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Conservation Service
Ecological site F130AY002PA
Metabasalt Upland
Last updated: 9/27/2024
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.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 130A–Northern Blue Ridge
Major Land Resource Area 130A is in the Northern Section of the Blue Ridge Province of the Appalachian Highlands. The region is characterized by rugged mountains with steep slopes, sharp crests, and narrow valleys. The mountain range forms a narrow band that runs north to south between the Piedmont Upland Section to the east, the Ridge and Valley section to the west, and the Southern Section of the Blue Ridge to the south. Stream dissection is deep and intricate. Major streams and their tributaries flow through gorges and gaps. Elevation ranges from about 820 feet (250 meters) in the lower valleys and on footslopes along the Potomac River just east of Harpers Ferry, where West Virginia joins Maryland and Virginia, to more than 4,200 feet (1,280 meters) along the Appalachian Trail in Bedford County, Virginia. Apple Orchard Mountain, the highest peak, is at an elevation of 4,225 feet (1,288 meters) (USDA 2006).
The backbone of the northern Blue Ridge is an anticline composed of rocks that can be can be divided into geological groupings based on age. In general, the oldest rocks are the furthest east, and become younger towards the west (Fichter and Baedke, 2000; Barnes and Sevon, 2002). The first group are plutonic rocks that formed when liquid molten rock, called magma, solidified deep within the earth’s crust over a billion years ago. Collectively referred to as the Grenville rocks, they make up much of the eastern half of the mountains and are composed of granites, gneisses, and granulites. The second group, characterized by the Catoctin greenstone formation, is slightly younger, and is made up of metabasalts and metarhyolites, types of igneous rocks that have been metamorphosed by heat and pressure. The third group was formed during the Cambrian period about 500 million years ago and are represented by the Harpers, Antiedam, Weverton, and Loudoun formations which comprise the Chilhowee group. These rocks are primariliy quartzites, phyllites, and meta-sandstones, and form the western flank of the Blue Ridge.
Preliminary ecological site differentiation is based on these three main age groups and geologies. The variable characteristics of the underlying rocks give rise to different soil physical and chemical properties and exert control on the landscape, slope shape, aspect, and elevation, all of which affect vegetation.Classification relationships
This ecological site is found in Major Land Resource Area 130a - the Northern Blue Ridge. MLRA 130a is located within Land Resource Region N - the East and Central Farming and Forest Region (USDA 2006), and in United States Forest Service ecoregion M221D - the Central Appalachian Broadleaf Forest-Coniferous Forest-Meadow Province (Bailey 1995). In addition, MLRA 130a falls within area #66 of EPA Ecoregion Level III - the Blue Ridge Mountains (USEPA 2013). The Metabasalt Upland ecological site occurs primarily within 66a - Northern Igneous Ridges of EPA Ecoregion IV (Woods et. al. 1996).
Northeastern Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest System - CES202.592 (NatureServe, 2009)
Quercus rubra - Quercus prinus - Carya ovalis / (Cercis canadensis) / Solidago caesia Forest association (CEGL008514; NatureServe 2017).
Southern and Central Appalachian Cove Forest Systems - CES202.373
Acer saccharum - Fraxinus americana - Tilia americana - Liriodendron tulipifera / Actaea racemosa Forest association (CEGL006237; NatureServe 2017).
Southern and Central Appalachian Mafic Glade and Barrens System - CES202.348
Fraxinus americana / Physocarpus opulifolius / Carex pensylvanica - Allium cernuum - (Phacelia dubia) Wooded Grassland association (CEGL008529; NatureServe 2017)Ecological site concept
The Metabasalt Upland ecological site occurs on geologies of primarily metabasalt (greenstone), as well as some gabbro, gneiss, metarhyolite, and diorite. Typical landscapes are mountain slopes, summits, interfluves, and some fans. The ecological site can be found on the entire hill or mountain slope from top to bottom, with the shallower areas occupying the most convex summits and shoulders. This site is distinguished from other mountainous areas of the Blue Ridge by its distinctive metabasalt geology. Soils in this ecological site weathered primarily from greenstone, and have relatively higher fertility compared to soils weathered from granite, quartzite, phyllite and schist.
