Closed woodland | Adaptation Workbook

Closed woodlands have 50-90% canopy cover, excessively well-drained soils, and are typically found on steep slopes. They experience frequent, low-intensity fires. Dominant species include black, white, and scarlet oak; mockernut and shagbark hickory; and shortleaf pine.

Climate Impact Statements

Climate change may increase fire frequency in closed woodlands across the Central Hardwoods region by the end of the century.

Projected decreases in soil moisture during the growing season are not expected to have a strong negative impact on closed woodlands.

Only one of the dominant species in closed woodlands, shagbark hickory, is projected to decline over the next century.

Habitat suitability for shortleaf pine is projected to increase across the Central Hardwoods region over the next century.

Projected changes in the red oak group species, which are common in closed woodlands, vary with climate scenario.

An increase in fire frequency by the end of the century could reduce woody species in the understory that have been detrimental to closed woodlands.

Many nonnative invasive plant species are expected to continue to be a problem in closed woodlands.

Closed woodlands have the potential to expand to sites currently characterized as dry-mesic communities.

Vulnerability

Low

Adaptive Capacity