Slash Pine - Sweetbay - Pond-cypress - Swamp Blackgum / Tall Pinebarren Milkwort - Southern Waxy Sedge Forest

Slash Pine - Sweetbay - Pond-cypress - Swamp Blackgum / Tall Pinebarren Milkwort - Southern Waxy Sedge Forest

• 
  Pinus elliottii var. elliottii - Taxodium ascendens / Polygala cymosa - Rhynchospora spp. Woodland (CEGL004556)
  

• 
  LA: Slash Pine-Pond Cypress/Hardwood Forest, in part (LA 1996)
  

Baygalls and Bayheads

Pond Pine - Titi Swamp

• 
  Pinus elliottii var. elliottii / Cliftonia monophylla - Cyrilla racemiflora Woodland (CEGL003638)--lacks overstory component of Pinus serotina and may occur on less peaty soils. According to Clewell (1981) examples with slash pine may occur in deeper portions of acid swamps than do examples with pond pine.
  
• 
  Cyrilla racemiflora - Cliftonia monophylla Shrubland (CEGL003847)--acid swamp of the same region without emergent canopy of pines.
  

• 
  Titi swamp (Clewell 1981)
  
• 
  Pond Pine Flatwoods (FNAI 1990)
  
• 
  Wet Flatwoods (FNAI 1990)
  

Baygalls and Bayheads

Pond Pine - Bay Swamp

• 
  Pond pine swamp (Clewell 1981)
  
• 
  Baygall (FNAI 1990)
  
• 
  Bayhead (FNAI 1990)
  
• 
  Bay Forest (FNAI 1990)
  

Streamhead Atlantic White-cedar Forests

Gulf Coastal Plain White-cedar Swamp

Element Identifiers

NVCS association: Chamaecyparis thyoides - Pinus elliottii var. elliottii / Nyssa biflora - Acer rubrum var. trilobum / Serenoa repens Forest

Database Code: CEGL007145

Formation: Saturated temperate or subpolar needle-leaved evergreen forest

Alliance: CHAMAECYPARIS THYOIDES SATURATED FOREST ALLIANCE (I.A.8.N.g.2)

Element Concept

Summary: This forest is dominated by a mixed Chamaecyparis thyoides - Pinus elliottii var. elliottii canopy which typically ranges between 65 and 80% cover. A subcanopy of Nyssa biflora and Acer rubrum var. trilobum is present. Sabal palmetto and Serenoa repens are abundant on hummocks. This community occurs in large, constantly saturated basins or poorly drained flats which are inundated under several feet of water during the high precipitation/low evapotranspiration period of spring. The sandy subsoil is overtopped by thick peat and muck. Fire is an infrequent event.

Environment: This community occurs in large, constantly saturated basins which are inundated under several feet of water during the high-precipitation/low-evapotranspiration period of spring. It also occurs along the slow-moving New River on Apalachicola National Forest. The sandy subsoil is overtopped by thick peat and muck. Fire is an infrequent event.

Vegetation: This forest is dominated by a mixed Chamaecyparis thyoides - Pinus elliottii var. elliottii canopy which typically ranges between 65 and 80% cover. A subcanopy of Nyssa biflora and Acer rubrum var. trilobum is present. Sabal palmetto and Serenoa repens are abundant on hummocks. Along the New River, Apalachicola National Forest, additional tree species were Taxodium ascendens, Quercus laurifolia, Pinus palustris, and Nyssa ogeche. Additional shrubs were Cyrilla racemiflora, Ilex myrtifolia, Ilex coriacea, Magnolia virginiana, Lyonia lucida, Hypericum fasciculatum, Fraxinus caroliniana, Persea palustris, Vaccinium stamineum, and Ilex opaca. Smilax laurifolia was an important vine. Herbs included Carex glaucescens, Eriocaulon decangulare, Aristida beyrichiana, Xyris ambigua, Aristida palustris, Erigeron vernus, Rhynchospora sp., Oxypolis filiformis, Dichanthelium scoparium, Eriocaulon compressum, and Peltandra sp.

Dynamics: Natural hydrologic regimes and fire-return times need to be maintained for successful regeneration and maintenance of this community. It is very susceptible to major disruptions in hydrology; rapid, prolonged change in water depth kills Chamaecyparis thyoides seedlings and stresses or kills mature specimens. Leaf litter and woody debris should not be too dense in order for the shade-intolerant Chamaecyparis thyoides seedlings to survive. In the absence of fire and adequate gap regeneration, Atlantic white cedar forests may be replaced by bay forest dominated by Magnolia virginiana, Persea palustris, and Gordonia lasianthus.

Similar Associations: No information

Synonymy:

• 
  IIA2b. Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Forest (Allard 1990) B. in part
  

Comments: None

Conservation Ranking & Rare Species

GRank: G2 (97-12-31): This saturated forest association is restricted to the East Gulf Coastal Plain of Mississippi, Florida, and possibly Alabama; it occurs in a specialized hydrologic and topographic situation. It has significantly declined from its original extent and is currently being threatened by logging, conversion to agriculture, and residential/industrial development. Peat mining has been a threat in the past and may be so again in the future. Natural hydrologic regimes and fire-return times need to be maintained for successful regeneration and maintenance of this community. It is very susceptible to major disruptions in hydrology; rapid, prolonged change in water depth kills Chamaecyparis thyoides seedlings and stresses or kills mature specimens. Leaf litter and woody debris should not be too dense in order for the shade-intolerant Chamaecyparis thyoides seedlings to survive. In the absence of fire and adequate gap regeneration, Atlantic white cedar forests may be replaced by bay forest dominated by Magnolia virginiana, Persea palustris, and Gordonia lasianthus.