Oak and hickory species characteristic of dry to mesic conditions are the dominant trees in mature stands. American chestnut was once a major part of the canopy, but has been nearly eradicated by the chestnut blight. Patches of exposed ridgetop and rocky areas with shallow soils may support a mosaic of open woodland, short-shrub or grassy herbaceous vegetation characteristic of glades and barrens. Coves and lower slopes support species that are more mesic (moisture loving) like maple, basswood, elm, birch, and beech. Vegetation varies according to soil chemistry. Disturbance agents in these forests include fire, wind throw, and ice damage. Gypsy moths can wreak havoc in the oak over story periodically. Fire suppression since the early 20th century in the eastern United States is believed to be leading to the overall replacement of oaks with fire-sensitive, non-oak species like maple, beech, birch, tuliptree, and black cherry. Much of this ecological site has been subjected to human activity including logging, settlement, or other disturbance, therefore many of the forests are mid successional, in which pines (typically Virginia or white) or tuliptree may be codominant or dominant. At least 6 percent of this ecological site has been converted to agricultural use, mainly pasture and hayland.Associated sites
F130AY005PA Mixed Metamorphic - Metabasalt Footslopes And Terraces
The Mixed Metamorphic-Metabasalt footslope and terraces ecological site occurs on concave areas within the Metabasalt Uplands ecological site and on adjacent lower slopes.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree (1) quercus rubra
(2) carya ovalisShrub (1) cercis canadensis
Herbaceous (1) solidago caesia
Physiographic features
The Metabasalt Upland ecological site occurs on geologies of primarily metabasalt (greenstone), as well as some gabbro, gneiss, metarhyolite, and diorite. Typical landscapes are mountain slopes, summits, interfluves, and some fans. The ecological site can be found on the entire hill or mountain slope from top to bottom, with the shallower areas occupying the most convex summits and shoulders. Elevation is generally around 1380 feet (420m) but can range from 800 to 3200 feet (244 to 976m). Slopes range from 2 to 65 percent. Depth to bedrock is 22 to 72inches (56 to 183 cm) but can be deeper. This ecological site is not subject to flooding nor ponding.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Mountain slope
(2) Ridge
(3) Hill
Runoff class Low to very high Elevation 800 – 3200 ft Slope 2 – 65 % Water table depth 57 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The Northern Blue Ridge, Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 130A, appears to have three somewhat distinct sections based on PRISM data for average annual precipitation and minimum average annual temperature (PRISM 2013). The northernmost section that runs from Adams County, Pennsylvania south through Washington County, Maryland has an average annual average precipitation of 38 inches (97cm) in the lower elevations up to 50 inches (127 cm) in the higher elevations - about 2000 feet (610m). The average annual minimum temperature is 40 to 44°F (4.4 to 6.7°C). From Washington County, Maryland south to the northern tip of Rappahannock County, Virginia, the average annual precipitation is less variable, ranging from approximately 38 to 42 inches (97 to 107cm). The average annual minimum temperature remains about the same as to the north, 40 to 44°F (4.4 to 6.7°C). The lower third of MLRA 130A starting from northern Rappahannock County down through Bedford County, Virginia receives more moisture and is colder, with average annual precipitation that ranges from 40 (107cm) to greater than 50 inches (127cm) at elevations higher than 2000 feet (610m) which is a significant part of this section of the MLRA. Average minimum temperatures range from 34°F (1.1°C) at elevation greater than 3000 feet (914m) to 38°F (3.3°C) at the lowest elevations, less than 1000 feet (305m).
These three climate regions seem to correspond to differences in elevation and relief. Most of the Blue Ridge ranging from Adams County, Pennsylvania through Maryland to Rappahannock County, Virginia rises no higher than 2000 feet (610m). Much of the Blue Ridge south of and including Rappahannock County rises above 2000 feet up to 4000 feet (610 to 1219m).
The higher elevations interact with moist air that flows inland from the Atlantic Ocean. Along the east coast of the United States, winter storms moving across the continent encounter the warm Gulf Stream waters and begin to track northeastward paralleling the coast. As the moisture-laden air from the storms crosses Virginia, the eastern slopes and foothills of the Blue Ridge receive much of this precipitation (Hayden and Michaels 2017). In addition, the high relief of the mountains intercepts much of any moisture moving inland from the east coast. The Shenandoah Valley which lies just to the west of the Blue Ridge is one of the driest parts of the state of Virginia. Where the Blue Ridge elevation is greater than 2000 feet (610m), the east-facing slopes appear to receive over 50 inches (127cm) of annual rainfall on average while the Valley to the west of the mountains receives less than 38 inches (97 cm), and the mountains’ western footslopes receive 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10cm) less of precipitation than the eastern ones (PRISM). This rain shadow effect is not as pronounced where the ridges are below 1640 ft (500m) of elevation.
Currently, the Metabasalt Upland provisional ecological site is mapped throughout the MLRA. Field work is needed to determine if the precipitation and annual average temperature differences are significant enough to cause major shifts in ecological sites from north to south or from east to west necessitating the further subdivision of broadly mapped PES into more refined climatic groupings.
Data for mean annual precipitation, frost-free and freeze-free periods and monthly precipitation for this ecological site are shown below. The original data used in developing the tables was obtained from the USDA-NRCS National Water & Climate Center (2015) climate information database for 4 weather stations throughout MLRA 130A in proximity to this ecological site. All climate station monthly averages for maximum and minimum temperature and precipitation were then added together and averaged to make this table.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 130-160 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 170-190 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 40-50 in Frost-free period (actual range) 120-160 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 160-190 days Precipitation total (actual range) 40-50 in Frost-free period (average) 140 days Freeze-free period (average) 180 days Precipitation total (average) 50 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 6 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) MT WEATHER [USC00445851], Paris, VA
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(2) CATOCTIN MTN PARK [USC00181530], Sabillasville, MD
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(3) BIG MEADOWS [USC00440720], Syria, VA
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(4) LURAY 5 E [USC00445096], Luray, VA
">Influencing water features
This ecological site is not influenced by wetland or riparian water features.
