Loamy Bottomland

Description

This state is native oak savanna dominated by big bluestem and a wide variety of prairie forbs. This state occurs on level to gently sloping soils. Willow occurred in small groves or as scattered individuals across the landscape.

Two phases can occur that will transition back and forth depending on fire frequencies. Longer fire free intervals will allow woody species to increase such as oaks, prairie willow, dogwoods and wild plum. When fire intervals shorten these woody species will decrease.

This state is very rare. Nearly all former reference states have been converted to cool season grassland and intensive agriculture cropland. Small acres remain in a fire suppressed woodland community.