Home > Iowa Academy of Science > Journals & Newsletters > Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science > Volume 92 (1985) > Number 5
Document Type
Research
Keywords
Iowa vascular flora, Iowa Loess Hills prairie, Great Plains flora, phytogeography
Abstract
Based upon personal observations over a four year period, a preliminary overview of the phytogeographical significance of the prairies of the Loess Hills of western Iowa is discussed, concentrating upon a few representative taxa. A number of Great Plains vascular plant species reach the easternmost edge of their ranges in the Loess Hills. Climatic changes during the Holocene Period, especially during the Hypsithermal Interval, have had great effects upon the vegetation of the Great Plains and upon the xerophytic components of the Loess Hills. In addition, recent extended drought episodes have affected the flora. It is postulated that the Missouri River system has served, and may still serve, as a major migratory route for many of the Great Plains species found in the Loess Hills.
Publication Date
December 1985
Journal Title
Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science
Volume
92
Issue
5
First Page
213
Last Page
219
Copyright
© Copyright 1985 by the Iowa Academy of Science
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Novacek, Jean M.
(1985)
"The Loess Hills of Western Iowa: a Problem in Phytogeography,"
Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science, 92(5), 213-219.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/pias/vol92/iss5/13