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Alnus incana - Cornus (amomum, sericea) / Clematis virginiana Shrubland | Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Alnus incana - Cornus (amomum, sericea) / Clematis virginiana Shrubland Reference: Eastern Ecology Working Group of... Description: These shrublands occur along large streams and rivers in New England, northern New York and western Pennsylvania. They are found on river-margin alluvial deposits of moderate-energy reaches, where the flooding regime prevents forests from developing. The setting can range from flats to moderately steep banks; soils are usually sandy or silty and have little organic matter. Most are temporarily flooded, and the soils may not remain saturated through the entire growing season. Tall shrubs (1.5-3 m in height) dominate the vegetation, usually forming at least 50% cover and often creating a dense thicket. The amount of lower shrub and herb vegetation varies inversely with the tall-shrub canopy. Bryophytes are usually sparse but may be locally abundant in some settings. <i>Alnus incana</i> is a constant and usually dominant shrub. In some cases, <i>Alnus serrulata</i> (in more temperate settings) or <i>Alnus viridis</i> (in more boreal settings) may occur with or in place of <i>Alnus incana</i>. The ability of alders to bend under strong currents and their nitrogen-fixing root nodules may give alders a competitive advantage over other shrubs in this setting. <i>Cornus sericea</i> or <i>Cornus amomum</i>, along with <i>Salix</i> spp., are frequent associates and may dominate in some areas. <i>Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides</i> is occasional but not abundant. <i>Acer rubrum, Prunus serotina, Ulmus americana</i>, and/or <i>Acer saccharinum</i> may be present, as sparse individuals; in more southerly examples of this type, <i>Acer negundo</i> and <i>Salix nigra</i> may occur. <i>Spiraea alba</i> is usually present and may be abundant as a lower shrub. <i>Clematis virginiana</i> is a typical vine, often clambering in tangles on the shrubs. This type is distinguished from other northeastern <i>Alnus</i>-dominated associations by its alluvial setting. Although common, this association is little studied and comprehensive surveys have yet to be undertaken.  Accession Code: VB.CC.31013.CEGL006062 Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
	Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization) Perspective from: 17-Nov-2014 to: 01-May-2019
	status: accepted This Community's Level: association This Community's Children: [none]		Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.688664 NatureServe Explorer   Common: Alluvial Alder Thicket   Translated: Gray Alder - (Silky Dogwood, Red-osier Dogwood) / Devil's Darning-needles Shrubland   Scientific: Alnus incana - Cornus (amomum, sericea) / Clematis virginiana Shrubland   Code: CEGL006062