Name:
Platanus occidentalis - Celtis laevigata - Fraxinus pennsylvanica / Lindera benzoin - Ilex decidua / Carex retroflexa Forest
Reference:
Southeastern Ecology Working Gro...
Description:
This forest association occurs on terraces of associated rivers and large creeks in the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain, lower Piedmont, and possibly in adjacent regions. These are relatively more well-drained than the adjacent flats. The mostly closed canopy of this community is dominated by <i>Platanus occidentalis, Celtis laevigata</i>, and <i>Fraxinus pennsylvanica</i>. These species, along with <i>Acer negundo</i>, are important in the well-developed subcanopy also. Other tree species are possible in these strata; these include <i>Crataegus viridis, Juglans nigra, Acer saccharinum, Morus rubra, Ilex decidua, Ulmus americana, Planera aquatica, Quercus laurifolia, Quercus nigra, Liquidambar styraciflua, Populus deltoides, Carya aquatica</i>, and others. The shrub layer generally is sparse and is dominated by <i>Lindera benzoin, Ilex decidua, Asimina triloba</i>, and likely other species as well. Some examples of this community also have patches of <i>Arundinaria gigantea</i> in spots. The herbaceous layer is typically sparse to moderate and constant species are <i>Boehmeria cylindrica, Carex grayi, Carex retroflexa</i>, and <i>Viola</i> spp. Other typical species include <i>Botrychium dissectum, Carex frankii, Carex lupulina, Chasmanthium latifolium, Onoclea sensibilis, Pilea pumila, Polygonum hydropiperoides, Polygonum virginianum</i>, and others. The vine stratum is moderate and many species are possible. Among these are <i>Bignonia capreolata, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Smilax tamnoides, Vitis rotundifolia, Ampelopsis arborea, Berchemia scandens, Gelsemium sempervirens</i>, and <i>Toxicodendron radicans</i>. Exotic species such as <i>Ligustrum sinense, Lonicera japonica</i>, and <i>Microstegium vimineum</i> may invade stands of this association, and increase following disturbance. This forest type is documented in the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain (and lower Piedmont) but is possible in adjacent regions; global distribution needs assessment.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.35600.CEGL007730
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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