Photo by Eric Epstein
- WDNR
State Rank: S2 Global Rank: G3 what are these ranks?
Historically, this grassland community was common in parts of southern Wisconsin, occurring on slightly less droughty sites than dry prairie. Today, this community type is rare because of conversion of land to agricultural uses or the encroachment of woody vegetation due to the lack of wildfire. Dry-mesic prairie has many of the same grasses as dry prairie but is dominated by taller species such as big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans). Needle grass (Stipa spartea) and prairie drop-seed (Sporobolus heterolepis) may also be present. The herb component is more diverse than in dry prairies, as it may include many species that occur in both dry and mesic prairies. Composites and legumes are particularly well-represented in relatively undisturbed stands.
Soils are often somewhat sandy, either loamy sands or sandy loams. The landscape associations that can support this type include terraces on the margins of large river valleys, sandy outwash deposits, gravelly moraines, and the lower slopes of Driftless Area bluffs. As with the other tallgrass prairie communities (mesic prairie and wet-mesic prairie), well over 99% of this prairie type has been lost.
The following Species of Greatest Conservation Need are listed according to their level of association with the Dry-mesic Prairie natural community type, based on the findings in Wisconsin's 2015 Wildlife Action Plan.
Scores: 3 = high association, 2 = moderate association, and 1 = low association. See the key to association scores for complete definitions.
| Ants, wasps, and bees | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| American Bumble Bee | Bombus pensylvanicus | 2 |
| Silphium Terminal Gall Wasp | Antistrophus silphii | 2 |
| Yellow Bumble Bee | Bombus fervidus | 2 |
| A Cuckoo Bee | Epeolus ainsliei | 1 |
| An Anthophorid Bee | Neolarra vigilans | 1 |
| Confusing Bumble Bee | Bombus perplexus | 1 |
| Rusty-patched Bumble Bee | Bombus affinis | 1 |
| Aquatic and terrestrial snails | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth Coil | Helicodiscus singleyanus | 3 |
| Trumpet Vallonia | Vallonia parvula | 2 |
| Wing Snaggletooth | Gastrocopta procera | 1 |
| Beetles | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| A Colaspis Leaf Beetle | Colaspis suggona | 3 |
| A Leaf Beetle | Saxinis omogera | 3 |
| A Leaf Beetle | Bassareus lituratus | 3 |
| A Case-bearing Leaf Beetle | Triachus vacuus | 2 |
| A Leaf Beetle | Pachybrachis peccans | 2 |
| A Leaf Beetle | Pachybrachis atomarius | 2 |
| A Leaf Beetle | Glyptina brunnea | 2 |
| A Leaf Beetle | Brachypnoea convexa | 2 |
| A Pear-shaped Weevil | Coelocephalapion decoloratum | 2 |
| A Leaf Beetle | Pachybrachis luridus | 1 |
| A Leaf Beetle | Cryptocephalus cuneatus | 1 |
| A Pear-shaped Weevil | Trichapion perforicolle | 1 |
| A Pear-shaped Weevil | Sayapion segnipes | 1 |
| Birds | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| Bobolink | Dolichonyx oryzivorus | 3 |
| Dickcissel | Spiza americana | 3 |
| Eastern Meadowlark | Sturnella magna | 3 |
| Grasshopper Sparrow | Ammodramus savannarum | 3 |
| Greater Prairie-Chicken | Tympanuchus cupido | 3 |
| Henslow's Sparrow | Ammodramus henslowii | 3 |
| Upland Sandpiper | Bartramia longicauda | 3 |
| Western Meadowlark | Sturnella neglecta | 3 |
| Bell's Vireo | Vireo bellii | 2 |
| Brewer's Blackbird | Euphagus cyanocephalus | 2 |
| Common Nighthawk | Chordeiles minor | 2 |
| Loggerhead Shrike | Lanius ludovicianus | 2 |
| Long-eared Owl | Asio otus | 2 |
| Northern Bobwhite | Colinus virginianus | 2 |
| Sharp-tailed Grouse | Tympanuchus phasianellus | 2 |
| Short-eared Owl | Asio flammeus | 2 |
| Vesper Sparrow | Pooecetes gramineus | 2 |
| Yellow-breasted Chat | Icteria virens | 1 |
| Butterflies and moths | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| Phlox Moth | Schinia indiana | 3 |
| A Noctuid Moth | Dichagyris reliqua | 2 |
