Rangeland Plant Life Forms

Allen et al. (2011) defined rangelands as arid and semi-arid land on which the indigenous vegetation is predominantly grasses, grass-like plants, forbs, or shrubs that are grazed or have the potential to be grazed, and which is used as a natural ecosystem for the production of livestock and wildlife. Rangelands may include natural grasslands, savannas, shrub lands, many deserts, steppes, tundras, alpine communities, and marshes.

Rangelands are recognized as the largest land type on the planet, occupying up to 70% of the Earth’s terrestrial surface area, excluding Antarctica. In this article, we discuss common life forms, life cycles (annuals, biennials, and perennials), and growing seasons (cool vs. warm season) of rangeland plants.