Name:
Rhododendron carolinianum - Rhododendron catawbiense - Leiophyllum buxifolium Shrubland
Reference:
Southeastern Ecology Working Gro...
Description:
This high-elevation shrubland occurs in the Great Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee, on steep ridges, rock outcroppings, and landslides at elevations over 5500 feet, in the Spruce-Fir zone. It has 25-100% shrub cover and may occur as a dense shrubland, 2-4 m tall, or as a shorter, more open shrubland with areas of exposed rock, scattered mats of prostrate vegetation, and isolated clumps of herbaceous species. The most common shrubs are Rhododendron carolinianum, Rhododendron catawbiense, and Leiophyllum buxifolium, locally dominant in patches and forming a mosaic. Shrubs are less than 1 m tall on the steepest, rockiest, most exposed sites, and taller on gentle, more protected sites with greater soil development. Other associated shrubs with minor coverage may include Abies fraseri, Photinia pyrifolia (= Aronia arbutifolia), Photinia melanocarpa (= Aronia melanocarpa), Diervilla sessilifolia, Ilex montana, Menziesia pilosa, Pieris floribunda, Prunus pensylvanica, Vaccinium corymbosum, Vaccinium erythrocarpum, and Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides. Under tall, dense shrubs there is little herb cover, but in more open shrublands, on steep cliffs with seepage, herbaceous species may grow in dense patches on ledges and crevices. Herbaceous species such as Calamagrostis cainii, Carex misera, Geum radiatum, Saxifraga michauxii, Solidago glomerata, and Trichophorum caespitosum (= Scirpus cespitosus) are associated with this community on the summits of Mount LeConte. Thick hummocks of lichens and mosses can occur on flatter sites, and scattered wind-sheared trees of Picea rubens or Abies fraseri are possible in some examples. High solar irradiation and desiccating winds, in combination with the shallow, nutrient-poor soils, are key environmental factors influencing this community. Locally, vegetation is influenced by seepage areas on steep cliffs and ledges. It is known from areas of exposed slate on the steep ridges of Mount LeConte (Ramseur 1958).
Accession Code:
VB.CC.22916.RHODODENDRONCAR
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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