Soil features
The representative soil series associated with this site are Ravenrock, Pignut, Myersville, Lew, Highfield, Fauquier, Catoctin, and Alanthus. They formed primarily from metabasalt (greenstone), and some metarhyolite, diorite, gabbro, and gneiss. Most of these soils have formed from residuum, which is bedrock that has been deeply weathered in place. Some areas are formed from colluvium, which is soil material that has been transported, usually down a slope gradient. Depth to bedrock is 22 to 72inches (56 to 183 cm) but can be deeper. The soils are well drained with average water table depth at approximately 57 inches (145cm) below the soil surface. Permeability ranges widely from impermeable where bedrock is closer to the surface or moderately rapid where the soil contains many coarse fragments. Soil pH is strongly to slightly acid ranging from 5.0 to 6.5. Surface textures are loams, silt loams, and silty clay loams, while subsoils tend to be loamy. Soils data was obtained from the Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS) National Soils Information System database (USDA 2015).
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Residuum – greenstone
(2) Colluvium – diorite
Surface texture (1) Channery silt loam
(2) Very stony silty clay loam
(3) Very channery loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Moderate Soil depth 22 – 72 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 32 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 32 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)2.6 – 6.4 in Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)Not specified Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)5 – 6.5 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 39 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 65 % Ecological dynamics
The vegetation groupings described in this section are based on the terrestrial ecological system classification and vegetation associations developed by NatureServe (Comer 2003) and the Natural Heritage Programs of Pennsylvania (Zimmerman et al. 2012), Virginia (Fleming et al. 2013), West Virginia (WVDNR 2014), and Maryland (Harrison 2004). Terrestrial ecological systems are specifically defined as a group of plant community types (associations) that tend to co-occur within landscapes with similar ecological processes, substrates, and/or environmental gradients. They are intended to provide a classification unit that is readily mappable, often from remote imagery, and readily identifiable by conservation and resource managers in the field. A given system will typically manifest itself in a landscape at intermediate geographic scales of tens to thousands of hectares and will persist for 50 or more years. A vegetation association is a plant community that is much more specific to a given soil, geology, landform, climate, hydrology, and disturbance history. It is the basic unit for vegetation classification. Each association will be named by the dominant species that occupy the different strata (tree, sapling, shrub, and herb). Within the NatureServe database, individual vegetation associations are assigned an identification number called a Community Element Global Code (CEGL). Most of the Information contained in this section was adapted from several sources, including the Nature Conservancy’s Northeast Terrestrial and Aquatic Habitat map (Anderson et al., 2013), NatureServe’s Ecological Systems of the United States (Comer 2003; NatureServe 2009), and Landfire’s Biophysical Settings and Existing Vegetation Type layers (Landfire 2010; Landfire 2013).
The characteristic forest system of this ecological site, and in most of the Northern Blue Ridge is the Northeastern Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest (NatureServe 2009; Anderson et. al 2013). This is an oak-dominated, mostly closed canopy forest that occurs as a matrix (dominant) type through much of the Appalachians. It occurs at low to mid elevations on gently rolling to steep topography on planar, slightly concave, and slightly convex slopes. Oak species characteristic of dry to mesic conditions and hickories are dominant in mature stands. These include Quercus rubra, Quercus alba, Quercus velutina, and Quercus coccinea (red, white, black, and scarlet oaks) and Carya spp. (hickories). Acer rubrum (Red maple), Betula lenta (Sweet birch), and Betula alleghaniensis (Yellow birch) may be common associates. Heath shrubs like Vaccinium spp. (blueberries) and Kalmia latifolia (Mountain laurel) are often present but not well developed. Castanea dentata (American chestnut) was a prominent tree before chestnut blight eradicated it as a canopy constituent.
Patches of exposed ridgetop and rocky areas with shallow soils may support a mosaic of open woodland, short-shrub or grassy herbaceous vegetation characteristic of the Southern and Central Appalachian Mafic Glade and Barrens system (NatureServe 2009; Anderson et. al 2013). Vegetation varies according to soil chemistry. Stunted and sparsely distributed tree species include Fraxinus Americana (white ash), Juniperus virginiana (Eastern red cedar), Quercus prinus (Chestnut oak), and Carya glabra (Pignut hickory). Rhus aromatic (aromatic sumac) and Physocarpus opulifolius (Ninebark) are common species in a shrub layer that may be thick. An herb layer dominated by graminoid species can be fairly dense away from bare rock; some typical forbs are Allium cernuum (nodding onion) and Helianthus divaricatus (woodland sunflower).
Concave slopes and drainageways will hold moisture and provide shade relative to other areas. Vegetation consists of forests dominated by various combinations of mesophytic (moisture-loving but non wetland) species of primarily deciduous trees. Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip tree), Tilia Americana (American basswood), Fraxinus americana (White ash), Betula lenta (Sweet birch), PInus Strobus (Eastern white pine) and Tsuga canadensis (Eastern hemlock) are the most frequent dominant canopy species. These forests are characteristic of the Southern and Central Appalachian Cove Forest System (NatureServe 2009).
Disturbance agents in these forests include fire, wind throw, and ice damage. Gypsy moths can wreak havoc in the oak over story periodically. Oak forests historically have been maintained by periodic fire. Fire suppression since the early 20th century in the eastern United States is believed to be leading to the overall replacement of oaks with fire-sensitive, non-oak species like maples, beeches, birches, tulip poplars, and black cherry (Brose et. al., 2008). Oak forest regeneration is also hindered by heavy deer browsing (Latham et. al. 2005). Deer will selectively consume many native species including oak seedlings and acorns over less palatable species like hay-scented fern and several non-native species including Japanese barberry, Eurasian species of honeysuckle, and garlic mustard.