High-ranked species: No information

Element Distribution

Range: This saturated forest association is restricted to the East Gulf Coastal Plain of Mississippi, Florida, and possibly Alabama.

States: AL? FL MS

Crosswalk to State Classifications:

• 
  AL?: Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Forest, in part (AL 1993)
  
• 
  FL: Bottomland Forest, in part (FL 1992)
  
• 
  MS: White Cedar Swamp Forest, in part (MS 1994)
  

TNC Ecoregions: 53:C

USFS Ecoregions: 232Bg:CCC, 232Bh:CCC, 232Bj:CCC, 232Dc:CCC

Federal Lands: USFS (Apalachicola); USFWS (Mississippi Sandhill Crane, St. Marks)

Element Sources

References: Allard 1990, Clewell and Ward 1987, FNAI 1992a, Oberholster 1993, Wieland 1994b

Streamhead Atlantic White-cedar Forests

Gulf Coastal Plain Streamside White-cedar Swamp

Element Identifiers

NVCS association: Chamaecyparis thyoides / Magnolia virginiana - Cliftonia monophylla / Orontium aquaticum - Sphagnum spp. Forest

Database Code: CEGL007151

Formation: Saturated temperate or subpolar needle-leaved evergreen forest

Alliance: CHAMAECYPARIS THYOIDES SATURATED FOREST ALLIANCE (I.A.8.N.g.2)

Element Concept

Summary: This association, of the East Gulf Coastal Plain of Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi, occurs along small blackwater or spring-fed streams not subject to much flooding or siltation. This community is an uneven-aged mixed forest consisting of a Chamaecyparis thyoides canopy often overtopping the Magnolia virginiana - Cliftonia monophylla subcanopy. Other tree species which may be present include Pinus elliottii var. elliottii and Nyssa biflora. The shrub stratum (Clethra alnifolia, Cyrilla racemiflora, Ilex coriacea, Lyonia lucida) and herbaceous stratum (Orontium aquaticum, Mitchella repens, Drosera sp., Osmunda cinnamomea, Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis) are both well-developed. This community occurs in isolated populations in northeastern Florida and in more extensive but discontinuous stands along the northern Gulf coast from the central Florida panhandle through Alabama to Mississippi. Some northeastern Florida examples may lack Cliftonia and have Illicium parviflorum instead. ^Soils may be acidic peats but are usually circumneutral sands or sands overlain by peat. Although soils are perennially moist-wet, in contrast to more northern cedar swamp forests they are seldom if ever inundated. The sand and peat soils include Histosols (Saprists and Hemists); the pH may be circumneutral or slightly acidic. Soil pH is between 6.6 and 7.5 in peninsular Florida White Cedar Forests; soils of the northern gulf coast are not associated with alkaline springs so the pH in this part of the range may be more acidic. Fires are infrequent and less destructive than in the northern range of Chamaecyparis thyoides. Gap succession is more important in this community than post-fire regeneration and accounts for the mixed, uneven-aged stands. Lightning strikes are the main cause of mortality in mature white cedar trees within the range of this association. Atlantic white cedar communities are early successional but Chamaecyparis thyoides is a long-lived species (250+ years); gap regeneration is hypothesized to be the primary means of reproduction. The community often succeeds to itself following fire or other disturbance. In the absence of fire and adequate gap regeneration, Atlantic White Cedar Forests may be replaced by Bay Forest.

Environment: See Summary

Vegetation: This community is an uneven-aged mixed forest consisting of a Chamaecyparis thyoides canopy often overtopping the Magnolia virginiana - Cliftonia monophylla subcanopy. Other tree species which may be present include Pinus elliottii var. elliottii and Nyssa biflora. The shrub stratum (Clethra alnifolia, Cyrilla racemiflora, Ilex coriacea, Lyonia lucida) and herbaceous stratum (Orontium aquaticum, Mitchella repens, Drosera sp., Osmunda cinnamomea, Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis) are both well-developed.

Dynamics: Fires are infrequent and less destructive than in the northern range of Chamaecyparis thyoides (Clewell and Ward 1987, Laderman 1989, Wiseman 1986). Gap succession is more important in this community than post-fire regeneration and accounts for the mixed, uneven-aged stands. Lightning strikes are the main cause of mortality in mature white cedar trees within the range of this association. Atlantic white cedar communities are early successional but Chamaecyparis thyoides is a long-lived species (250+ years); gap regeneration is hypothesized to be the primary means of reproduction. The community often succeeds to itself following fire or other disturbance. In the absence of fire and adequate gap regeneration, Atlantic White Cedar Forests may be replaced by Bay Forest dominated by Magnolia virginiana, Persea palustris, and Gordonia lasianthus. This association is very susceptible to major disruptions in hydrology (Allard et al. 1990); rapid, prolonged change in water depth kills Chamaecyparis thyoides seedlings and stresses or kills mature specimens (Laderman 1989). Leaf litter and woody debris should not be too dense in order for the shade-intolerant Chamaecyparis thyoides seedlings to survive.

Similar Associations:

• 
  Chamaecyparis thyoides - Pinus elliottii var. elliottii / Nyssa biflora - Acer rubrum var. trilobum / Serenoa repens Forest (CEGL007145)
  

Synonymy:

• 
  IIA2b. Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Forest (Allard 1990) B. in part
  

Comments: This community is similar to Chamaecyparis thyoides - Pinus elliottii var. elliottii / Nyssa biflora - Acer rubrum var. trilobum / Serenoa repens Forest (CEGL007145), but occurs along streams rather than in basins. Mississippi sites are on Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR and in Pearl River County.

