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A.237 | EcoArt 2002
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Name: A.237
Reference: EcoArt 2002
Description: This alliance includes temperate deciduous maritime shrublands, generally occurring on the lee side of sand dunes. The physiognomy of this vegetation is highly variable and may range from open woodland to stunted forest to dense nearly impenetrable thicket. Individual trees tend to be wind-pruned and multiple-stemmed. The canopy may contain ~Prunus serotina var. serotina, Amelanchier canadensis, Pinus taeda, Photinia pyrifolia (= Aronia arbutifolia)$, and ~Sassafras albidum$ in varying proportions. ~Acer rubrum, Diospyros virginiana$, and ~Malus angustifolia$ may also be present; ~Pinus taeda$ and ~Ilex opaca var. opaca$ may occur locally. ~Morella cerifera (= Myrica cerifera)$ may form a subcanopy, but if the community is particularly stunted, this species may contribute substantially to the canopy as well. This vegetation combines with tall ~Vaccinium formosum$ to form dense thickets. Examples support vines in great abundance, such as ~Smilax rotundifolia, Smilax glauca, Parthenocissus quinquefolia$, and ~Toxicodendron radicans$. Herbs are generally scarce to entirely lacking, due to heavy shading from the dense canopy above, and when present are generally tree and vine seedlings sparsely scattered on the dry leaf litter. ~Festuca rubra$ and ~Rumex acetosella$ may also be present. Some examples on the coast are subject to salt spray and winds, exhibiting wind pruning. The substrate varies from pure sand directly adjacent to the ocean, to loamy sands in more sheltered areas. Vegetation in these sheltered areas is sometimes referred to as 'sunken forest.' This name refers to the topographic position of these examples, which are found in large depressions, lower in elevation (by 1-3 m) than the interdunes. These examples are shielded from strong prevailing winds and salt spray, which permits lush growth of broadleaf shrub and vine species. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.1749.A237
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 26-Nov-1997 to: 17-Mar-2005
     
  • status: accepted
  • Community's Parent: III.B.2.N.a
  • This Community's Level: Alliance
  • This Community's Children: [none]
Names:   Scientific: PRUNUS SEROTINA - AMELANCHIER CANADENSIS - QUERCUS SPP. SHRUBLAND ALLIANCE
  Code: A.237
  Common: Black Cherry - Canada Serviceberry - Oak species Shrubland Alliance
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(undetermined) Prunus serotina - Amelanchier canadensis - Quercus spp. Shrubland Alliance