Name:
Betula alleghaniensis - Quercus rubra / Polypodium virginianum Woodland
Reference:
Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This acidic, large-boulder talus slope woodland occurs in the northern Appalachian Mountains, lower New England south to the northern Piedmont. The substrate is large boulders, with vascular plants confined to coarse-textured soils in crevices. Sites are at low to mid elevations, from near sea level to about 1700 feet. Soils are thin, patchy, and nutrient-poor. The hardwood canopy is very patchy, with open talus interspersed with wooded areas. Canopy closure overall is usually less than 50%. Shrubs are patchy and may form thickets in openings. The herb layer is sparse overall, although dense patches may occur where some soil is available; bryophytes are likewise sparse. The ground cover is exposed talus, moss-covered boulders, and deciduous litter. The tree canopy is dominated by a variable mixture of oak and birch species, including Quercus rubra and Betula alleghaniensis. In the northern portion of this community's range, Quercus rubra may drop out entirely, with Betula spp. and Acer spp. dominant. Other canopy associates include Acer saccharum, Betula papyrifera, Betula populifolia, Fagus grandifolia, Acer rubrum, Prunus pensylvanica, Populus grandidentata, Tsuga canadensis, and Pinus strobus. At the northern end of the range, Betula X caerulea and Betula papyrifera are also associated. To the south, white oaks such as Quercus alba and Quercus prinus may occur. The understory is comprised of scattered and clumped tall shrubs and small trees, including Acer spicatum, Acer pensylvanicum, Rubus spp., Viburnum acerifolium, and Ribes spp. Ericaceous shrubs are not generally prevalent, but when present may include Vaccinium angustifolium, Gaylussacia baccata, or Kalmia angustifolia. Vines are particularly characteristic, and include Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Parthenocissus vitacea, Toxicodendron radicans, Toxicodendron rydbergii, Celastrus scandens, and Polygonum cilinode. Scattered ferns and herbs are Dryopteris marginalis, Polypodium virginianum, Pteridium aquilinum, Maianthemum racemosum, Eurybia macrophylla (= Aster macrophyllus), Deschampsia flexuosa, Carex pensylvanica, Carex lucorum, Corydalis sempervirens, Solidago bicolor, Solidago caesia, and Aralia nudicaulis. Bryophytes include Polytrichum commune, Leucobryum glaucum, Umbilicaria spp., and Cladina spp. This association is characterized by the patchy deciduous canopy, with Betula spp. common and Ostrya virginiana sparse or absent, and by the lack of rich-site indicator herbs.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.19206.BETULAALLEGHANI
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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