Conservation Ranking & Rare Species

GRank: G2G3 (97-11-21): This saturated forest association occurs in isolated populations in northeastern Florida and in more extensive but discontinuous stands along the northern Gulf Coast from the central Florida panhandle through Alabama to Mississippi. It has significantly declined from its original extent and is currently threatened by logging, conversion to agriculture, and residential/industrial development (Laderman 1989). Peat mining has been a threat in the past and may be so again in the future. Natural fire and hydrologic regimes need to be maintained for successful regeneration and maintenance of this community. It is very susceptible to major disruptions in hydrology (Allard 1990); rapid, prolonged change in water depth kills Chamaecyparis thyoides seedlings and stresses or kills mature specimens (Laderman 1989). Leaf litter and woody debris should not be too dense in order for the shade-intolerant Chamaecyparis thyoides seedlings to survive. In the absence of fire and adequate gap regeneration, Atlantic white cedar forests may be replaced by bay forest dominated by Magnolia virginiana, Persea palustris, and Gordonia lasianthus.

High-ranked species: No information

Element Distribution

Range: This association is found in the East Gulf Coastal Plain of Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi.

States: AL FL MS

Crosswalk to State Classifications:

• 
  AL: Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Forest, in part (AL 1993)
  
• 
  FL: Bottomland Forest, in part (FL 1992)
  
• 
  MS: White Cedar Swamp Forest, in part (MS 1994)
  

TNC Ecoregions: 53:C

USFS Ecoregions: 232Bf:CCC, 232Bj:CCC, 232Dc:CCC

Federal Lands: DOD (Eglin); USFS (Apalachicola, Conecuh?, De Soto, Ocala); USFWS (Mississippi Sandhill Crane)

Element Sources

References: Allard 1990, Clewell 1971, Clewell and Ward 1987, FNAI 1992a, Laderman 1989, Oberholster 1993, Wieland 1994b, Wiseman 1986

Coastal Plain Streamhead Forests

East Gulf Coastal Plain Hardwood Seepage Forest

Element Identifiers

NVCS association: Liriodendron tulipifera - Nyssa biflora - Magnolia virginiana / Toxicodendron vernix - Morella caroliniensis / Osmunda regalis Forest

Database Code: CEGL004772

Formation: Saturated cold-deciduous forest

Alliance: NYSSA BIFLORA - ACER RUBRUM - (LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERA) SATURATED FOREST ALLIANCE (I.B.2.N.g.5)

Element Concept

Summary: These forests occur in seepages areas in pine-dominated uplands of the East Gulf Coastal Plain of Alabama and Mississippi (and possibly adjacent states). The tree canopy is variable with Liriodendron tulipifera, Nyssa biflora, and Magnolia virginiana typically dominant, but Liquidambar styraciflua, Pinus taeda, and Acer rubrum are often codominant. Canopy cover in these seeps is not complete, and the shrub and herbaceous layers are well-developed. The shrub and subcanopy are dominated by Morella caroliniensis (= Myrica heterophylla), Toxicodendron vernix, Persea palustris, and Magnolia virginiana; with Chionanthus virginicus, Photinia pyrifolia (= Aronia arbutifolia), Viburnum nudum, Ilex coriacea, Clethra alnifolia, Cephalanthus occidentalis, Rhododendron canescens, Vaccinium elliottii, and other species present. The herbaceous layer includes Osmunda regalis, Osmunda cinnamomea, Woodwardia areolata, Apios americana, Botrychium dissectum, Chasmanthium sessiliflorum, Eupatorium rotundifolium, Platanthera ciliaris, Mitchella repens, Dioscorea villosa, Sphagnum spp., and other species. Woody vines are common, and species that occur are Smilax walteri, Smilax laurifolia, Smilax glauca, Smilax rotundifolia, Toxicodendron vernix, Berchemia scandens, and others.

Environment: See Summary

Vegetation: The tree canopy of stands of this association is variable with Liriodendron tulipifera, Nyssa biflora, and Magnolia virginiana typically dominant, but Liquidambar styraciflua, Pinus taeda, and Acer rubrum are often codominant. Quercus michauxii may be present. Canopy cover in these seeps is not complete, and the shrub and herbaceous layers are well-developed. The shrub and subcanopy are dominated by Morella caroliniensis (= Myrica heterophylla), Toxicodendron vernix, Persea palustris, and Magnolia virginiana; with Chionanthus virginicus, Photinia pyrifolia (= Aronia arbutifolia), Viburnum nudum, Ilex coriacea, Clethra alnifolia, Cephalanthus occidentalis, Rhododendron canescens, Vaccinium elliottii, and other species present. The herbaceous layer includes Osmunda regalis, Osmunda cinnamomea, Woodwardia areolata, Apios americana, Botrychium dissectum, Chasmanthium sessiliflorum, Eupatorium rotundifolium, Platanthera ciliaris, Mitchella repens, Dioscorea villosa, Sphagnum spp., and other species. Woody vines are common, and species that occur are Smilax walteri, Smilax laurifolia, Smilax glauca, Smilax rotundifolia, Toxicodendron vernix, Berchemia scandens, & others.

