Name:
Juniperus virginiana Ruderal Forest
Reference:
Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This association is a broadly defined old-field early-successional community occurring in a variety of environmental settings in the northeastern states. Canopy closure and height are variable, as are shrub and herbaceous associates. <i>Juniperus virginiana</i> dominates the canopy layer. Common associates, typically occurring as scattered individuals, may include <i>Pinus strobus, Acer rubrum, Liriodendron tulipifera, Quercus</i> spp., and <i>Prunus serotina</i>. Shrub cover varies, with the most forested stands having little or no shrub cover. Exotic shrubs such as <i>Elaeagnus umbellata, Lonicera morrowii, Ligustrum vulgare</i>, and <i>Rosa multiflora</i> are characteristic, along with <i>Rubus</i> spp. Herbaceous cover likewise varies. Common species in the more open-canopy stands include old-field denizens such as <i>Schizachyrium scoparium, Festuca rubra, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis gigantea, Andropogon virginicus, Elymus repens (= Elytrigia repens), Solidago rugosa, Solidago gigantea, Euthamia graminifolia, Monarda fistulosa, Toxicodendron radicans, Achillea millefolium</i>, and <i>Daucus carota</i>. In dense forest stands, herbs may be absent or limited to scattered shade-tolerant species such as <i>Alliaria petiolata</i> and <i>Allium vineale</i>, and <i>Dennstaedtia punctilobula</i>. These forests are often young and result from the colonization of old agricultural fields by <i>Juniperus virginiana</i> over native and exotic forbs and grasses. These stands may eventually succeed to other forest types as mid- and late-successional canopy species colonize and subsequently overtop the <i>Juniperus</i>.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.30911.CEGL006024
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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