Much of this ecological site has been subjected to human activity including logging, settlement, or other disturbance, therefore many of the forests are mid successional, in which pines (typically Virginia or white) or tuliptree may be codominant or dominant. These ruderal (growing where the natural vegetation has been disturbed by humans) forests and woodlands comprise about 9% of the area and are generally characterized by unnatural combinations of species, primarily native species, though they often contain slight or substantial numbers and amounts of species alien to the region as well. Less than 5 percent of this ecological site has been converted to agricultural use, mainly pasture and hayland (Landfire 2013).
The information presented is representative of very complex vegetation communities. Key indicator plants and ecological processes are described to help inform land management decisions. Plant communities will differ across the major land resource region 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.
State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
Figure 7. State and Transition Model
Figure 8. Legend
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Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
ReferenceThe reference state is a combination of several vegetation communities within the Northeastern Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest, the Southern and Central Appalachian Mafic Glade and Barrens, and the Southern and Central Appalachian Cove Forest Systems as defined by NatureServe (NatureServe 2009). These are oak-dominated, mostly closed canopy forests that occur as matrix (dominant) types through much of the Appalachians. Oak species characteristic of dry to mesic conditions and hickories are dominant in mature stands. Castanea dentata (American chestnut) was formerly an important canopy species prior to chestnut blight. Patches of exposed ridgetop and rocky areas with shallow soils may support a mosaic of open woodland, short-shrub or grassy herbaceous vegetation characteristic of glades and barrens. Coves and lower slopes support species that are more mesic (moisture loving) like maple, basswood, elm, birch, and beech. Vegetation varies according to soil chemistry. The reference communities listed below have been documented on this ecological site and are associated with the Northern Blue Ridge. Due to the heterogeneity and the broadness of this provisional ecological unit, they are not intended to cover every situation or the full range of conditions and species for this site. There are no transition pathways designated between the three communities in the reference state because the differences in vegetation are more controlled by landscape position than management or disturbance.
Community 1.1
Quercus rubra - Quercus prinus - Carya ovalis / (Cercis canadensis) / Solidago caesia ForestThe Northern Red Oak - Chestnut Oak - Red Hickory / (Eastern Redbud) / Wreath Goldenrod Forest, also known as the Central Appalachian Basic Oak Hickory Forest ((CEGL008514; NatureServe 2017), covers large areas at low to mid elevations in the Northern Blue Ridge and on some of its Piedmont foothills. It is generally associated with base-rich soils weathered from mafic igneous and metamorphic rocks. It also occurs less frequently on granitic rocks and calcareous metasiltstones and phyllites. This association is a true oak-hickory forest with mixed canopy dominance by several Quercus spp. (Oak species) and Carya spp. (Hickory species). In particular, Carya ovalis (Red hickory), Quercus rubra (Northern red oak), and Quercus prinus (Chestnut oak) are consistent codominants. Quercus alba (White oak), Quercus velutina (Black oak), Carya tomentosa (Mockernut hickory), Carya glabra (Pignut hickory), Fraxinus Americana (White ash), and Liriodendron tulipifera (Tuliptree) are less constant canopy species but achieve codominance in some stands. Carya spp., Quercus spp., Acer rubrum (Red maple), Nyssa sylvatica (Blackgum), Fraxinus Americana (White Ash), and Sassafras albidum (Sassafras) are well-represented in lower tree strata. Cercis canadensis (Eastern redbud) and, to a lesser extent, Cornus florida (Flowering dogwood) dominate the shrub and lowest tree layers, while Viburnum acerifolium (Mapleleaf viburnum) is a common low shrub. A large number of herbaceous species occur in the type.
Community 1.2
Acer saccharum - Tilia americana - Liriodendron tulipifera / Actaea racemosa ForestThe Sugar Maple - White Ash - American Basswood - Tuliptree / Black Baneberry Forest, also known as the Central Appalachian Rich Cove Forest (CEGL006237; NatureServe 2017), is a rich mesic, deciduous forest that occurs throughout the Central Appalachians as well as the Allegheny Plateau. Stands occur in coves and on lower slopes where soils are typically deep, fertile, and moderately to well-drained. The canopy is dominated by Acer saccharum (Sugar maple) with Fraxinus Americana (White ash), Liriodendron tulipifera (Tuliptree), and Tilia americana (American basswood) being very characteristic. Associated canopy trees include Quercus rubra (Northern red oak), Ostrya virginiana (hophornbeam), Ulmus rubra (Slippery elm), Acer rubrum (Red maple), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Betula lenta (Sweet birch), Fagus grandifolia (American Beech), Juglans nigra (Black walnut), Carya cordiformis (Bitternut hickory), and Prunus serotina (Black cherry). Some areas that are more acidic may have Pinus strobus (Eastern white pine), Tsuga Canadensis (Eastern hemlock), Quercus rubra (Northern red oak) and Quercus alba (White oak) as overstory dominants along with Tuliptree. The shrub layer is of variable composition, characterized by Cornus alternifolia (Alternateleaf dogwood), Hamamelis virginiana (American witchhazel), Asimina triloba (Pawpaw), Lonicera Canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), Rhododendron periclymenoides (Pink azalea), and Viburnum acerifolium (Mapleleaf viburnum). Lindera benzoin (Spice bush) is sparse to absent. The herb layer is diverse and made up of Adiantum pedatum (Northern maidenhair), Asarum canadense (Canadian wildginger), Actaea racemosa (Black baneberry), Cardamine spp. (Bittercress), Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa (Roundlobe hepatica), Hydrophyllum virginianum (Eastern waterleaf), Elymus hystrix (Eastern bottlebrush grass), Trillium grandiflorum (White trillium), Viola spp. (Violets), Dryopteris marginalis (Marginal woodfern), Botrychium virginianum, (Rattlesnake fern), Anemone quinquefolia (Wood anemone), Geranium maculatum (Spotted geranium), Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue cohosh), Sanguinaria Canadensis (Bloodroot), Claytonia virginica (Virginia spring beauty), Allium tricoccum (Ramp), Cardamine concatenate (Cutleaf toothwort), Arisaema triphyllum (Jack in the pulpit), and Laportea Canadensis (Canadian woodnettle). The exotic weed Alliaria petiolata (Garlic mustard) is a rampant invader of some stands.