Dynamics: See Summary

Similar Associations:

• 
  Nyssa biflora - Liquidambar styraciflua / Magnolia virginiana / Hamamelis virginiana - Viburnum nudum Forest (CEGL008477)--from further north in the Upper East Gulf Coastal Plain, with less evergreen shrub dominance.
  
• 
  Nyssa biflora - Acer rubrum var. trilobum - Liriodendron tulipifera / Ilex coriacea - Lyonia lucida Forest (CEGL004645)--from the Sandhills of the South Atlantic Coastal Plain, with more prominent Magnolia virginiana.
  

Conservation Ranking & Rare Species

GRank: G3? (01-09-19):

High-ranked species: No information

Element Distribution

Range: These forests occur in the East Gulf Coastal Plain of Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi (and possibly adjacent states - Georgia and Louisiana).

States: AL FL GA? LA? MS

Crosswalk to State Classifications:

• 
  MS: Coastal Plain Small Stream Swamp Forest?, in part (MS 1994)
  

TNC Ecoregions: 53:C

USFS Ecoregions: 232Bj:CCC

Federal Lands: DOD (Fort Benning?); USFS (Apalachicola, Bienville, Conecuh?, De Soto?)

Element Sources

References: Wieland 1994b

Small Stream Forests

Swamp Blackgum - Water Oak - Diamondleaf Oak - Loblolly Pine / American Holly - Ironwood Forest

Element Identifiers

NVCS association: Nyssa biflora - Quercus nigra - Quercus laurifolia - Pinus taeda / Ilex opaca - Carpinus caroliniana Forest

Database Code: CEGL007350

Formation: Temporarily flooded cold-deciduous forest

Alliance: QUERCUS (PHELLOS, NIGRA, LAURIFOLIA) TEMPORARILY FLOODED FOREST ALLIANCE (I.B.2.N.d.17)

Element Concept

Summary: These forests occur in small stream floodplains in the Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont with forest vegetation of mixed hydrological tolerances, due to fluvial landforms too small and hydrologic regime too variable to differentiate separate associated communities. The canopy of stands always includes substantial Nyssa biflora or Taxodium distichum along with substantial bottomland oaks (e.g., Quercus nigra, Quercus laurifolia) and other bottomland hardwoods, along with Pinus taeda. Typical subcanopy components include Ilex opaca and Carpinus caroliniana. The shrub stratum typically includes Leucothoe axillaris and Cyrilla racemiflora.

Environment: These forests occur in small stream floodplains in the Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont with forest vegetation of mixed hydrological tolerances, due to fluvial landforms too small and hydrologic regime too variable to differentiate separate associated communities.

Vegetation: The canopy of stands always includes substantial Nyssa biflora or Taxodium distichum along with substantial bottomland oaks (e.g. Quercus nigra, Quercus laurifolia, Quercus pagoda, Quercus lyrata) and other bottomland hardwoods, along with Pinus taeda, or Pinus glabra within its range. Typical subcanopy components include Acer rubrum, Ilex opaca, and Carpinus caroliniana. Woody vines include Vitis rotundifolia, Bignonia capreolata, and Smilax bona-nox. The shrub stratum typically includes Symplocos tinctoria, Ilex decidua, Leucothoe axillaris, and Cyrilla racemiflora. Some herbs from a stand in the Apalachicola National Forest (Florida) include Chasmanthium laxum, Amorpha fruticosa, Aristolochia serpentaria, Botrychium biternatum, Clematis virginiana, Rhynchospora sp., and Lygodium japonicum (exotic).

Dynamics: See Summary

Similar Associations:

• 
  Liquidambar styraciflua - Quercus (laurifolia, nigra) - (Pinus taeda) / Arundinaria gigantea / Carex abscondita Forest (CEGL007732)--with greater Liquidambar and Quercus dominance (as opposed to Nyssa), overlapping in range
  

Synonymy:

• 
  IIA5b. Coastal Plain Small Stream Swamp Forest (Allard 1990) B. in part
  
• 
  Coastal Plain Small Stream Swamp (Schafale pers. comm.)
  

Comments: None

Conservation Ranking & Rare Species

GRank: G4? (01-09-19):

High-ranked species: No information

Element Distribution

Range: These forests occur in the Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont of the southeastern United States, from North Carolina and possibly Virginia, south to Florida.

States: FL GA NC SC VA?

Crosswalk to State Classifications:

• 
  VA?: No equivalent (VA 2001)
  

TNC Ecoregions: 52:C, 53:C, 55:P, 56:C, 57:C

USFS Ecoregions: 231Aa:CP?, 232:C

Federal Lands: DOD (Fort Benning?); USFS (Apalachicola, Croatan?, Oconee?)

Element Sources

References: Allard 1990, Schafale pers. comm.

Small Stream Forests

Coastal Plain Spruce Pine - Oak Stream Forest

Element Identifiers

NVCS association: Pinus glabra - Quercus (laurifolia, michauxii, nigra) / Carpinus caroliniana ssp. caroliniana / Sabal minor Forest

Database Code: CEGL007544

Formation: Temporarily flooded mixed needle-leaved evergreen - cold-deciduous forest

Alliance: PINUS GLABRA - QUERCUS (LAURIFOLIA, MICHAUXII, NIGRA) TEMPORARILY FLOODED FOREST ALLIANCE (I.C.3.N.b.2)

Element Concept

Summary: The closed canopy of this Coastal Plain stream forest is generally dominated by Pinus glabra and Quercus laurifolia and/or Quercus michauxii. Other floodplain oaks, Quercus nigra, Pinus taeda, and/or Liquidambar styraciflua may occur. Carpinus caroliniana ssp. caroliniana dominates the well-developed subcanopy stratum. Sabal minor may be common in at least some occurrences of this association. Shrubs may include Hypericum galioides, Hypericum hypericoides, Sebastiania fruticosa, Leucothoe racemosa, Cyrilla racemiflora, Styrax americanus, Crataegus marshallii, Vaccinium spp., and Rhododendron canescens. Vines include Berchemia scandens and Vitis rotundifolia. Herbs may include Chasmanthium laxum, Saccharum baldwinii, Carex joorii, Osmunda cinnamomea, and Mitchella repens. The liverwort Pallavicinia lyellii may be present. This association occurs on natural levees of Coastal Plain streams, both blackwater and brownwater, in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, southern South Carolina, and Florida.

