Hydric hammock with shell midden at NW edge of Lake George. Canopy of large Quercus virginiana (60 feet, up to 36" dbh) and occasional Carya aquatica. Subcanopy of abundant Sabal palmetto (30-40 feet) and occasional Sapindus saponaria (40 feet, up to 8" dbh). Numerous Sabal seedlings make up the shrub stratum. Oplismenus setarius grows in patches covering the leaf litter and mucky soil. The recent tropical storm Gabrielle caused flooding into the hammock killing Oplismenus at slightly lower elevations. The water level remains high but has receded about one foot in the past several weeks. Many snail shells in soil where Sabal had been uprooted (Photo #41). Matelea gonocarpus by edge of lake.