Community 1.3
Fraxinus americana / Physocarpus opulifolius/Carex pensylvanica - Allium cernuum - Wooded GrasslandThe Sugar Maple - White Ash - American Basswood - Tuliptree / Black Baneberry Forest, also known as the Central Appalachian Rich Cove Forest (CEGL006237; NatureServe 2017), is a rich mesic, deciduous forest that occurs throughout the Central Appalachians as well as the Allegheny Plateau. Stands occur in coves and on lower slopes where soils are typically deep, fertile, and moderately to well-drained. The canopy is dominated by Acer saccharum (Sugar maple) with Fraxinus Americana (White ash), Liriodendron tulipifera (Tuliptree), and Tilia americana (American basswood) being very characteristic. Associated canopy trees include Quercus rubra (Northern red oak), Ostrya virginiana (hophornbeam), Ulmus rubra (Slippery elm), Acer rubrum (Red maple), Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch), Betula lenta (Sweet birch), Fagus grandifolia (American Beech), Juglans nigra (Black walnut), Carya cordiformis (Bitternut hickory), and Prunus serotina (Black cherry). Some areas that are more acidic may have Pinus strobus (Eastern white pine), Tsuga Canadensis (Eastern hemlock), Quercus rubra (Northern red oak) and Quercus alba (White oak) as overstory dominants along with Tuliptree. The shrub layer is of variable composition, characterized by Cornus alternifolia (Alternateleaf dogwood), Hamamelis virginiana (American witchhazel), Asimina triloba (Pawpaw), Lonicera Canadensis (American fly honeysuckle), Rhododendron periclymenoides (Pink azalea), and Viburnum acerifolium (Mapleleaf viburnum). Lindera benzoin (Spice bush) is sparse to absent. The herb layer is diverse and made up of Adiantum pedatum (Northern maidenhair), Asarum canadense (Canadian wildginger), Actaea racemosa (Black baneberry), Cardamine spp. (Bittercress), Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa (Roundlobe hepatica), Hydrophyllum virginianum (Eastern waterleaf), Elymus hystrix (Eastern bottlebrush grass), Trillium grandiflorum (White trillium), Viola spp. (Violets), Dryopteris marginalis (Marginal woodfern), Botrychium virginianum, (Rattlesnake fern), Anemone quinquefolia (Wood anemone), Geranium maculatum (Spotted geranium), Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue cohosh), Sanguinaria Canadensis (Bloodroot), Claytonia virginica (Virginia spring beauty), Allium tricoccum (Ramp), Cardamine concatenate (Cutleaf toothwort), Arisaema triphyllum (Jack in the pulpit), and Laportea Canadensis (Canadian woodnettle). The exotic weed Alliaria petiolata (Garlic mustard) is a rampant invader of some stands.
State 2
Post Logging - Fire Excluded ForestCommunity 2.1
Liriodendron tulipifera - Quercus spp. Ruderal ForestThe Tuliptree – Oak Ruderal Forest (CEGL007221; NatureServe 2017) is a broadly defined successional community. These successional forests often follow cropping, clear-cut logging, or other severe disturbance, and are successional to mixed oak-hickory forests. Examples are common across large areas of the upland landscape which have previously been disturbed. Soils usually exhibit evidence of disturbance and may have little to no organic horizon development. Species found in stands attributable to this type may include a fairly diverse and varied composition. Acer rubrum (Red maple), Quercus spp. (Oak species), Betula lenta (Sweet birch), Oxydendrum arboretum (Sourwood), Acer saccharum (Sugar maple), and occasionally Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum), Ilex opaca (American holly), or Robinia pseudoacacia (Black locust) may be common in stands of this type. Where oaks are present, they are frequently multi-stemmed, resulting from coppicing. The conifer Tsuga Canadensis (Eastern hemlock) is abundant in the understories of some stands. Shrub composition is variable but may include Sambucus nigra ssp. Canadensis (American black elderberry), Rhododendron maximum (Great laurel), Hamamelis virginiana (American witchhazel), and Vaccinium pallidum (Blue Ridge blueberry). Herbs are likewise variable and may include Dioscorea quaternata (Four leaf yam), Lysimachia quadrifolia (Whorled yellow loosestrife), Maianthemum racemosum (Feathery false lily of the valley), Solidago curtisii (Mountain decumbent goldenrod), Symphyotrichum prenanthoides (Crookedstem aster), Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern), Dryopteris intermedia (Intermediate woodfern), Arisaema triphyllum ssp. Triphyllum (Jack in the pulpit), Packera aurea (Golden ragwort), Amphicarpaea bracteata (American hogpeanut), Thelypteris noveboracensis (New York fern), Lycopodium digitatum (fan clubmoss), and Geranium maculatum (Spotted geranium). Oak forests historically have been maintained by periodic fire. Fire suppression since the early 20th century in the eastern United States is believed to be leading to the overall replacement of oaks with fire-sensitive, non-oak species like maples, beeches, birches, tulip poplars, and black cherry (Brose et. al., 2008). Historic logging has resulted in areas of even-aged tree stands.
