Barrens and savanna | Adaptation Workbook

Both systems typically have 30% canopy cover or less with a well-developed herbaceous layers. Barrens are found on shallow, excessively well-drained soils, and savannas are found on deeper soils. Both experience frequent low-intensity fires. Dominant species include blackjack, post, black, white, chinquapin, chestnut, and bur oak; shagbark and black hickory; eastern redcedar, and shortleaf pine.

Climate Impact Statements

Droughts may place greater stress on barrens compared to savannas due to differences in soil type.

Barrens and savannas may benefit from moderate increases in fire frequency by the end of the century.

Many species in barrens and savannas are projected to benefit from projected changes in climate over the next century, such as shortleaf pine, blackjack oak, post oak, and black hickory.

Changes in black and chinquapin oak in barrens and savannas over the next century may depend on whether summer precipitation increases or decreases.

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

Nonnative invasive species are expected to continue to be a problem in barrens and savannas in the future.

Herbaceous and graminoid species that are typically found in the understory in barrens and savannas may be dispersal limited.

Vulnerability

Low

Adaptive Capacity

Moderate