Silty Upland

Description

The historic pre-European settlement vegetation (reference state) was an oak-hickory forest with a shade-tolerant herbaceous understory. These communities were common throughout the MLRA. Silty Upland ecological sites are on uplands with slopes ranging from 0% to 18% slope. The reference ecological site has a closed canopy dominated by mature oak and hickory trees. Species on site include white oak (Quercus alba), northern red oak (Quercus rubra), bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa), black oak (Quercus velutina), shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), black walnut (Juglans nigra), mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa) and pignut hickory (Carya glabra). Other trees on site may include hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), black cherry (Prunus serotina), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), and maples (Acer spp.).

The shrub layer is quite variable depending on slope, aspect, and soil characteristics. Common species are flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), stiff dogwood (Cornus foemina), hazelnut (Corylus americana), and less commonly, pricklyash (Zanthoxylum americanum).

The herbaceous layer usually includes a diversity of native woodland plants such as American hogpeanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata), rattlesnake fern (Botrychium virginianum), pointed ticktrefoil (Desmodium glutinosum), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), shining bedstraw (Galium concinnum), spotted geranium (Geranium maculatum), Clayton’s sweet root (Osmorhiza claytonii), clustered blacksnakeroot (Sanicula odorata), tall thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana), feathery false lily of the valley (Maianthemum racemosum) and others.

Historically, natural disturbances such as fire, ungulate grazing and wind damage impacted the maintenance and regeneration of these sites. Today, a continual lack of fire on these sites will increase the density of fire-intolerant species such as tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), red maple (Acer rubrum), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), white ash (Fraxinus americana) and basswood (Tilia americana).

Submodel

Description

Most remaining Silty Upland sites have been disturbed due to clearing, grazing, selective harvest or long-term fire suppression. Trees on site, will depending on the type, length and severity of disturbances. However, sites that have had a long-term absence of fire will display the following characteristics: an increase in fire -intolerant species, an increase in shrub density, an increase in leaf-litter buildup, and an increase in shade-tolerant understory species. Diversity of species may also be reduced, especially if there has been an introduction of non-native species such as bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii).

Submodel

Description

A portion of these sites have been converted to pastureland or forage production. Species selection will depend upon the objectives and goals of the landowner; however, commonly planted grasses include tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), brome (Bromus spp.), white clover (Trifolium repens) and red clover (Trifolium pratense). Species health and productivity are determined by the management and long-term overgrazing on some sites has caused soil erosion and compaction.

Submodel

Description

This is a state is only appropriate for sites on lower slopes. Soil erosion potential on higher slope sites makes them more appropriate for forestland or managed grazing. These sites are usually found on slopes less than 8 - 10 percent. Common crops include corn (Zea mays), soybeans (Glycine max), and occasionally winter wheat (Triticum aestivum). Some landowners choose to convert sites to cool season grasses for a period before resuming cropland production.

Submodel