State 3
Agricultural - PastureCommunity 3.1
Dactylis glomerata - Festuca spp. - Solidago canadensis Ruderal Mesic MeadowThe Orchardgrass - Fescue - Canada Goldenrod Ruderal Mesic Meadow Alliance (A1190, NatureServe 2017) is a broadly defined community which includes mesic abandoned pastures and agricultural fields and is largely composed of non-native cool-season grasses and herbs (generally of European origin) in the early stages of succession. Species composition varies from site to site, depending on land-use history and perhaps soil type, but in general this vegetation is quite wide-ranging in northeastern and midwestern states. Dominant grasses vary from site to site but generally include the exotic grasses Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping bentgrass), Agrostis hyemalis (Winter bentgrass), Anthoxanthum odoratum, (Sweet vernalgrass), Bromus inermis (Smooth Brome), Bromus tectorum (Cheatgrass), Dactylis glomerata (Orchardgrass), Schedonorus arundinaceum (Tall fescue), Lolium perenne (Perennial ryegrass), Phleum pretense (Timothy) as well as weedy natives such as Elymus repens (Quackgrass), Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), and, less commonly, Schizachyrium scoparium (Little bluestem). Herbaceous species may be minor or dominant and include various Solidago spp. (goldenrods), Sympyotrichum spp. (Asters), and other native and non-native species. Less than 5% of the Mixed Metamorphic and Granitic Upland provisional ecological site is in pasture and hayland (Landfire 2013).
State 4
Transitional Invaded Woodland or ForestCommunity 4.1
Prunus serotina - Liriodendron tulipifera - Acer rubrum - (Robinia pseudoacacia) Ruderal ForestThe Black Cherry - Tuliptree - Red Maple - White Ash - (Black Locust) Ruderal Forest (CEGL006599; NatureServe 2017) is an early-successional woody vegetation community of the northeastern United States that occurs on sites that are becoming reforested after having been cleared for agriculture or otherwise heavily modified in the past. This modified successional forest has been documented on the Mixed Metamorphic and Granitic Uplands ecological site and analysis of existing vegetation data from Landfire shows that approximately 9% of this ecological site is a ruderal hardwood and conifer forest. Characteristics of this community are highly variable ranging from closed forest, to woodland, to open to dense shrubland. Tree species often include some combination of Prunus serotina (Black cherry), Liriodendron tulipifera (Tuliptree), Fraxinus Americana (White ash), Robinia pseudoacacia (Black locust), and Acer rubrum (Red maple). Other associates can include Juglans nigra (Black walnut), Sassafras albidum (Sassafras), Betula populifolia (Gray birch), Juniperus virginiana (Eastern redcedar), Acer negundo (Boxelder), Acer saccharinum (Silver maple), Ailanthus altissima (Tree of heaven), Ulmus Americana (American elm), Quercus spp. (Oak species), Betula lenta (Sweet birch), Amelanchier spp. (Serviceberry), Pinus strobus (Eastern white pine), and Populus grandidentata (Bigtooth aspen). The low-shrub layer, if present, is usually characterized by the presence of Rubus spp. (Blackberry). This layer is often dominated by exotic species such as Lonicera tatarica (Tatarian honeysuckle), Lonicera morrowii (Morrow’s honeysuckle), Rhamnus cathartica (Common buckthorn), Crataegus spp.(Hawthorn), Rosa multiflora (Multiflora rose), and Berberis thunbergii (Japanese barberry). The herbaceous layer is variable, often containing grasses and forbs of both native and exotic origin. Common species include Ageratina altissima var. altissima (White snakeroot), Polygonum persicaria (Spotted ladysthumb), Impatiens capensis (Jewelweed), Glechoma hederacea (Ground ivy), Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern), Calystegia sepium ssp. Sepium (Hedge false bindweed), Galium aparine (Stickywilly), Oxalis stricta (Common yellow oxalis), Polygonum virginianum (Jumpseed), Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Eastern hayscented fern), Arisaema triphyllum (Jack in the pulpit), Allium vineale (Wild garlic), and Veronica officinalis (Common gypsyweed), among many others. The invasive species Alliaria petiolate (Garlic mustard), Microstegium vimineum (Nepalese browntop), and Polygonum caespitosum (Oriental lady’s thumb) can be abundant in this disturbed forest type. These forests are often young and resulted from the colonization of old agricultural fields by woody species. Recent disturbance or abundant invasive species give these forest stands a weedy character. It is unlikely that these stands will succeed to a natural plant community dominated by native species.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Logging, but no agricultural conversion. Trees are allowed to stump sprout, soil is minimally disturbed, seed bank remains. Fire suppression allows fire sensitive species like tuliptree, red maple, and birches to out compete oak seedlings in the understory.
