Name:
Prunus serotina - Sassafras albidum - Amelanchier canadensis / Smilax rotundifolia Shrubland
Reference:
Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This maritime tall shrubland community of the North Atlantic Coast Ecoregion occurs on sheltered backdunes, bluffs, or more interior coastal areas not directly influenced by overwash but affected by salt spray and wind-pruning. Soils are coarse well-drained sand subject to considerable shifting during coastal storms, or till and sand deposits of terminal moraines. Physiognomy is variable and ranges from closed-canopy forest to open woodland to dense tall shrubland, and may be more accurately called scrub. Trees found in this community are usually stunted and flat-topped; the canopy may be only 3-7 m tall. Dominant trees vary locally and include Prunus serotina, Sassafras albidum, and Amelanchier canadensis, with admixtures of Quercus velutina, Pinus rigida, Juniperus virginiana, Acer rubrum, Amelanchier stolonifera, and in southern occurrences Quercus coccinea, Quercus falcata, and Ilex opaca. Additional shrub species may also contribute substantially to the canopy and include Vaccinium corymbosum, Morella pensylvanica (= Myrica pensylvanica), Gaylussacia baccata, Viburnum recognitum, Viburnum dentatum, and Rosa virginiana. A true shrub layer is generally not present. Lianas are common and can be dense in the canopy or the ground layer; species include Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Toxicodendron radicans, Smilax rotundifolia, and Smilax glauca. The understory is generally sparse with tree or vine seedlings plus herbaceous species including Aralia nudicaulis, Moehringia lateriflora (= Arenaria lateriflora), Maianthemum stellatum (= Smilacina stellata), and Maianthemum canadense. Several invasive species can be prevalent in this association including Lonicera morrowii, Lonicera japonica, Ligustrum vulgare, Berberis vulgaris, and Celastrus orbiculata.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.19050.PRUNUSSEROTINAS
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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