Name:
Ulmus crassifolia - (Carya illinoinensis) Small Stream Forest
Reference:
Southeastern Ecology Working Gro...
Description:
This association is found in narrow bands along small streams of the Edwards Plateau in central Texas, with ephemeral to intermittent flow or on rarely flooded terraces along larger, more permanent streams that are highly incised (in this situation, the association often covers larger areas). It may also be found in very narrow bands on slopes around streams (these examples are often small enough to be included in the surrounding vegetation) or along the boundary of slopes and floodplains. Canopy cover is often dense but may resemble that of a woodland along the upper reaches of small streams, especially in areas with relatively frequent fire. Canopy composition is highly variable with some upland influence but is dominated by <i>Ulmus crassifolia</i> and sometimes codominated by <i>Carya illinoinensis</i>. Other canopy species may include <i>Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Celtis laevigata, Ulmus americana, Juniperus virginiana, Maclura pomifera, Acer negundo</i>, and <i>Morus rubra</i>. <i>Platanus occidentalis</i> and <i>Salix nigra</i> are often present in the stream bed. Upland species sometimes found in this association (especially towards the upland edge) include <i>Quercus fusiformis, Juniperus ashei, Fraxinus texensis, Quercus buckleyi</i>, and <i>Quercus muehlenbergii</i>. Along very small, incised streams, <i>Juniperus ashei</i> may become dominant, especially after fire suppression. The understory may be dense to open, depending on the fire history of the site. Common species include <i>Ilex decidua, Cornus drummondii, Frangula caroliniana, Sideroxylon lanuginosum, Symphoricarpos orbiculatus, Viburnum rufidulum, Smilax</i> spp., <i>Toxicodendron radicans, Rubus trivialis, Ampelopsis arborea, Vitis</i> spp., and <i>Parthenocissus quinquefolia</i>. Herbaceous cover is variable and can include <i>Geum canadense, Sanicula canadensis, Galium circaezans, Elymus virginicus, Verbesina virginica, Vernonia baldwinii, Symphyotrichum drummondii (= Aster drummondii), Desmodium tweedyi, Tragia brevispica, Passiflora lutea, Ruellia</i> spp., <i>Elephantopus carolinianus, Justicia americana</i>, and <i>Chasmanthium latifolium</i>.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.34879.CEGL004207
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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