Flatwoods | Adaptation Workbook

Flatwoods have a claypan or fragipan layer, leading to a perched water table. Soils are wet in the winter and spring and dry in summer. They experience frequent moderate-low intensity fires. Pin, post, blackjack oak; shagbark, mockernut hickory; shortleaf pine, and blackgum.

Climate Impact Statements

Projected changes in soil moisture could have positive or negative impacts on flatwoods depending on relative magnitude.

The projected increase in fire frequency by the end of the century could have a positive impact on flatwoods.

Post oak, blackjack oak, pin oak and shortleaf pine, dominant species in flatwoods, are projected to increase or not change in habitat suitability over next century.

The only dominant species in flatwoods not projected to experience reductions in habitat suitability over the next century is shagbark hickory.

Conditions may become more favorable for common invasive cool-season grasses in flatwoods in the short term (next several decades).

As conditions become more favorable for fire by the end of the century, a reduction in woody plant encroachment in flatwoods could occur.

Flatwoods are unique in their ability to handle a wide range of disturbances, including drought, flooding, and fire.

Vulnerability

Low-Moderate

Adaptive Capacity

Moderate