The Vegetative Community

Grasses- Jointed stems with leaves in two rows. Leaves are parallel veined. Stems are hollow between the joints.

Grass-likes- Look like grasses but with solid stems. Stems are often triangular. Sedges and rushes are in this category.

Forbs- Broad-leaved plants with above ground growth that dies back each year. Most forbs have net veins but a few are parallel. Broadleaf weeds and wildflowers are forbs.

Shrubs- Persistent woody stems that remain alive from one year to the next.

Components

GRASS

SHRUB

FORBGRASS-LIKE

Origin Native- Plants of the original vegetation of

North America. Introduced- Plants brought from outside

North America.Growth Cool Season- Majority of growth is during

cool temperatures of the spring and fall months.

Warm Season- Most growth is during late spring and summer.

Life Span

Annual- Only live one season

Biennial- Live two years but only flower during the second growing season.

Perennial- Live multiple years.

Growth Form

Rhizomatous- Spread by underground stems called rhizomes.

Stoloniferous- Spread by aboveground stems called stolons.

Bunch- Spread neither by stolons or rhizomes. They grow in dense clumps.

RHIZOMATOUS

STOLONIFEROUS

BUNCH

Grasses◦ Complex root system that holds soil in place and

preserves soil moisture◦ High source of nutrition for grazing animals

Light grazing benefits grass “Graze half, leave half”

◦ If all of the leaves are consumed, recovery of grasses takes longer

Grasses

Increaser- Varieties of grasses that thrive under heavier grazing. Adaptations that allow them to access resources more

efficiently Often unpalatable and therefore are avoided by

herbivores Decreaser- Varieties of grasses that are easily

damaged with even light grazing. Invader- Plats that move into an area after it

has been badly overgrazed. Occasionally will move into areas that are badly

undergrazed

Grasses