Name:
Betula alleghaniensis - Quercus rubra / Polypodium virginianum Woodland
Reference:
Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This acidic, large-boulder talus slope woodland occurs in the northern Appalachian Mountains, Lower New England south to the northern Piedmont. The substrate is large boulders, with vascular plants confined to coarse-textured soils in crevices. Sites are at low to mid elevations, from near sea level to about 520 m (1700 feet). Soils are thin, patchy, and nutrient-poor. The hardwood canopy is very patchy, with open talus interspersed with wooded areas. Canopy closure overall is usually less than 50%. Shrubs are patchy and may form thickets in openings. The herb layer is sparse overall, although dense patches may occur where some soil is available; bryophytes are likewise sparse. The ground cover is exposed talus, moss-covered boulders, and deciduous litter. The tree canopy is dominated by a variable mixture of oak and birch species, including <i>Quercus rubra</i> and <i>Betula alleghaniensis</i>. In the northern portion of this community's range, <i>Quercus rubra</i> may drop out entirely, with <i>Betula</i> spp. and <i>Acer</i> spp. dominant. Other canopy associates include <i>Acer saccharum, Betula papyrifera, Betula populifolia, Fagus grandifolia, Acer rubrum, Prunus pensylvanica, Populus grandidentata, Tsuga canadensis</i>, and <i>Pinus strobus</i>. At the northern end of the range, <i>Betula x caerulea</i> and <i>Betula papyrifera</i> are also associated. To the south, white oaks such as <i>Quercus alba</i> and <i>Quercus prinus</i> may occur. The understory is comprised of scattered and clumped tall shrubs and small trees, including <i>Acer spicatum, Acer pensylvanicum, Rubus</i> spp., <i>Viburnum acerifolium</i>, and <i>Ribes</i> spp. Ericaceous shrubs are not generally prevalent, but when present may include <i>Vaccinium angustifolium, Gaylussacia baccata</i>, or <i>Kalmia angustifolia</i>. Vines are particularly characteristic, and include <i>Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Parthenocissus vitacea, Toxicodendron radicans, Toxicodendron rydbergii, Celastrus scandens</i>, and <i>Polygonum cilinode</i>. Scattered ferns and herbs are <i>Dryopteris marginalis, Polypodium virginianum, Pteridium aquilinum, Maianthemum racemosum, Eurybia macrophylla (= Aster macrophyllus), Deschampsia flexuosa, Carex pensylvanica, Carex lucorum, Corydalis sempervirens, Solidago bicolor, Solidago caesia</i>, and <i>Aralia nudicaulis</i>. Bryophytes include <i>Polytrichum commune, Leucobryum glaucum, Umbilicaria</i> spp., and <i>Cladina</i> spp. This association is characterized by the patchy deciduous canopy, with <i>Betula</i> spp. common and <i>Ostrya virginiana</i> sparse or absent, and by the lack of rich-site indicator herbs.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.31407.CEGL006320
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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