| Abbreviated Underwing Moth | Catocala abbreviatella | 2 |
| Byssus Skipper | Problema byssus | 2 |
| Cross Line Skipper | Polites origenes | 2 |
| Leadplant Flower Moth | Schinia lucens | 2 |
| Liatris Borer Moth | Papaipema beeriana | 2 |
| Ottoe Skipper | Hesperia ottoe | 2 |
| Regal Fritillary | Speyeria idalia | 2 |
| Whitney's Underwing Moth | Catocala whitneyi | 2 |
| Columbine Dusky Wing | Erynnis lucilius | 1 |
| Dusted Skipper | Atrytonopsis hianna | 1 |
| Gorgone Checker Spot | Chlosyne gorgone | 1 |
| Karner Blue | Lycaeides melissa samuelis | 1 |
| Mottled Dusky Wing | Erynnis martialis | 1 |
| Silphium Borer Moth | Papaipema silphii | 1 |
| Grasshoppers and allies | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| Velvet-striped Grasshopper | Eritettix simplex | 3 |
| Gladston's Spur-throat Grasshopper | Melanoplus gladstoni | 2 |
| Green-streak Grasshopper | Hesperotettix viridis | 2 |
| Handsome Grasshopper | Syrbula admirabilis | 2 |
| Mermiria Grasshopper | Mermiria bivittata | 2 |
| Obscure Grasshopper | Opeia obscura | 2 |
| Plains Yellow-winged Grasshopper | Arphia simplex | 2 |
| Short-winged Grasshopper | Dichromorpha viridis | 2 |
| Showy Grasshopper | Hesperotettix speciosus | 2 |
| Speckled Rangeland Grasshopper | Arphia conspersa | 2 |
| Spotted-winged Grasshopper | Orphulella pelidna | 2 |
| Blue-legged Grasshopper | Melanoplus flavidus | 1 |
| Club-horned Grasshopper | Aeropedellus clavatus | 1 |
| Grizzly Spur-throat Grasshopper | Melanoplus punctulatus | 1 |
| Scudder's Short-winged Grasshopper | Melanoplus scudderi | 1 |
| Stone's Locust | Melanoplus stonei | 1 |
| Leafhoppers and true bugs | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| A Leafhopper | Memnonia panzeri | 3 |
| A Leafhopper | Cuerna sayi | 3 |
| A Leafhopper | Attenuipyga vanduzeei | 3 |
| A Leafhopper | Paraphlepsius nebulosus | 3 |
| A Leafhopper | Paraphlepsius altus | 3 |
| A Leafhopper | Paraphlepsius maculosus | 3 |
| A Leafhopper | Prairiana kansana | 3 |
| A Planthopper | Myndus ovatus | 3 |
| An Issid Planthopper | Fitchiella robertsonii | 3 |
| An Issid Planthopper | Bruchomorpha extensa | 3 |
| Prairie Leafhopper | Polyamia dilata | 3 |
| Red-tailed Prairie Leafhopper | Aflexia rubranura | 3 |
| Yellow Loosestrife Leafhopper | Erythroneura carbonata | 3 |
| A Leafhopper | Driotura robusta | 2 |
| A Leafhopper | Kansendria kansiensis | 2 |
| A Leafhopper | Laevicephalus vannus | 2 |
| A Leafhopper | Prairiana cinerea | 2 |
| A Planthopper | Rhynchomitra microrhina | 2 |
| Piglet Bug | Aphelonema simplex | 2 |
| A Leafhopper | Prairiana angustens | 1 |
| A Seed Bug | Slaterobius quadristriata | 1 |
| Mammals | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin's Ground Squirrel | Poliocitellus franklinii | 3 |
| Prairie Deer Mouse | Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii | 2 |
| Big Brown Bat | Eptesicus fuscus | 1 |
| Prairie Vole | Microtus ochrogaster | 1 |
| Reptiles | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| Butler's Gartersnake | Thamnophis butleri | 3 |
| Eastern Massasauga | Sistrurus catenatus | 3 |
| Gophersnake | Pituophis catenifer | 3 |
| Plains Gartersnake | Thamnophis radix | 3 |
| Prairie Ring-necked Snake | Diadophis punctatus arnyi | 3 |
| Prairie Skink | Plestiodon septentrionalis | 3 |
| Slender Glass Lizard | Ophisaurus attenuatus | 3 |
| Blanding's Turtle | Emydoidea blandingii | 2 |
| Gray Ratsnake | Pantherophis spiloides | 2 |
| Lined Snake | Tropidoclonion lineatum | 2 |
| North American Racer | Coluber constrictor | 2 |
| Ornate Box Turtle | Terrapene ornata | 2 |
| Timber Rattlesnake | Crotalus horridus | 2 |
| Wood Turtle | Glyptemys insculpta | 2 |
| Six-lined Racerunner | Aspidoscelis sexlineata | 1 |
| Western Ribbonsnake | Thamnophis proximus | 1 |
| Western Wormsnake | Carphophis vermis | 1 |
Please see Section 2. Approach and Methods of the Wildlife Action Plan to learn how this information was developed.
