Name:
Betula nigra - Platanus occidentalis Floodplain Forest
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
This river birch - sycamore forest community is found throughout the east-central United States. Stands commonly occur along stream and small riverbanks, shores of ponds, and in swampy forests. Alluvial soils which support this natural community are relatively deep, moist, well-drained, and often sandy on the surface. <i>Betula nigra</i> and <i>Platanus occidentalis</i> are the typical dominants. They are fast-growing, relatively short-lived, and do not tolerate excessive shade at any stage of growth. <i>Betula nigra</i> prefers acidic soils and is often the dominant tree found along streams affected by acidic mine drainage. A wide range of canopy species are present, both common bottomland species (e.g., <i>Ulmus americana, Acer rubrum, Acer negundo, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Quercus</i> spp., and <i>Celtis laevigata</i>) and mesophytic species from nearby uplands and terraces (e.g., <i>Juglans nigra, Prunus serotina</i>, and <i>Fraxinus americana</i>). Vines that may reach into the canopy include <i>Toxicodendron radicans</i> and <i>Vitis aestivalis var. bicolor</i>. A variety of wetland species may be found on more poorly drained sites. Stands are subjected to frequent, fast, short-duration flooding, which contributes to a typically thin understory. Native species in the shrub layer include <i>Carpinus caroliniana ssp. virginiana, Lindera benzoin, Alnus serrulata</i>, and <i>Cornus amomum</i>; the exotic <i>Rosa multiflora</i> may be prevalent at some sites. Commonly encountered herbaceous species include <i>Saururus cernuus, Amphicarpaea bracteata, Arisaema dracontium, Boehmeria cylindrica, Carex amphibola, Glyceria striata, Impatiens capensis, Leersia virginica, Onoclea sensibilis, Symphyotrichum ontarionis, Pilea pumila, Polygonum virginianum, Verbesina alternifolia</i>, and <i>Verbesina occidentalis</i>. Exotic herbs are abundant at some sites and include <i>Lysimachia nummularia, Alliaria petiolata</i>, and <i>Urtica dioica ssp. dioica</i>.
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:30995-{E6AD85D5-9C7B-4DE6-A408-5F8D56B653AF}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
6
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