Name:
Thuja occidentalis - Acer rubrum / Cornus sericea Forest
Reference:
Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This mixed swamp of the northeastern United States occurs on enriched substrates that favor the growth of Thuja occidentalis. It is generally in alluvial settings, but those that are subject to short periods of flooding. They are usually found in areas of calcareous bedrock. The closed canopy overtops a conspicuous shrub layer. Herbs are patchy and may be locally dense, especially on hummocks. The hummock-and-hollow topography limits most bryophyte growth to the hummocks, since hollows are often flooded. The canopy dominants are Thuja occidentalis and Acer rubrum. Associated tree species include Fraxinus nigra, Betula alleghaniensis, Betula papyrifera, Pinus strobus, Picea mariana, Larix laricina, Abies balsamea, Ulmus rubra, and Ulmus americana. Dominant shrubs include Cornus sericea (= Cornus stolonifera), Cornus amomum, Rhamnus alnifolia, Toxicodendron vernix, Alnus spp., and Ilex verticillata, plus Viburnum nudum, Ledum groenlandicum, and Vaccinium corymbosum less frequently. Ferns are characteristic in the herb layer, and include Onoclea sensibilis, Thelypteris palustris, Osmunda cinnamomea, and Osmunda regalis. Common herbs include Carex stipata, Carex intumescens, Carex pedunculata, Amphicarpaea bracteata, Chelone glabra, Lysimachia thyrsiflora, Lycopus virginicus, Aralia nudicaulis, Glyceria striata, Mitella nuda, Cornus canadensis, Thalictrum pubescens, and Coptis trifolia. Related northern white-cedar swamp associations lack a prominent deciduous component (Thuja occidentalis / Sphagnum (girgensohnii, warnstorfii) Forest (CEGL006007)), or are on deeper peats and have more open canopies (Thuja occidentalis - Abies balsamea / Ledum groenlandicum / Carex trisperma Woodland (CEGL006507)).
Accession Code:
VB.CC.25522.THUJAOCCIDENTAL
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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