Environment: This association occurs on natural levees of Coastal Plain streams, both blackwater and brownwater, in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and southern South Carolina.

Vegetation: The closed canopy of this forest is generally dominated by Pinus glabra and Quercus laurifolia and/or Quercus michauxii. Other floodplain oaks, Quercus nigra, Pinus taeda, and/or Liquidambar styraciflua may also occur. Carpinus caroliniana ssp. caroliniana dominates the well-developed subcanopy stratum. Sabal minor and/or Arundinaria gigantea may be common in at least some occurrences of this association (Florida Natural Areas Inventory 1992b). Shrubs may include Hypericum galioides, Hypericum hypericoides, Sebastiania fruticosa, Leucothoe racemosa, Cyrilla racemiflora, Styrax americanus, Crataegus marshallii, Vaccinium elliottii, and Rhododendron canescens. Vines include Berchemia scandens and Vitis rotundifolia. Herbs may include Chasmanthium laxum, Saccharum baldwinii, Carex joorii, Osmunda cinnamomea, and Mitchella repens. The liverwort Pallavicinia lyellii may be present. At Oak Landing, Apalachicola National Forest, canopy dominants are Quercus nigra and Pinus glabra with Quercus virginiana, Liquidambar styraciflua, and Betula nigra. Sabal minor, Carpinus caroliniana, and Ilex decidua are the dominant shrubs, with Crataegus marshallii, Vaccinium elliottii, Asimina parviflora, Amorpha fruticosa, and Viburnum dentatum. Vines include Toxicodendron radicans, Smilax bona-nox, Lygodium japonicum, Vitis rotundifolia, Bignonia capreolata, and Campsis radicans. Chasmanthium laxum, Mitchella repens, and the exotic Lygodium japonicum are the most common herbs. In the floodplain of the Ochlockonee River near Rock Bluff (Apalachicola National Forest), the canopy was dominated by Pinus glabra, Quercus hemisphaerica, and Quercus nigra, with Liquidambar styraciflua and Quercus virginiana. Ilex decidua, Sebastiania fruticosa, and Chasmanthium latifolium were also important (NatureServe unpubl. data).

Dynamics: In Florida (Florida Natural Areas Inventory 1992b) this community is described as an alluvial floodplain flat inundated about 30% of the growing season.

Similar Associations: No information

Synonymy:

• 
  IIA8c. Lowland Pine - Oak Forest (Allard 1990)
  
• 
  Floodplain Forest, Diamondleaf Oak/Spruce Pine Flat subtype (FNAI 1992b)
  
• 
  Swamp chestnut oak-cherrybark oak-spruce pine (Wharton et al. 1982)
  

Comments: None

Conservation Ranking & Rare Species

GRank: G3G4 (00-12-28): In Florida (Florida Natural Areas Inventory 1992b) this community is described as an alluvial floodplain flat inundated about 30% of the growing season.

High-ranked species: No information

Element Distribution

Range: This association occurs in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and southern South Carolina.

States: AL FL GA MS SC

Crosswalk to State Classifications:

• 
  FL: Floodplain Forest, in part (FL 1992)
  

TNC Ecoregions: 53:C, 56:C, 57:P

USFS Ecoregions: 232Ba:CCC, 232Bb:CC?, 232Bg:CCC, 232Bh:CCC, 232Bi:CC?, 232Bj:CCP, 232Bk:CCC, 232Bm:CC?, 232Bn:CC?, 232Bo:CC?, 232Bp:CC?, 232Br:CCC, 232Bs:CCC, 232Bu:CCP, 232Ca:CCP, 232Cb:CCP

Federal Lands: USFS (Apalachicola, Bienville?, Conecuh?, De Soto, Francis Marion?, Homochitto, Osceola?)

Element Sources

References: Allard 1990, FNAI 1992a, FNAI 1992b, NatureServe Ecology - Southeast U.S. unpubl. data, Wharton et al. 1982

Small Stream Forests

Diamondleaf Oak Bottomland Forest

Element Identifiers

NVCS association: Quercus laurifolia / Carpinus caroliniana / Justicia ovata Forest

Database Code: CEGL007348

Formation: Seasonally flooded cold-deciduous forest

Alliance: QUERCUS (LAURIFOLIA, PHELLOS) SEASONALLY FLOODED FOREST ALLIANCE (I.B.2.N.e.12)

Element Concept

Summary: This bottomland forest often borders blackwater streams in the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains. It is dominated by Quercus laurifolia, but Nyssa biflora is common as well. Other species that occur sparingly include Taxodium distichum, Quercus nigra, Nyssa aquatica, Liquidambar styraciflua, and Acer rubrum. Fraxinus caroliniana and Carpinus caroliniana are characteristic of the subcanopy. Dominance of the shrub layer may vary from stand to stand. Occasionally, Arundinaria gigantea or Sabal minor will form a conspicuous understory cover. Itea virginica may also dominate. The ground surface is covered by a combination of decaying leaves and exposed mud. The sparse herbaceous layer often contains only Justicia ovata, Saururus cernuus, and Proserpinaca palustris, but other species are possible, including Asclepias perennis and Campsis radicans.

