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Prunus serotina - Amelanchier canadensis - Quercus spp. Shrubland Alliance | Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Prunus serotina - Amelanchier canadensis - Quercus spp. Shrubland Alliance Reference: Eastern Ecology Working Group of... 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.18689.PRUNUSSEROTINAA Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
	Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization) Perspective from: 26-Nov-1997 to: 01-May-2019
	status: accepted This Community's Level: Alliance This Community's Children: [none]		Names:   Scientific: Prunus serotina - Amelanchier canadensis - Quercus spp. Shrubland Alliance   Translated: Black Cherry - Canada Serviceberry - Oak species Shrubland Alliance   UID: HIGHER_CLASS_UNIT.2.126487 NatureServe Explorer   Code: A.237