Transition T1C
State 1 to 3Logging, clearing, and then planting of non-native pasture grass mixes, and grazing. Maintenance with periodic mowing to prevent trees and shrubs from reestablishing.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 4Logging followed by agricultural conversion. Soil surface is disturbed by tillage or clearing of tree stumps and vegetation, and allows colonization by successional species. Field is then abandoned. If surrounding forests are still intact, they can provide native seed sources. If surrounding forests are not intact, or area is surrounded by agriculture, or other human development, nonnative species may become dominant.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1Control of understory to allow oak seedling recruitment. Prescribed fire will further advance the growth of oaks over fire sensitive species.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3Logging, clearing, and then planting of non-native pasture grass mixes, and grazing. Maintenance with periodic mowing to prevent trees and shrubs from reestablishing.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 4Logging followed by agricultural conversion and then abandonment. Soil surface is disturbed by tillage or clearing of tree stumps and vegetation, and allows colonization by successional species. If surrounding forests are still intact, they can provide native seed sources. If surrounding forests are not intact, or area is surrounded by agriculture, or other human development, nonnative species may become dominant.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2Return to the reference or post logged minimally managed state may require a very long term series of costly management options and stages. Many species may need to be planted or seeded to restore the system. If using acorns, direct seeding must be done fairly heavily. Herbivory can be a problem as well as competition from faster growing species. Depending on the existing seed bank and the proximity of a mature forest from which to recruit seeds, ruderal forests may regain a mixed forest stand. Nevertheless, sites that have been cleared and tilled have significant soil disturbance which may include compaction, erosion, loss of native soil structure, loss of soil organic matter, disruption of soil microorganisms, all which affect the soil’s nutrient availability and water holding capacity (Duiker and Myers, 2005). These characteristics favor recolonization by plant species that have wind dispersed seeds (verses those that propagate through underground roots called rhizomes, or which have heavy seeds that stay near the parent tree), are shade intolerant, have rapid to moderate growth rates, and drought tolerance. These communities are distinctly different from the reference forest state (Dyer, 2010).
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4Abandonment of pasture or old field. Discontinue mowing and do not allow grazing. Allow natural regeneration.
Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 1Return to the reference or post logged minimally managed state may require a very long term series of costly management options and stages. Many species may need to be planted or seeded to restore the system. If using acorns, direct seeding must be done fairly heavily. Herbivory can be a problem as well as competition from faster growing species. Depending on the existing seed bank and the proximity of a mature forest from which to recruit seeds, ruderal forests may regain a mixed forest stand. Nevertheless, sites that have been cleared and tilled have significant soil disturbance which may include compaction, erosion, loss of native soil structure, loss of soil organic matter, disruption of soil microorganisms, all which affect the soil’s nutrient availability and water holding capacity (Duiker and Myers, 2005). These characteristics favor recolonization by plant species that have wind dispersed seeds (verses those that propagate through underground roots called rhizomes, or which have heavy seeds that stay near the parent tree), are shade intolerant, have rapid to moderate growth rates, and drought tolerance. These communities are distinctly different from the reference forest state (Dyer, 2010).
Restoration pathway R4B
State 4 to 2Return to the reference or post logged minimally managed state may require a very long term series of costly management options and stages. Many species may need to be planted or seeded to restore the system. If using acorns, direct seeding must be done fairly heavily. Herbivory can be a problem as well as competition from faster growing species. Depending on the existing seed bank and the proximity of a mature forest from which to recruit seeds, ruderal forests may regain a mixed forest stand. Nevertheless, sites that have been cleared and tilled have significant soil disturbance which may include compaction, erosion, loss of native soil structure, loss of soil organic matter, disruption of soil microorganisms, all which affect the soil’s nutrient availability and water holding capacity (Duiker and Myers, 2005). These characteristics favor recolonization by plant species that have wind dispersed seeds (verses those that propagate through underground roots called rhizomes, or which have heavy seeds that stay near the parent tree), are shade intolerant, have rapid to moderate growth rates, and drought tolerance. These communities are distinctly different from the reference forest state (Dyer, 2010).
Transition T4A
State 4 to 3Logging, clearing, and then planting of non-native pasture grass mixes, and grazing. Maintenance with periodic mowing to prevent trees and shrubs from establishing.
Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 6. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 7. Community 1.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 9. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Site Development and Testing Plan Future work is needed, as described in a future project plan, to validate the information presented in this provisional ecological site description. Future work includes field sampling, data collection and analysis by qualified vegetation ecologists and soil scientists. As warranted, annual reviews of the project plan can be conducted by the Ecological Site Technical Team. A final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews of the ESD are necessary to approve a final document.
Other references
References
Anderson, M.G. M. Clark, C.E. Ferree, A. Jospe, A. Olivero Sheldon and K.J. Weaver. 2013. Northeast Habitat Guides: A companion to the terrestrial and aquatic habitat maps. The Nature Conservancy, Eastern Conservation Science, Eastern Regional Office. Boston, MA. http://nature.ly/HabitatGuide.