Environment: This bottomland forest often borders blackwater streams in the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains. The ground surface is covered by a combination of decaying leaves and exposed mud; the herbaceous layer is sparse.

Vegetation: This bottomland forest is dominated by Quercus laurifolia, but Nyssa biflora is common as well. Other species that occur sparingly include Taxodium distichum, Quercus nigra, Nyssa aquatica, Liquidambar styraciflua, and Acer rubrum. Fraxinus caroliniana and Carpinus caroliniana are characteristic of the subcanopy. Dominance of the shrub layer may vary from stand to stand. Occasionally, Arundinaria gigantea or Sabal minor will form a conspicuous understory cover. Itea virginica may also dominate. The ground surface is covered by a combination of decaying leaves and exposed mud. The sparse herbaceous layer often contains only Justicia ovata, Saururus cernuus, and Proserpinaca palustris, but other species are possible, including Asclepias perennis and Campsis radicans. In a stand in the Ocala National Forest (Florida), the canopy includes Quercus laurifolia, Liquidambar styraciflua, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Acer rubrum, Carya aquatica, and Sabal palmetto; subcanopy species include canopy species and Nyssa biflora, Carpinus caroliniana, Taxodium distichum, and Persea palustris. Woody vines include Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Smilax bona-nox, Smilax glauca, Smilax laurifolia, Toxicodendron radicans, and Vitis aestivalis. Shrubs include Sabal minor, Itea virginica, Sideroxylon lycioides, and Viburnum obovatum. Herbs include Crinum americanum, Hypoxis curtissii, Dichanthelium sp., Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis, and Rhynchospora mixta. Also present are the epiphytes Tillandsia usneoides, Tillandsia bartramii, and Phlebodium aureum.

Dynamics: See Summary

Similar Associations:

• 
  Nyssa aquatica - Fraxinus pennsylvanica - Taxodium distichum / Sabal minor Forest (CEGL008463)--is similar, but stands are dominated by Nyssa biflora.
  

Synonymy:

• 
  IIA6a. Willow Oak Forest (Allard 1990) B. in part
  
• 
  Laurel oak - water oak community (Jones et al. 1981b)
  

Comments: There are ACE (Ashepoo-Combahee-Edisto) data; see also Jones et al. 1981b (Laurel oak - water oak community; 22 stands sampled). This association is known from TNC's Altamaha River Bioreserve. It is also reported from Fort Gordon, Georgia (L. Gawin pers. comm.). Related vegetation in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta WMA in Alabama is actually dominated primarily by Nyssa biflora (A. Schotz pers. comm.). This type is described as Nyssa aquatica - Fraxinus pennsylvanica - Taxodium distichum / Sabal minor Forest (CEGL008463).

Conservation Ranking & Rare Species

GRank: G4? (97-08-15):

High-ranked species: No information

Element Distribution

Range: This forest is found in the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains from North Carolina south to Florida and west to Alabama and possibly Mississippi.

States: AL FL GA MS? NC SC VA?

Crosswalk to State Classifications:

• 
  VA?: No equivalent (VA 2001)
  

TNC Ecoregions: 53:C, 55:C, 56:C, 57:C

USFS Ecoregions: 232Bq:CCC, 232Bs:CCC

Federal Lands: DOD (Fort Benning, Fort Gordon?); DOE (Savannah River Site); USFS (Croatan, Francis Marion, Ocala)

Element Sources

References: Allard 1990, Jones et al. 1981b, Schotz pers. comm.

Peatland Pocosins

Pond Pine / Little Gallberry / Southern Wiregrass Woodland

Element Identifiers

NVCS association: Pinus serotina / Ilex glabra / Aristida beyrichiana Woodland

Database Code: CEGL003795

Formation: Saturated temperate or subpolar needle-leaved evergreen woodland

Alliance: PINUS SEROTINA SATURATED WOODLAND ALLIANCE (II.A.4.N.f.9)

Element Concept

Summary: These are wet flatwoods of Pinus serotina with a small amount of Pinus elliottii. The shrubs Ilex glabra, Quercus minima, and Quercus pumila occur along with nearly complete coverage of Aristida beyrichiana. Amphicarpum muehlenbergianum is also an important grass.

Environment: These are wet flatwoods which occur on a slightly sloping site near a stream floodplain on Ocala National Forest. They are probably influenced by seepage.

Vegetation: These are wet flatwoods of Pinus serotina with a small amount of Pinus elliottii. The shrubs Ilex glabra, Quercus minima, and Quercus pumila occur along with Morella cerifera, Rhus copallinum, Serenoa repens, Vaccinium myrsinites, Rubus argutus, Vaccinium corymbosum, and Diospyros virginiana. There is nearly complete coverage of Aristida beyrichiana. Amphicarpum muehlenbergianum is also an important grass. Other herbaceous species are Pityopsis graminifolia, Viola septemloba, Pterocaulon pycnostachyum, Eryngium yuccifolium, Oclemena reticulata (= Aster reticulatus), Dyschoriste oblongifolia, Dichanthelium scoparium, Chaptalia tomentosa, Lobelia sp., Liatris tenuifolia, Rhynchospora plumosa, Panicum rigidulum, Osmunda regalis, Cirsium horridulum, Erigeron vernus, Paspalum sp., Rhexia sp., Andropogon capillipes, and Scleria reticularis.

