Name:
Alnus (incana, serrulata, maritima) Tidal Shrubland Alliance
Reference:
Southeastern Ecology Working Gro...
Description:
Tidal freshwater, or perhaps also oligohaline, shrublands dominated by Alnus serrulata and/or Alnus incana. Alnus maritima dominates some tidal shrublands on the Delmarva peninsula. In some examples one or both of these may be characteristically dominant or nearly so. Other examples may be more semi-open with a mixed canopy of Alnus with other shrubs such as Cornus amomum, Rosa palustris, and Ilex verticillata. Other woody plants which may be present include Sambucus canadensis, Salix spp., Amorpha fruticosa, Cephalanthus occidentalis, and Toxicodendron radicans. More northern examples may contain Viburnum recognitum and Spiraea alba var. latifolia (= Spiraea latifolia). This alliance occurs along tidal freshwater reaches of rivers. One association is recognized along the south Atlantic Coast to South Carolina and possibly elsewhere. This can occur as a fringing shrubland, zonal between Zizania aquatica tidal marshes and tidal cypress - gum forests. Less commonly it occupies large patches in freshwater marshes. Other species characteristic of tidal situations often occur, including Rosa palustris and Zizania aquatica. Another association is recognized in coastal areas with tidally influenced river systems from Maine to Virginia. Flood waters are typically slightly acid (pH less than 5) and soils are usually mineral without significant peat deposits. In these examples, Carex stricta may also be present and there is a great deal of micro-relief (tussocks and furrows) leading to high species diversity. Some shrub associates include Decodon verticillatus and Toxicodendron vernix; some herbaceous associates are Osmunda regalis, Thelypteris palustris, Galium spp., Typha latifolia, Peltandra virginica, Mikania scandens, Symphyotrichum novi-belgii (= Aster novi-belgii), Boehmeria cylindrica, Impatiens capensis, Triadenum walteri, Asclepias incarnata, Carex emoryi, Carex atlantica ssp. atlantica (= Carex incomperta), Eriophorum virginicum, Platanthera clavellata, and Xyris torta.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.18013.ALNUSINCANASERR
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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- status: accepted
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This Community's Level:
Alliance
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 This Community's Children:
[none]
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Names:
Scientific: Alnus (incana, serrulata, maritima) Tidal Shrubland Alliance
Translated: (Speckled Alder, Smooth Alder, Seaside Alder) Tidal Shrubland Alliance
UID: HIGHER_CLASS_UNIT.2.125942
NatureServe
Explorer
Code: A.1024
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