Name:
Populus deltoides Floodplain Woodland Alliance
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
This alliance occurs near rivers and large streams throughout the Great Plains and extends west into Wyoming and New Mexico. It is dominated by <i>Populus deltoides</i> throughout its range. Secondary canopy species include <i>Acer negundo</i> throughout, <i>Salix nigra</i> (in the eastern part of its range), <i>Fraxinus pennsylvanica</i> and <i>Ulmus americana</i> (central and eastern), and <i>Salix amygdaloides</i> (central and western). <i>Fraxinus pennsylvanica</i> and <i>Ulmus americana</i> often increase in abundance and dominance as stands of this alliance age. <i>Populus deltoides</i> does not reproduce well in established stands. The understory composition and structure are variable. A shrub layer may be present, with species such as <i>Salix</i> spp., <i>Symphoricarpos occidentalis</i>, and <i>Prunus virginiana</i> predominating. Sites experience seasonal floods, which, after receding, leave areas available for colonization. This process often favors the establishment of aggressive native and exotic plants. Among the species that are common in this alliance are <i>Carex</i> spp., <i>Juncus</i> spp., <i>Spartina pectinata</i> (in the east), <i>Pascopyrum smithii</i> (in the west), <i>Elymus</i> spp., <i>Cenchrus longispinus, Melilotus officinalis</i>, and <i>Equisetum</i> spp. Typical exotics found in this alliance are <i>Poa pratensis</i> and <i>Bromus</i> spp. Stands of this alliance are found on level to gently sloping topography near rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. The areas may have been very recently deposited by water action, or they may have been deposited earlier and occupied by other communities. The water table fluctuates with the level of the adjacent waterbody. This can lead to periods of flooding and soil saturation in the spring and after heavy rains and also to periods of drought when the water level falls in the summer and fall. The soils are silts, loams, and sands, and are derived from alluvial material.
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:38086-{3E4FBBFA-AF31-4E07-B2EC-A60615217641}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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