![]() ![]() The remainingġ% is igneous (Wichita Mountains) or slightly metamorphic (parts of the Ouachita Mountains). The Ordovician to Pennsylvanian sandstones and shales in the southeast. Permian sandstones in the west, the Mississippian limestones in the northeast, and Approximately 99% of the formations are sedimentary e.g., the familiar Time period can be found exposed at one point or another within the state’s boundaries Geologically varied and complex (Johnson et al., 1979). In addition to being botanically diverse, Oklahoma also is physiographically and length of growing season (days Oklahoma Climatological Survey, 1997). normal precipitation effectiveness (% adapted from Curry, 1970).įigure 1c. (a) average annual precipitation (inches Oklahomaįigure 1b. Of the state, which has the mildest winter temperatures and the longest growing season.įigure 1a. ![]() Number of different species present in an area-is greatest in the southeast corner As might be expected, species richness-the Of a continental climate and familiar to all who live in the state, daily temperatureįluctuations can be abrupt and dramatic. The frost-free season averagesĢ25 days in the south to less than 170 days in the north (Figure 1c). In the eastern part of the state, temperatureĪverages are lower in the summer and higher in the winter. Temperature in Oklahoma also exhibits seasonal and geographical variation, although Mixedgrass prairie in the middle and shortgrass prairie in the west. With deciduous forests in the eastern third of the state giving way to tallgrass and The distribution of Oklahoma’s vegetation types generally reflects these two gradients, In 24 hours and an index of the growing conditions faced by plants-exhibits a gradientĪcross the state more than 65% in the east to less than 25% in the west (Figure 1b). Likewise, the Precipitation Effectiveness Index-the ratio of precipitation to evaporation In the extreme northwest-a gradient of about 1 inch (25 mm) of rainfall for everyġ5 miles (25 km) traveled from east to west (Figure 1a). Average yearly precipitation variesįrom more than 56 inches (1,400 mm) in the southeast to less than 16 inches (400 mm) Mexico than the drier western portion of the state. TheĮastern part of the state is more strongly influenced by moisture from the Gulf of In both precipitation and temperature (Oklahoma Climatological Survey, 1990). Oklahoma’s continental climate is characterized by geographical and seasonal variability Of this variation are presented in the following paragraphs. A plethora of different habitats for plants is present. This tremendous diversity of plant species and communities in Oklahoma reflects theĬonsiderable variation in the state’s climatic, physiographic, geological, and edaphicįeatures. Map on the cover)-reflects this diversity of species. ![]() Plant vegetation types present-14 are traditionally recognized (Duck and Fletcher Of the eastern deciduous forests and grasslands being most common. Representative of several phytogeographic regions are present, with species characteristic Juncture of several physiographic provinces, it is an ecological crossroad. Lies, 850 genera, and 2,465 species of vascular plants can be found. Botanically, Oklahoma is a remarkable state! Within its borders, 173 fami. ![]()
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