Name:
Acer rubrum - Nyssa sylvatica - Betula alleghaniensis / Sphagnum spp. Swamp Forest
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
This blackgum basin swamp of the northeastern United States is found from the Central Appalachians north to central New England, at the northern range limit for <i>Nyssa sylvatica</i>. It occupies saturated or seasonally wet basins, often in perched basins in small watersheds within upland forests. It also occurs on hillsides and seepage areas. In most settings, the mineral soil is overlain with a shallow to deep peat layer. Conditions are highly acidic and nutrient-poor. The tree canopy varies from an open woodland to nearly complete. Shrubs are well-represented and may be locally dense. Herbs are likewise patchy, and the herb layer is usually dominated by only a few species. The bryoid layer varies but is often extensive. Hummock-and-hollow microtopography is often pronounced, with bryophytes common on the hummocks and in those hollows where water does not stand for long periods. The canopy is dominated by <i>Acer rubrum</i> and <i>Nyssa sylvatica</i>; however, even where red maple is more abundant, the longevity and stature of the blackgum trees give them a strong impact. <i>Betula alleghaniensis, Tsuga canadensis, Pinus strobus</i>, and occasionally <i>Picea rubens</i> or <i>Picea mariana</i> may be minor canopy associates. The most abundant shrubs are <i>Ilex verticillata</i> and <i>Vaccinium corymbosum</i>; associated shrub species include <i>Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides, Nemopanthus mucronatus, Kalmia angustifolia, Gaylussacia baccata, Chamaedaphne calyculata, Lyonia ligustrina, Spiraea alba var. latifolia</i>, and <i>Cephalanthus occidentalis</i>. <i>Osmunda cinnamomea</i> is the characteristic dominant in the herb layer, with associates including <i>Osmunda regalis, Thelypteris palustris, Woodwardia virginica, Glyceria canadensis, Coptis trifolia, Carex atlantica, Carex trisperma, Carex folliculata, Carex intumescens, Calla palustris, Triadenum virginicum</i>, and <i>Symplocarpus foetidus</i>. Mosses are primarily <i>Sphagnum</i> spp., including <i>Sphagnum palustre</i> and <i>Sphagnum magellanicum</i>. These swamps are distinguished from other basin swamps in the Northern Appalachians by the presence of <i>Nyssa sylvatica</i>. They are distinguished from blackgum swamps further south by the absence of more Central Appalachian species such as <i>Liquidambar styraciflua, Rhododendron maximum, Rhododendron viscosum</i>, and <i>Magnolia virginiana</i>.
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:34665-{23B647CA-383F-4D80-9113-FDB11E336F9D}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
10
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