The Natural Heritage Inventory has developed scores indicating the degree to which each of Wisconsin's rare plant species is associated with a particular natural community or ecological landscape. This information is similar to that found in the Wildlife Action Plan for animals. As this is a work in progress, we welcome your suggestions and feedback.
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Anticlea elegans ssp. glaucus | White Camas | 3 |
| Callirhoe triangulata | Clustered Poppy-mallow | 1 |
| Cirsium hillii | Hill's Thistle | 2 |
| Cuscuta pentagona | Field Dodder | 3 |
| Echinacea pallida | Pale Purple Coneflower | 3 |
| Houstonia caerulea | Azure Bluets | 2 |
| Hypericum prolificum | Shrubby St. John's-wort | 2 |
| Lespedeza leptostachya | Prairie Bush Clover | 3 |
| Liatris punctata var. nebraskana | Dotted Blazing Star | 1 |
| Packera plattensis | Prairie Ragwort | 2 |
| Paronychia canadensis | Smooth Forked Nail-wort | 1 |
| Pediomelum esculentum | Prairie Turnip | 2 |
| Penstemon hirsutus | Hairy Beardtongue | 3 |
| Penstemon pallidus | Pale Beardtongue | 2 |
| Polygala incarnata | Pink Milkwort | 2 |
| Prenanthes aspera | Rough Rattlesnake-root | 3 |
| Ruellia humilis | Hairy Wild Petunia | 3 |
| Scleria triglomerata | Whip Nutrush | 1 |
| Sisyrinchium albidum | White Blue-eyed-grass | 2 |
| Thaspium trifoliatum var. flavum | Purple Meadow Parsnip | 1 |
| Valeriana edulis var. ciliata | Hairy Valerian | 2 |
The following Ecological Landscapes have the best opportunities to manage for Dry-mesic Prairie, based on the Ecological Landscapes of Wisconsin Handbook.
| Ecological Landscape | Opportunity |
|---|---|
| Southeast Glacial Plains | Major |
| Southwest Savanna | Major |
| Western Coulee and Ridges | Major |
| Central Sand Plains | Important |
| Western Prairie | Important |
| Central Sand Hills | Present |
| Southern Lake Michigan Coastal | Present |
Major (3 on map)
A major opportunity for sustaining the natural community in the Ecological Landscape exists, either because many significant occurrences of the natural community have been recorded in the landscape or major restoration activities are likely to be successful maintaining the community's composition, structure, and ecological function over a longer period of time.
Important (2 on map)
Although the natural community does not occur extensively or commonly in the Ecological Landscape, one to several occurrences do occur and are important in sustaining the community in the state. In some cases, important opportunities may exist because the natural community may be restricted to just one or a few Ecological Landscapes within the state and there may be a lack of opportunities elsewhere.
Present (1 on map)
The natural community occurs in the Ecological Landscape, but better management opportunities appear to exist in other parts of the state.
Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the WWAP because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.
Threats/issues and conservations actions for natural communities
The following are additional considerations for Dry-mesic Prairie in Ecological Landscapes with opportunities for protection, restoration, and/or management. For more information, see the Wildlife Action Plan.
