Name:
Fraxinus profunda - Nyssa biflora - (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) / Ilex verticillata / Polygonum arifolium Tidal Forest
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
This open- to closed-canopy swamp forest occurs on fresh tidal rivers from Delaware to Virginia and is best developed in the Chesapeake Bay drainage. It occurs at the upper reaches of tidal influence (and somewhat beyond in some cases) and generally receives diurnal or irregular tidal flooding. The canopy is dominated by few tree species, generally <i>Fraxinus profunda, Fraxinus pennsylvanica</i>, and <i>Nyssa biflora</i>. Other canopy associates vary among occurrences and often include <i>Nyssa sylvatica, Acer rubrum, Liquidambar styraciflua, Magnolia virginiana, Ulmus americana</i>, and <i>Pinus taeda</i>. The shrub layer is well-developed and includes <i>Lindera benzoin, Clethra alnifolia, Eubotrys racemosa, Ilex verticillata, Ilex opaca, Ilex laevigata, Alnus serrulata, Rhododendron viscosum, Viburnum dentatum, Viburnum nudum, Viburnum recognitum, Viburnum prunifolium, Amelanchier canadensis, Morella cerifera, Vaccinium corymbosum, Vaccinium fuscatum, Itea virginica, Rosa palustris, Magnolia virginiana</i>, and <i>Cornus foemina</i>. <i>Alnus maritima</i> is also characteristic in Outer Coastal Plain stands in Maryland and Delaware. Vines may be dense and include <i>Smilax rotundifolia, Smilax laurifolia, Toxicodendron radicans, Apios americana, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Bignonia capreolata</i>, and <i>Dioscorea villosa</i>. The herbaceous layer is variable in composition and richness. Common associates include <i>Polygonum arifolium, Polygonum sagittatum, Peltandra virginica, Saururus cernuus, Carex bromoides, Impatiens capensis, Boehmeria cylindrica, Carex intumescens, Leersia oryzoides, Commelina virginica, Cicuta maculata, Arisaema triphyllum, Thalictrum pubescens, Thelypteris palustris, Woodwardia areolata, Carex stricta, Zizania aquatica, Cinna arundinacea, Osmunda cinnamomea</i>, and <i>Osmunda regalis</i>. The invasive exotic <i>Murdannia keisak</i> can also occur in this association. In addition, stands that have suffered significant loss of canopy trees (presumably due to stress from sea-level rise) may be intermediate in appearance and composition between swamp forest and herbaceous marsh. This association is differentiated from tidal swamps to the north by the presence of species of southern affinity, including <i>Magnolia virginiana, Nyssa biflora</i>, and <i>Pinus taeda</i>.
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:34934-{F93D0C58-DFB6-4C78-ADF2-9605BC556996}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
44
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