods. Seedling mortality may be high due to excess seasonal wetness and shallow effective rooting depths. The use of equipment can become restricted in spring and other excessively wet periods.Supporting information
Inventory data references
Potential Reference Sites: Fragipan Upland Flatwoods Plot EDSPFS01 – Celt soil Located in Mark Twain National Forest, near Edgar Springs, Phelps County Latitude: 37.73272 Longitude: -91.850274 Plot HWYTFS01 – Celt soil Located in Mark Twain National Forest, near Hwy T, Phelps County Latitude: 37.806093 Longitude: -91.911748 Plot WESTFS_KS01 – Plato soil Located in Western Star Flatwoods Natural Area, Phelps County Latitude: 37.86461 Longitude: -91.974416 Plot WESTFS01 – Celt soil Located in Western Star Flatwoods Natural Area, Phelps County Latitude: 37.864565 Longitude: -91.976114 Plot WESTFS03 – Celt soil Located in Western Star Flatwoods Natural Area, Phelps County Latitude: 37.864603 Longitude: -91.974381 Plot WESTFS07 – Celt soil Located in Western Star Flatwoods Natural Area, Phelps County Latitude: 37.864268 Longitude: -91.974381 Plot WESTFS09 – Celt soil Located in Western Star Flatwoods Natural Area, Phelps County Latitude: 37.849733 Longitude: -91.986269 Plot WHNUCA_KS01 – Celt soil Located in White (George O) Nursery CA, Texas County Latitude: 37.549648 Longitude: -91.896165
Other references
Anderson, R.C. 1990. The historic role of fire in North American grasslands. Pp. 8-18 in S.L. Collins and L.L. Wallace (eds.). Fire in North American tallgrass prairies. University of Oklahoma Press, Norman.
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, and 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.
Fletcher, P.W. and R.E. McDermott. 1957. Influence of Geologic Parent Material and Climate on Distribution of Shortleaf Pine in Missouri. University of Missouri, Research Bulletin 625. 43p.
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.
Little, E.L., Jr. 1971. Atlas of United States trees, volume 1, conifers and important hardwoods: U.S. Department of Agriculture Miscellaneous Publication 1146, 9 p., 200 maps.
McBee, Richard E. 1991. Soil Survey of Dallas County, Missouri. U.S. Dept. of Agric. Soil Conservation Service.
Missouri Department of Conservation. 2010. Missouri Forest and Woodland Community Profiles. Missouri Department of Conservation, Jefferson City, Missouri.
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. 550p.
Nigh, Timothy A. and Walter A. Schroeder. 2002. Atlas of Missouri Ecoregions. Missouri Department of Conservation, Jefferson City, Missouri. 212p.
Schoolcraft, H.R. 1821. Journal of a tour into the interior of Missouri and Arkansas from Potosi, or Mine a Burton, in Missouri territory, in a southwest direction, toward the Rocky Mountains: performed in the years 1818 and 1819. Richard Phillips and Company, London.
Sturdevant, Gary W., Michael J. Moore, and John D. Preston. 2001. Soil Survey of Laclede County, Missouri. U.S. Dept. of Agric. Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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.Contributors
Fred Young
Doug WallaceApproval
Nels Barrett, 9/24/2020
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 08/28/2026 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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