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Rhododendron catawbiense / Eriophorum virginicum / Sphagnum spp. Shrub & Herb Seep Group | NatureServe Biotics 2019
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Name: Rhododendron catawbiense / Eriophorum virginicum / Sphagnum spp. Shrub & Herb Seep Group
Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description: Vegetation of this group is associated with wetlands typically found on flat to gently sloping sites in the Southern Blue Ridge, Cumberland Mountains, upper Piedmont, Ridge and Valley, and parts of the Central Appalachians. These wetlands are found over a wide range of elevations and a variety of substrate types, including low-elevation limestone and ultramafic rocks as well as high-elevation acidic rocks. These sites occur at elevations below 1220 m (4000 feet) in poorly drained bottomlands on soils which are often saturated and mucky. Wetness results from a combination of groundwater input, seepage from adjacent slopes, rainfall and impeded drainage. The amount of seepage water input is variable among examples. In a hydrogeomorphic sense these wetlands would be regarded as primarily a slope type, although typically on very gentle slopes. The vegetation is at least partially open, with herbaceous-dominated areas as well as shrub thickets and often forested zones, exhibiting a complex of zones or patches with a mix of physiognomies. The wettest areas have herbaceous vegetation dominated by <i>Carex</i> spp., usually with abundant <i>Sphagnum</i>. Scattered trees and shrubs may be present in the herbaceous zones. Most examples also have a dense shrub zone around the edges. Some examples have forested zones, as well, around the edges or as a matrix in which numerous small herbaceous openings are embedded. Characteristic tree species include <i>Acer rubrum, Nyssa sylvatica, Picea rubens, Pinus rigida</i>, and <i>Tsuga canadensis</i>. Characteristic shrubs include <i>Alnus serrulata, Toxicodendron vernix</i>, and <i>Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides</i>. 
Accession Code: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:39987-{F6E80E27-6E71-4F25-AD4E-360950C32C0B}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 19-May-2015 to: ongoing
      Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.836882 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: G184
  Scientific: Rhododendron catawbiense / Eriophorum virginicum / Sphagnum spp. Shrub & Herb Seep Group