Name:
Peltandra virginica - Polygonum amphibium var. emersum - Carex stricta - Impatiens capensis Herbaceous Vegetation
Reference:
VDNH [Virginia Division of Natur...
Description:
This community is an herbaceous wetland of calcareous, groundwater-saturated sloughs, abandoned meanders, depressions, and toeslope spring overflows on large stream or river floodplain terraces in carbonate rock districts of the Ridge and Valley region. Soils typically have a surface horizon of organic muck (about 10 cm), or occasionally fibric peat, below which is a deep, gleyed or reduced clay with some organic matter. Soil samples collected from plots are strongly acidic but have high calcium, very high magnesium, and moderate total base saturation levels. Sites are more-or-less permanently saturated or flooded by perched groundwater or seepage inputs. The vegetation is marsh-like and characterized by a combination of coarse emergent forbs and sedges. <i>Peltandra virginica, Polygonum amphibium var. emersum, Carex emoryi</i>, and <i>Impatiens capensis</i> are constant, high-cover species. More local patch-dominants include <i>Sparganium eurycarpum, Carex trichocarpa, Juncus balticus var. littoralis</i>, and <i>Equisetum fluviatile</i>. Other characteristic species are <i>Nuphar advena, Boehmeria cylindrica, Symplocarpus foetidus, Polygonum sagittatum, Galium tinctorium, Leersia virginica</i>, and <i>Iris versicolor</i>. Examples of this vegetation heavily disturbed by cattle grazing are frequently characterized by large, invasive clones of <i>Phalaris arundinacea</i>. In the absence of fires, prolonged flooding, and other natural disturbances, habitats supporting this community may also be invaded by woody swamp plants.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.37282.CEGL006244
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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