Name:
Pinus spp. Planted Forest
Reference:
Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
These plantations consist of mature <i>Pinus strobus</i> or <i>Pinus sylvestris</i>, with other conifers sometimes present in smaller amounts, planted in post-agricultural fields and pastures. Associated canopy conifers include <i>Pinus resinosa, Picea abies, Picea pungens</i>, or <i>Larix decidua</i>. The understory varies widely in its degree of development and may be virtually absent. Northern hardwoods dominate the sapling and seedling layers in some areas; <i>Juniperus virginiana</i> is common in others. Cover is proportional to the degree of canopy break-up or opening that has occurred. Common hardwoods include <i>Prunus serotina, Acer rubrum</i>, and <i>Fraxinus americana</i>. A tall-shrub layer may be present; common species (aside from smaller individuals of the hardwood saplings) include <i>Crataegus</i> spp., <i>Hamamelis virginiana</i>, and <i>Lindera benzoin</i>. Common short shrubs include <i>Viburnum recognitum, Vaccinium pallidum, Rubus hispidus</i>, and <i>Rubus flagellaris</i>. The species composition and abundance of the herbaceous layer vary widely due to variation in canopy tree species composition, stand stocking, and soil drainage. Herbaceous species include <i>Ageratina altissima (= Eupatorium rugosum), Dryopteris intermedia, Dryopteris carthusiana, Oxalis stricta, Potentilla simplex, Mitchella repens, Galium aparine, Galium asprellum, Brachyelytrum erectum, Veronica officinalis, Polystichum acrostichoides, Maianthemum canadense, Trientalis borealis, Lycopodium clavatum</i>, and <i>Lycopodium digitatum (= Diphasiastrum digitatum)</i>. Graminoid and forb species associated with disturbed areas, such as <i>Agrostis stolonifera, Dichanthelium clandestinum (= Panicum clandestinum), Dennstaedtia punctilobula</i>, and <i>Hypericum perforatum</i>, are often dominant in these communities. Vines such as <i>Toxicodendron radicans, Smilax glauca, Smilax rotundifolia, Vitis</i> spp., and <i>Parthenocissus quinquefolia</i> may be present, but not abundant, in these plantations. Disturbance from silvicultural treatments and landscape fragmentation leaves these communities prone to invasion by exotic species, including <i>Lonicera tatarica, Berberis vulgaris, Rosa multiflora, Celastrus orbiculata, Microstegium vimineum</i>, and <i>Alliaria petiolata</i>, which are locally abundant.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.31014.CEGL006313
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
25
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