Dynamics: These flatwoods are prone to fire, probably of moderate frequency.

Similar Associations: No information

Synonymy: No information

Comments: None

Conservation Ranking & Rare Species

GRank: G? (02-05-16):

High-ranked species: No information

Element Distribution

Range: This type may be limited to central Florida.

States: FL

Crosswalk to State Classifications: Not yet cross-referenced to state classifications

TNC Ecoregions: 53:P, 55:C, 56:P

USFS Ecoregions: 232Bf:CCC

Federal Lands: USFS (Ocala)

Element Sources

References: NatureServe Ecology - Southeast U.S. unpubl. data

Peatland Pocosins

Evergreen High Pocosin

Element Identifiers

NVCS association: Pinus serotina / Lyonia lucida - Ilex glabra - (Cyrilla racemiflora) Shrubland

Database Code: CEGL003846

Formation: Saturated temperate broad-leaved evergreen shrubland with a sparse needle-leaved or mixed evergreen tree layer

Alliance: LYONIA LUCIDA - ILEX GLABRA SATURATED WOODED SHRUBLAND ALLIANCE (III.A.2.N.j.2)

Element Concept

Summary: This is the typical high pocosin or tall pocosin of peatlands and wet mineral soils of the southeastern Coastal Plain, ranging from southeastern Virginia south to Georgia and apparently to Florida. Pinus serotina individuals are scattered and more-or-less stunted. Typical shrubs, forming a dense tangle with abundant Smilax laurifolia, are Cyrilla racemiflora (absent in occurrences at the northern limit of the range in southeastern Virginia), Lyonia lucida, Ilex glabra, Ilex coriacea, Persea palustris, and sometimes Kalmia carolina. Other component shrubs can include Clethra alnifolia, Vaccinium formosum, Gaylussacia frondosa (= var. frondosa), Kalmia cuneata, Photinia pyrifolia (= Aronia arbutifolia), Chamaecyparis thyoides, Acer rubrum var. trilobum, Morella cerifera (= Myrica cerifera var. cerifera), Lyonia ligustrina var. foliosiflora, Magnolia virginiana, Rhododendron viscosum, and Toxicodendron radicans. Compare III.C.2.N.f.

Environment: Stands of this association are found in peatlands and wet mineral soils of the Coastal Plain, from southeastern Virginia and North Carolina south to Georgia and northern Florida. In Florida this association occurs in large poorly drained sandy peat areas.

Vegetation: In this essentially shrub-dominated association, Pinus serotina individuals are scattered and more-or-less stunted. Typical shrubs, forming a dense tangle with abundant Smilax laurifolia, are Cyrilla racemiflora (absent in occurrences at the northern limit of the range in southeastern Virginia), Lyonia lucida, Ilex glabra, Ilex coriacea, Persea palustris, and sometimes Kalmia carolina. Other component shrubs can include Clethra alnifolia, Vaccinium formosum, Gaylussacia frondosa (= var. frondosa), Kalmia cuneata, Photinia pyrifolia (= Aronia arbutifolia), Chamaecyparis thyoides, Acer rubrum var. trilobum, Morella cerifera (= Myrica cerifera var. cerifera), Lyonia ligustrina var. foliosiflora, Magnolia virginiana, Rhododendron viscosum, and Toxicodendron radicans. Florida plots additionally included Lyonia ferruginea, Serenoa repens, Vaccinium myrsinites, Gordonia lasianthus, Taxodium ascendens, Pinus elliottii, Leucothoe racemosa, and Sarracenia minor. Certain species known from this association in the Carolinas do not occur in the association in Florida. These include Kalmia carolina, Kalmia cuneata, and Chamaecyparis thyoides.

Dynamics: This association is prone to infrequent high-intensity wildfire.

Similar Associations:

• 
  Pinus serotina / Zenobia pulverulenta - Cyrilla racemiflora - Lyonia lucida Wooded Shrubland (CEGL004458)--is deciduous-dominated High Pocosin with a more restricted distribution.
  

Synonymy:

• 
  IIC1b. High Pocosin (Allard 1990) B. in part
  
• 
  Pinus serotina / Smilax laurifolia - Lyonia lucida - Kalmia carolina Association (Fleming 1998)
  
• 
  Shrub Bog (Wharton 1978) B. in part
  

Comments: Georgia occurrences (in the Outer Coastal Plain) are in different topographic settings; they are found in depressional wetlands (Carolina bays and limesink wetlands) and along stream borders. They may have significantly different floristics as well; they lack Chamaecyparis thyoides and may lack Rhus copallinum and Kalmia carolina among other species. More work is needed to determine whether these should be in a different association. Virginia occurrences lack Cyrilla racemiflora; the alliance name has been changed to reflect this, and an additional association may be needed in this case as well. Florida examples of this association are from Pinhook Swamp and Impassable Bay (Osceola NF) and Bradwell Bay (Apalachicola NF). These are very large poorly drained areas. Some stands from the Fall-line Sandhills of Fort Benning, Georgia (East Gulf Coastal Plain), at or near the local northern-most edge of the distribution of Pinus serotina are placed here. The polygons that have been referred here (A.805) have dense evergreen shrubs (mostly Ilex glabra and Ilex coriacea) with some Arundinaria gigantea. They also have dense Smilax spp. (M. Mulligan pers. comm. 2001). More information is needed on these stands in order to determine if they are placed correctly in this alliance, and if they warrant a separate association (MP 2001-04-12).

