Name:
Fraxinus (profunda, pennsylvanica) - (Nyssa biflora) / Polygonum arifolium Woodland
Reference:
Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This open- to closed-canopy swamp occurs on fresh tidal rivers from Delaware to Virginia and is best developed on the Chesapeake Bay drainage. It occurs at the upper reaches of tidal influence (and somewhat beyond in some cases) and generally receives diurnal or irregular tidal flooding. The canopy is dominated by few tree species, generally Fraxinus profunda, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, and Nyssa biflora. Other canopy associates vary among occurrences and often include Nyssa sylvatica, Acer rubrum, Liquidambar styraciflua, Magnolia virginiana, Fraxinus profunda, Ulmus americana, and Pinus taeda. The shrub layer is well-developed and includes Lindera benzoin, Clethra alnifolia, Leucothoe racemosa, Ilex verticillata, Ilex opaca, Ilex laevigata, Alnus serrulata, Rhododendron viscosum, Viburnum dentatum, Viburnum nudum, Morella cerifera, Vaccinium corymbosum, Vaccinium fuscatum, Itea virginica, Rosa palustris, and Cornus foemina. Alnus maritima is also characteristic in Delaware and Maryland. Vines may be dense and include Smilax rotundifolia, Toxicodendron radicans, Apios americana, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Bignonia capreolata, and Dioscorea villosa. The herbaceous layer is variable in composition and richness. Common associates include Polygonum arifolium, Polygonum sagittatum, Peltandra virginica, Saururus cernuus, Carex bromoides, Impatiens capensis, Boehmeria cylindrica, Carex intumescens, Leersia oryzoides, Commelina virginica, Cicuta maculata, Arisaema triphyllum, Thalictrum pubescens, Thelypteris palustris, Woodwardia areolata, Carex stricta, Zizania aquatica, Cinna arundinacea, Osmunda cinnamomea, and Osmunda regalis. The invasive exotic Murdannia keisak can also occur in this association. This association is differentiated from tidal swamps to the north by the presence of species of southern affinity, including Magnolia virginiana, Nyssa biflora, and Pinus taeda.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.20574.FRAXINUSPROFUND
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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