Bailey, R.G. 1995. Description of the ecoregions of the United States 2d ed. Rev. and expanded (1st ed. 1980). Misc. Publ. No. 1391 (rev.), Washington, DC: USDA Forest Service. 108p. with separate map at 1:7,500,000.
Barnes, J.H. and W.D. Sevon, 2002. The Geological Story of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Geological Survey Fourth Series, Harrisburg..
Brose, P. H., K.W. Gottschalk, S. B. Horsley, P.D. Knopp, J. N. Kochenderfer, B. J. McGuinness, G.W. Miller, T.E. Ristau, S. H. Stoleson, and S.L. Stout. 2008. Prescribing regeneration treatments for mixed-oak forests in the Mid-Atlantic region. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-33. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 100 p.)
Comer, P., D. Faber-Langendoen, R. Evans, S. Gawler, C. Josse, G. Kittel, S. Menard, M. Pyne, M. Reid, K. Schulz, K., Snow, and J. Teague. 2003. Ecological Systems of the United States: A Working Classification of U.S. Terrestrial Systems. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia.
Duiker, S. W. and J.C. Myers, 2005. Better Soils with the NoTill System, A Publication to Hellp Farmers Understand the Effect of No-Till Systems of the Soil. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Dyer, J. M. 2010. Land-use legacies in a central Appalachian forest differential response of trees and herbs to to historic agricultural practices. Applied Vegetation Science 13:195-206.
ESRI, arcgisonline.com/maps/World_Topo_Map, accessed April 3, 2017.
Fichter, L.S. and S.J. Baedke, 2000. Structural Cross Section Through the Blue Ridge Province in Central Virginia, last modified September 13, 2000, http://csmres.jmu.edu/geollab/vageol/vahist/blurdgdiv.html.
Fleming, G.P., K.D. Patterson, K. Taverna, and P.P. Coulling. 2013. The natural communities of Virginia: classification of ecological community groups. Second approximation. Version 2.6. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage, Richmond, VA.
Harrison, J.W. 2004. Classification of vegetation communities of Maryland: First iteration. NatureServe and Maryland Natural Heritage Program, Wildlife and Heritage Service, Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Annapolis, MD.
Hayden, B.P. and P.J. Michaels, “Virginia’s Climate.” Accessed April 5, 2017, http://climate.virginia.edu/description.htm.
LANDFIRE: LANDFIRE Biophysical Settings. (2010, January 01 - last update). U.S. Department of Interior, Geological Survey. [Online]. Available: http://landfire.cr.usgs.gov/viewer/ [2015, June 5].
LANDFIRE: LANDFIRE Existing Vegetation Type Layer. (2013, June – last update). U.S. Department of Interior, Geological Survey. [Online]. Available: https://landfire.cr.usgs.gov/viewer/[2015, June 5].
Latham, R. E., J. Beyea, M. Benner, C. A. Dunn, M. A. Fajvan, R. R. Freed, M. Grund, S. B. Horsley, A. F. Rhoads and B. P. Shissler. 2005. Managing White-tailed Deer in Forest Habitat From an Ecosystem Perspective: Pennsylvania Case Study. Report by the Deer Management Forum for Audubon Pennsylvania
and Pennsylvania Habitat Alliance, Harrisburg. xix + 340 pp.
NatureServe. 2009. International Ecological Classification Standard: Terrestrial Ecological
Classifications. NatureServe Central Databases. Arlington, VA, U.S.A. Data current as of 06 February 2009.
NatureServe 2017. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available http://explorer.natureserve.org. (Accessed: June 2017).
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2015. National Soils Information System.
Official Soil Survey, USDA-NRCS: https://soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/osdname.asp
PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University, http://prism.oregonstate.edu, created February 26, 2013.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Water and Climate Center, http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov, Accessed February 2015.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 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, 669p.
Woods, A.J., J.O. Omernik, D.D. Brown, C.W. Kiilsgaard. 1996. Level IV Ecoregions of EPA Region 3. US Environmental Protection Agency National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Corvallis, Oregon. Map scale 1:250,000.
United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2013, Level III ecoregions of the continental United States: Corvallis, Oregon, U.S. EPA National health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, map scale 1:7,500,000, http://www.epa.gov/wed/pages/ecoregions/level_iii_iv.htm.
Woods, A.J., J.O. Omernik, D.D. Brown, C.W. Kiilsgaard. 1996. Level IV Ecoregions of EPA Region 3. US Environmental Protection Agency National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Corvallis, Oregon. Map scale 1:250,000.
WVDNR [West Virginia Division of Natural Resources]. 2014. Plots2-WV database of community ecology plots. West Virginia Natural Heritage Program, WVDNR, Elkins, WV.
Zimmerman, E., T. Davis, G. Podniesinski, M. Furedi, J. McPherson, S. Seymour, B. Eichelberger, N. Dewar, J. Wagner, and J. Fike (editors). 2012. Terrestrial and Palustrine Plant Communities of Pennsylvania, 2nd Edition. Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.Contributors
Regional Soil Survey Staff
Approval
Greg Schmidt, 9/27/2024
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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