Name:
Acer saccharum - Quercus muehlenbergii Forest
Reference:
Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This dry-mesic forest community is found from the northeastern seaboard to the central United States and Canada on calcareous substrates. Stands occur on upper slopes or summits of limestone or marble ridges with dry soils. Limestone outcrops or boulders are often present. The tree canopy is typically dominated by Quercus muehlenbergii, the diagnostic species, and Acer saccharum, although relative percents vary widely. Oaks in general comprise at least 50% of the stand and sugar maple at least 20%. Other oak associates include Quercus alba, Quercus rubra, and, locally, Quercus shumardii. Other hardwoods include Carya ovata, Celtis occidentalis, Fraxinus americana, Fraxinus quadrangulata, and Tilia americana. Betula spp., Pinus strobus, and Prunus serotina are occasional. Shrub and small tree species include Amelanchier sanguinea, Carpinus caroliniana, Cercis canadensis, Cornus alternifolia, Cornus florida, Cornus racemosa, Diervilla lonicera, Hamamelis virginiana, Hydrangea arborescens, Lindera benzoin, Ostrya virginiana, Ribes americanum, Staphylea trifolia, Viburnum prunifolium, and Zanthoxylum americanum. Sparse to well-developed herb layer includes Asclepias quadrifolia, Carex eburnea, Carex platyphylla, Clematis occidentalis (= Clematis verticillaris), Packera obovata (= Senecio obovatus), Phryma leptostachya, Sanicula marilandica, Saxifraga virginiensis, Arabis laevigata, and Triosteum aurantiacum, among many others. This type is not well described across its range; often grades into woodland. Similar types include Acer saccharum - Quercus muehlenbergii / Cercis canadensis Forest (CEGL006017) in unglaciated areas to the south.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.27488.ACERSACCHARUMQU
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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