Name:
Prunus serotina - Sassafras albidum - Amelanchier canadensis - Quercus velutina / Smilax rotundifolia Forest
Reference:
Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This maritime forest community of the North Atlantic Coast Ecoregion occurs on sheltered backdunes, bluffs, or more interior coastal areas not directly influenced by overwash but affected by salt spray and wind-pruning. Vegetation in these sheltered areas is sometimes referred to as "sunken forest." This name refers to the topographic position of these examples, which are found in large depressions, lower in elevation (by 1-3 m) than the interdunes. These examples are shielded from strong prevailing winds and salt spray, which permits lush growth of broadleaf shrub and vine species. Soils are coarse, well-drained sand subject to considerable shifting during coastal storms, or till and sand deposits of terminal moraines. Physiognomy is variable and ranges from closed-canopy forest to open woodland to dense tall shrubland, and may be more accurately called scrub. Trees found in this community are usually stunted and flat-topped; the canopy may be only 3-7 m tall. Dominant trees vary locally and include <i>Prunus serotina, Sassafras albidum</i>, and <i>Amelanchier canadensis</i>, with admixtures of <i>Celtis occidentalis, Quercus velutina, Pinus rigida, Juniperus virginiana, Acer rubrum, Amelanchier stolonifera</i>, and in southern occurrences <i>Quercus coccinea, Quercus falcata, Liquidambar styraciflua</i>, and <i>Ilex opaca</i>. Additional shrub species may also contribute substantially to the canopy and include <i>Vaccinium corymbosum, Morella pensylvanica (= Myrica pensylvanica), Gaylussacia baccata, Viburnum recognitum, Viburnum dentatum</i>, and <i>Rosa virginiana</i>. A true shrub layer is generally not present. Lianas are common and can be dense in the canopy or the ground layer; species include <i>Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Toxicodendron radicans, Smilax rotundifolia</i>, and <i>Smilax glauca</i>. The understory is generally sparse with tree or vine seedlings plus herbaceous species, including <i>Aralia nudicaulis, Moehringia lateriflora (= Arenaria lateriflora), Maianthemum stellatum (= Smilacina stellata)</i>, and <i>Maianthemum canadense</i>. Several invasive species can be prevalent in this association, including <i>Lonicera morrowii, Lonicera japonica, Ligustrum vulgare, Berberis vulgaris</i>, and <i>Celastrus orbiculata</i>.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.31024.CEGL006145
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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