SERPENTINE GRASSLANDS

Serpentine grasslands are dense, prairie-like habitats that occur in southeastern Pennsylvania and adjacent Maryland. These unique habitats are found in areas underlain by serpentinite bedrock. Serpentine rock is poor in calcium and other major plant nutrients and rich in elements toxic to plants such as chromium and nickel. Plants that grow in Serpentine grasslands are highly adapted to this harsh environment and many are considered rare, threatened or endangered in Pennsylvania.

Where to see serpentine grasslands in Pennsylvania:

• Nottingham Serpentine Barrens https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nnlandmarks/site.htm?Site=NOPA-PA
• State Line Serpentine Barrens https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/state-line-serpentine-barrens/
• Chrome Barrens https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/chrome-barrens/

Grasses found in these habitats include:

• Purple lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis)
• Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)
• Arrow-feather threeawn (Aristida purpurescens).

Other common herbaceous plants include:

• Plantain pussytoes (Antennaria plantaginifolia)
• Whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata)
• Gray goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis).

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LAKE ERIE SHORELINE GRASSLANDS

Many habitats comprise the shoreline areas of the Great Lakes. In Pennsylvania, Lake Erie shoreline habitats occur from the normal water line to the upper limit of winter storms and support a mix of upland forests, wetlands, beaches, and sandplains.

Where to see Lake Erie shoreline grasslands in Pennsylvania:

• Presque Isle https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/presque-isle-state-park.htm

Vegetation is typically sparse and includes:

• American beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata)
• Sea-rocket (Cakile edentula)
• Canada wild-rye (Elymus canadensis)
• Silverweed (Potentilla anserina)
• Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium)

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RIDGETOP BARREN GRASSLANDS

Ridgetop Barren Grasslands occur in the central and northeastern part of Pennsylvania where soils are well drained, sandy and acidic.  Despite their name, barrens are diverse places with abundant ground cover, shrubs, herbaceous pockets, and scattered trees. In the past, native-set fires as well as lightning-strikes played an integral role in maintaining these habitats. Today ridgetop barrens are forested and punctuated with grass-dominated rocky outcrops.

Where to see RidgeTop Barren-Grasslands in Pennsylvania:

• Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/dick-and-nancy-eales-preserve-at-moosic-mount/
• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area https://www.nps.gov/dewa/index.htm

Grasses typically found in ridgetop barrens
include:

• Wavy hair grass (Deschampsia flexuosa)
• Poverty grass (Danthonia spicata)
• Other herbaceous plants include:
• Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica)

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RIVER SCOUR GRASSLANDS

River Scour Grasslands occur on sand, gravel and cobble deposits  long the banks of large rivers in the Ohio, Susquehanna, and Delaware
river basins of Pennsylvania. River scour habitats are subject to high intensity flooding and seasonal freezing and thawing cycles that restrict the growth and establishment of tree species. This community is characterized by a dense graminoid layer with scattered short shrubs.

Where to see River Scour Grasslands in Pennsylvania:

• Ohiopyle State Park https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/ohiopyle-state-park.html
• Clarion Wild and Scenic River https://www.rivers.gov/river/clarion
• Susquehanna River Water Trail https://susquehannariverlands.com/the-great-outdoors/on-the-water/water-trails/susquehanna-river-water-trail/
• Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River https://www.nps.gov/upde/index.htm
  

Prominant grasses include:

• Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans)
• Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Other herbaceous plants include:

• Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
• Grass-leaved goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia)
• Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)