Open woodland | Adaptation Workbook

Open woodlands have 30-50% canopy cover, excessively well-drained soils, and are typically found on flat ridgetops. They experience very frequent, low-intensity fires. Dominant species include blackjack, white, chinquapin, and post oak;black hickory; eastern redcedar and shortleaf pine.

Climate Impact Statements

Dry soils during the summer coupled with conditions suitable for fire are expected to be beneficial for open woodlands.

Many tree species in open woodlands are projected to experience increases in habitat suitability by the end of the century, such as shortleaf pine, blackjack and post oak, and black hickory.

Changes in black, chinquapin, and scarlet oak, which are common in open woodlands, may depend on whether summer precipitation increases or decreases over the next century.

Eastern redcedar, which outcompetes herbaceous vegetation in open woodlands, is projected to be relatively unaffected by future climate changes over the next century.

Sericea lespedeza invasion is a particular problem in open woodlands, and will potentially become more problematic over the next century.

Decreases in open woodlands in areas that become too dry or fire-prone could be offset by transition from closed woodlands to open woodland.

Vulnerability

Low

Adaptive Capacity

High

Potential Impacts