The type is very rare in the Ecological Landscape. Most of the few occurrences that have been documented are in rights-of-way, and have been seriously degraded by the encroachment of woody plants and colonization by invasive weeds. There may be limited opportunities for restoration and expansion in this Ecological Landscape, but the priority and feasibility of these have not been adequately assessed. An example is found at Mill Bluff State Park (Juneau County).
Historically common in this Ecological Landscape, the type is now very limited in extent, but there are more opportunities here than in most other Ecological Landscapes. The relatively flat topography of the Ecological Landscape led to extensive conversion of prairie to agriculture. Areas that are sandy, relatively infertile, steeply sloping, or where bedrock is near the surface, were less likely to have been plowed. Such sites are where most remnants are found. Most examples are along the southeastern edge of the Ecological Landscape near the relatively rugged Kettle Moraine, and in the southernmost portion of the Ecological Landscape that was not glaciated during the Wisconsin Ice Age. Elsewhere, most of the remnants are restricted to rights-of-way. Urban expansion is occurring in some locations, especially near larger cities, and can further impact prairie remnants and limit the opportunity to manage with prescribed fire. Many dry-mesic prairie remnants exist, however acreage is not extensive (e.g., Westport Drumlin Prairie (Dane County), Arlington Prairie and Hawk Hill (Columbia County), Muralt Bluff Prairie and Oliver Prairie (Green County)). Most of the high-quality remnants are being protected and managed appropriately. Opportunities to connect remnants and expand grasslands that can be managed compatibly with prairies should be sought. Grazing is not occurring on the quality remnants at this time.
Historically common in this Ecological Landscape, the type is now limited in extent. Conversion to agriculture has occurred throughout the Ecological Landscape, but there are important opportunities for restoration in large acreages of pasture that have never been plowed. Methods of grazing that are compatible with grassland management objectives should be studied and developed. Large-scale prescribed burning, or other means of reducing woody vegetation or weeds, may be needed. Urban expansion is occurring in some locations and can impact prairie remnants and limit the opportunity to manage with prescribed fire. Underwood Prairie (Iowa County), Mud Branch Prairie (Lafayette County), and Green's Cemetery Prairie (Green County) are examples of this type.
Historically common in this Ecological Landscape, the type is now limited in extent. It is occasionally found on wider ridge tops, below dry prairies on lower hill slopes, and on terraces along larger rivers. The flatter topography where this community type occurred was more extensively converted to agriculture and residential development, but there are still important opportunities for restoration. Urban expansion is occurring in locations around larger cities. Examples of this type are found at Black Earth Prairie State Natural Area (Dane County), Avoca Prairie State Natural Area (Iowa County), Midway Railroad Prairie State Natural Area (La Crosse County), La Crosse River Trail Prairie State Natural Area (Monroe County), and Snake Bluff (Juneau County).
The type is extremely rare in the Ecological Landscape because of the almost total conversion of prairie to agricultural uses. Urban expansion is occurring and increasing rapidly throughout the Ecological Landscape. A few sites on Waterfowl Production Areas are suited for restoration. Examples are found at Bass Lake Prairie, Ulrich Prairie, and Ogburns Prairie (St. Croix County).
Click to view a larger version. Please considering donating your photos to the Natural Heritage Conservation Program for educational uses. Photo use
Dry-mesic prairie within an active railroad right of way. La Crosse River Trail Prairies SNA, La Crosse - Monroe Counties.
Photo by Eric Epstein.
Grassland landscape in eastern Iowa County with patches of native prairie, prairie pasture, CRP, and ag lands. Barneveld Prairie.
Photo by Eric Epstein.
Dry-mesic prairie, Iowa County, part of the Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area.
Photo by Eric Epstein.
This open landscape in SW WI is composed of CRP lands, grassy pastures, hayfields, remnant prairies. Such areas are now very scarce but provide essential habitat for grassland fauna.
Photo by Thomas Meyer.
Dry-mesic prairie. Dane County, Western Coulees and Ridges ecological landscape.
Photo by Thomas Meyer.
Note: photos are provided to illustrate various examples of natural community types. A single photograph cannot represent the range of variability inherent in a given community type. Some of these photos explicitly illustrate unusual and distinctive community variants. The community photo galleries are a work in progress that we will expand and improve in the future.