Name:
Acer saccharum - Betula alleghaniensis - Fagus grandifolia / Viburnum lantanoides Forest
Reference:
Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This association, known commonly as "northern hardwood forest," is a widespread matrix forest in central New England and at lower elevations in northern New England. This forest occurs most commonly on acidic (pH 5-6), moderate to well-drained tills at elevations generally below 762 m (2500 feet). In northern New England, they cover extensive mid-elevation ridges; elsewhere, slope settings are common. The closed-canopy forest has sparse to moderate shrub and herb cover and may have local carpets of tree seedlings in the ground vegetation. Bryoids are a minor component of the forest floor. The closed-canopy forest has sparse to moderate shrub and herb cover and may have local carpets of tree seedlings in the ground vegetation. Bryoids are a minor component of the forest floor. On some rocky, higher-elevation sites, dense ferns and other herbs may form a lush understory (the "fern-glade variant"). The canopy is dominated by <i>Acer saccharum</i> mixed with variable amounts of <i>Fagus grandifolia</i> and/or <i>Betula alleghaniensis</i>. Associated hardwood species include <i>Acer rubrum, Betula papyrifera</i>, and <i>Fraxinus americana</i>. At the southern end of this type's range, especially in mid-successional stands, <i>Betula lenta</i> may be present. Conifers are usually present at low abundance. Characteristic species include <i>Pinus strobus, Tsuga canadensis</i>, and in the northern portion of the range, <i>Picea rubens</i>. Oaks are generally not present, although <i>Quercus rubra</i> and (southward) <i>Quercus alba</i> are sometimes present in low numbers. The shrub layer is often dominated by saplings of canopy tree species Characteristic understory shrubs or small trees include <i>Acer pensylvanicum, Ostrya virginiana, Viburnum lantanoides, Acer spicatum</i> (in the northern part of this type's range), and <i>Lindera benzoin</i> (in the southern part of this type's range. The patchy herbaceous layer is a mix of ferns, rhizomatous herbs and clubmosses. Characteristic species include <i>Dryopteris intermedia, Dryopteris carthusiana, Polystichum acrostichoides, Huperzia lucidula, Maianthemum canadense, Clintonia borealis, Trientalis borealis, Oclemena acuminata (= Aster acuminatus)</i>, and <i>Uvularia sessilifolia</i>. Occasional species include <i>Aralia nudicaulis, Trillium erectum, Trillium undulatum, Dryopteris campyloptera, Streptopus lanceolatus (= Streptopus roseus), Cinna latifolia, Thelypteris noveboracensis, Mitchella repens, Solidago macrophylla</i>, and <i>Medeola virginiana</i>. The bryophyte layer may include <i>Dicranum</i> spp. and <i>Leucobryum glaucum</i>. Sugar maple leaf litter is high in nitrogen relative to lignin and thus decomposes rapidly, increasing the nutrient pool in the soil organic layer. Structure and composition of the forest are maintained primarily by single small tree-fall gaps. Yellow birch is maintained in the system by mineral soils on "tip-up mounds."
Accession Code:
VB.CC.31396.CEGL006252
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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