Class: Dactylus glomerata - Rumex acetosella Herbaceous Vegetation (Cultivated Pasture) TNC Alliance Code: V.A.5.C.x.5.  6107 CMI Code: 6107 Type Locator: Restricted to the Floyd Estate

TNC Alliance Description:  These associations occur on mowed pastures and lawns at the William Floyd Estate. These broadly defined associations include pasture and post-agricultural fields, and are largely composed of non-native grasses and herbs (generally of European origin). Physiognomically, these grasslands are generally comprised of mid-height (1-3 feet tall) grasses and forbs, with occasional scattered shrubs. 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. In addition to Dactylis glomerata and Rumex acetosella these grassy fields are characterized by Symphyotrichum spp. (including Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (= Aster lateriflorus) and Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (= Aster novae-angliae)), Rudbeckia hirta, Pteridium aquilinum, Chenopodium album, Asclepias syriaca, Andropogon virginicus, Schizachyrium scoparium, Phytolacca americana, Phleum pratense, Poa pratensis, Poa compressa, Elymus repens (= Agropyron repens), Bromus inermis, Solidago spp. (including Solidago rugosa, Solidago nemoralis, Solidago juncea, Solidago canadensis, Solidago altissima), Euthamia graminifolia, Oenothera biennis, Potentilla simplex, Daucus carota, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Hieracium spp., Taraxacum officinale, Vicia cracca, Trifolium spp., and many others. Communities of this alliance occur throughout the northeastern United States and beyond.
 

Photo Interpretation: This type is found on the William Floyd Estate where past land use practice has left openings in the forest. This type was seeded and used for managing game for hunting. It is easily classified from the photography as very lawn-like tan and green areas. They differ species composition due primarily to management (i.e., mowing, seeding, etc.). Older, less disturbed areas are reverting to Successional Meadow.
 

Aerial Photo Samples:

 

Field Notes:  The fields and lawns of the Floyd Estate.  With Dactylus glomerata and other non-native grass species prevalent.
 

Ground Photos:

Similar Alliances:  None