Date of Award
Fall 1999
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS) in Biology
Department
Biology
Committee Chair
Dr. R. David Whetstone
Abstract
The county is herein documented to support 1,272 species and infraspecific taxa. During the course of this study, 359 county records were produced, and 18 new taxa were recorded as occurring in the state for the first time. The vascular flora is demonstrably rich, even in comparison to other ecosystematic studies completed within the State. In contrast to other counties and in conformity with a long land and water use history, Jackson County has nearly 20% of the flora comprising alien taxa. As expected and evidenced by the life-form spectra dominated by hemicryptophytes and therophytes, the species are well-adapted to climates with strong seasonal temperate climates. Leaf duration is predominately deciduous, a characteristic of the temperate environment.