Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Blackland Prairie

Blooming of prairies typically occur during the end of April.
The Texas Blackland Prairie is a tallgrass prairie, and it is the most critically endangered ecosystem of North America. What has not been converted into cropland or pasture due to its rich soil has been removed for urban development. While approximately 50,501 km² (19,498 mi²) of Texas land is classified as Blackland Prairie, undisturbed prairie accounts for less than 1% of this region, and everyday, that amount decreases.

Prairie winds and threatened bumblebees.
On average, the region classified as Blackland Prairie has rainfall between 750 mm to 1,150 mm (30 in to 45 in). While rainfall is moderate, summer droughts are not uncommon. The topography ranges between rolling hills and level land. There are forested areas, but these are restricted to drainages and waterways.

Non-native species can often create issues in conservation.
The Blackland Prairie is a true prairie grassland community shaped by fires and grazing of bison. While little bluestem is the dominant grass, Indiangrass, big bluestem, switchgrass, and eastern gamagrass are also major species. Where there are rivers, trees such as various oaks, elm, cottonwood, hackberry, and pecan can be found. Of the forbs, tickclover, trailing wildbean, thistle, and gayfeather are common.

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