Name:
Quercus rubra - (Acer saccharum) Forest Alliance
Reference:
Midwestern Ecology Working Group...
Description:
This alliance, found in the midwestern, southeastern and eastern United States as well as Ontario, Canada, contains mesic forests dominated by Quercus rubra. Although Acer saccharum may not be dominant, its usual association with more mesic habitats makes it characteristic of this alliance. Ericaceous shrubs may be present but, except in some cases for Kalmia latifolia, are generally not prominent in these communities. Other canopy associates may include Quercus alba, Quercus velutina, Betula lenta (in the East), Fraxinus americana, Tilia americana, Ulmus americana, Acer rubrum, and Fagus grandifolia. In the East Cornus florida often forms a prominent subcanopy; in the Midwest Prunus virginiana, Prunus serotina, and Ostrya virginiana can do the same. Typical shrubs include Hamamelis virginiana, Acer pensylvanicum (in the North), Lindera benzoin, Amelanchier spp., and Corylus cornuta. Viburnum acerifolium is a characteristic shrub in this alliance. Herbs include Polystichum acrostichoides, Medeola virginiana, and Geranium maculatum. These forests typically occur on deep, moist to well-drained loams and silt loams on north and east midslopes and coves. In the Southeast, this alliance includes mesophytic forests associated with base-rich substrates in the Ozarks and the central Ouachita Mountains. These forests are found over soils derived from limestone or dolomite and occur on moist slopes or swales, mesic slopes, and upper floodplain terraces. Some characteristic species include Acer saccharum, Quercus rubra, Quercus velutina, Carya cordiformis, Fraxinus americana, Ulmus americana, Liquidambar styraciflua, Celtis laevigata, Asimina triloba, Arundinaria gigantea, Elymus virginicus, Euonymus atropurpurea, Ilex decidua, Ilex opaca, Ostrya virginiana, Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii, and Staphylea trifolia. In the southern Ouachita Mountains, Acer barbatum may be a component, rather than Acer saccharum. Stands may also occur on dry-mesic fine sandy loams and loamy sands. Historically, fire probably maintained stands in this alliance by decreasing competing woody species and improving light and moisture conditions for oak seedlings. Successful establishment of Quercus rubra and other associated oaks in this alliance is usually thought to require oak saplings in the understory prior to canopy disturbances or large-scale fires that remove competitors. Current Quercus rubra-dominated stands in parts of this alliance's range may result from a combination of natural and human-caused disturbances.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.19069.QUERCUSRUBRAACE
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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