Name:
Fagus grandifolia - Quercus (alba, rubra) - Liriodendron tulipifera / (Ilex opaca var. opaca) / Polystichum acrostichoides Forest
Reference:
Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This forest of mesic to submesic, well-drained soils occurs in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain of Virginia and Maryland, extending north to southern New England on the Coastal Plain. It also occurs occasionally at low elevations of the Blue Ridge and adjacent Ridge and Valley in Virginia and Maryland. It is characteristically a mixed forest dominated by <i>Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, Quercus rubra</i>, and <i>Liriodendron tulipifera</i> in various proportions. Overstory associates over the range include <i>Quercus velutina, Quercus falcata, Quercus coccinea, Liquidambar styraciflua, Acer rubrum, Nyssa sylvatica, Carya alba, Carya glabra</i>, and <i>Fraxinus americana</i>. The subcanopy is characterized by young <i>Fagus grandifolia, Acer rubrum, Carpinus caroliniana, Cornus florida</i>, and <i>Sassafras albidum</i>. <i>Ilex opaca</i> is particularly characteristic and abundant on the Coastal Plain. The shrub layer varies from very sparse to well-developed and can include <i>Asimina triloba, Viburnum acerifolium, Viburnum dentatum</i>, and <i>Euonymus americanus</i>. Heath shrubs, such as <i>Vaccinium corymbosum</i> and <i>Vaccinium pallidum</i>, may be common but not abundant. Vines are common, including <i>Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Smilax glauca</i>, and <i>Toxicodendron radicans</i>. In the southern part of the range, <i>Oxydendrum arboreum</i> and <i>Vitis rotundifolia</i> may be conspicuous members of the understory. The herb layer is comprised of <i>Polystichum acrostichoides, Thelypteris noveboracensis, Uvularia perfoliata, Cypripedium acaule, Mitchella repens, Tipularia discolor, Goodyera pubescens, Eurybia divaricata (= Aster divaricatus), Chimaphila maculata, Carex swanii, Medeola virginiana, Athyrium filix-femina, Carex digitalis, Carex willdenowii, Epifagus virginiana, Maianthemum canadense, Desmodium nudiflorum, Polygonatum biflorum, Podophyllum peltatum, Arisaema triphyllum</i>, and <i>Maianthemum racemosum (= Smilacina racemosa)</i>.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.30958.CEGL006075
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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