Conservation Ranking & Rare Species

GRank: G3 (01-01-30): This high pocosin or tall pocosin vegetation is restricted to peatlands and wet mineral soils of the southeastern Coastal Plain, ranging from southeastern Virginia south to Georgia and northern Florida. Although formerly extensive, these communities are threatened by wetland alternation (ditching and draining). Additionally, the structure and composition of this community type are maintained by periodic catastrophic fires, which are now suppressed as wildfires, and are not allowable as controlled burns. For this reason, even `protected' occurrences are not readily manageable to approximate natural fire return intervals and intensities.

High-ranked species: KALMIA CUNEATA (G3), PELTANDRA SAGITTIFOLIA (G3G4)

Element Distribution

Range: This high pocosin or tall pocosin vegetation is found in the southeastern Coastal Plain from southeastern Virginia south to Georgia and northern Florida.

States: FL GA NC SC VA

Crosswalk to State Classifications:

• 
  NC: High Pocosin, in part (NC 1990)
  
• 
  VA: Pond Pine Woodland and Pocosin, in part (VA 2001)
  

TNC Ecoregions: 53:C, 56:C, 57:C

USFS Ecoregions: 232Br:CPP, 232Ca:CCC, 232Cb:CCP, 232Cc:CCP, 232Cd:CCC, 232Cf:CCP, 232Ch:CCC, 232Dc:CCC

Federal Lands: DOD (Camp Lejeune, Dare County Bombing Range, Fort Benning); USFS (Apalachicola, Croatan, Osceola); USFWS (Alligator River, Great Dismal Swamp, Okefenokee Swamp, Pocosin Lakes)

Element Sources

References: Allard 1990, Christensen 1979, Fleming 1998, Fleming et al. 2001, Kologiski 1977, Schafale and Weakley 1990, Sharitz and Gibbons 1982, Wharton 1978

Interdune Herbaceous Wetlands

Sand Cordgrass Interdune Swale

Element Identifiers

NVCS association: Spartina bakeri - Muhlenbergia filipes - Andropogon glomeratus - Rhynchospora colorata Herbaceous Vegetation

Database Code: CEGL004511

Formation: Seasonally flooded temperate or subpolar grassland

Alliance: SPARTINA BAKERI SEASONALLY FLOODED HERBACEOUS ALLIANCE (V.A.5.N.k.28)

Element Concept

Summary: Seasonally flooded coastal interdunal swales and related depressions in Florida and possibly southeastern Georgia, dominated by Spartina bakeri, or at least with substantial cover of it. Muhlenbergia filipes may be codominant; Andropogon glomeratus and Aristida sp. are occasionally present. A variety of wetland herbs are present in the wetter swales, including Rhynchospora colorata, Sagittaria lancifolia, Eupatorium mikanioides (a Florida endemic), Setaria magna, Cladium mariscus ssp. jamaicense, Phyla nodiflora, Sabatia stellaris, and Pluchea rosea. Nostoc, a cyanobacterium, forms a wet, slippery, dark green ground cover during wet periods and a thick, black crust during dry spells. An alga, Chara sp., is also present in pools in wet swales. Exotic species found in some swales include Schinus terebinthifolius and Catharanthus roseus.

Environment: These are seasonally flooded coastal interdunal swales in Florida and possibly southeastern Georgia. Vegetation dominated by the nominal species is found on the margin of lakes in the Florida peninsula. Does this constitute a distinct association?

Vegetation: Stands of this type are dominated by Spartina bakeri, or at least with substantial cover of it. Muhlenbergia filipes may be codominant; Andropogon glomeratus and Aristida sp. are occasionally present. A variety of wetland herbs are present in the wetter swales, including Rhynchospora colorata, Sagittaria lancifolia, Eupatorium mikanioides (a Florida endemic), Setaria magna, Cladium mariscus ssp. jamaicense, Phyla nodiflora, Sabatia stellaris, and Pluchea rosea. Nostoc, a cyanobacterium, forms a wet, slippery, dark green ground cover during wet periods and a thick, black crust during dry spells. An alga, Chara sp., is also present in pools in wet swales. Exotic species found in some swales include Schinus terebinthifolius and Catharanthus roseus. A stand assigned here in the Ocala National Forest (Farles Prairie) is strongly dominated by Spartina bakeri, with Ludwigia suffruticosa, Amphicarpum muehlenbergianum, Dichanthelium sp., Smilax pumila, Centella erecta, Rhexia mariana, Pluchea rosea, Andropogon brachystachyus, Andropogon capillipes, and Ludwigia repens. The shrubs Vaccinium darrowii and Hypericum myrtifolium are present here at low cover values.

Dynamics: These areas are not tidally flooded but are apparently maintained as marsh by occasional flooding by brackish water during severe storm tides (in hurricane events). These storm flooding events maintain brackish soil conditions.

Similar Associations:

• 
  Populus deltoides / Acer negundo / Boehmeria cylindrica Forest (CEGL007731)--of depressions on marsh islands in South Carolina.
  

Synonymy: No information

Comments: These areas are not tidally flooded but are apparently maintained as marsh by occasional flooding by brackish water during severe storm tides (in hurricane events). These storm flooding events maintain brackish soil conditions. Exotic species found in some swales include Schinus terebinthifolius and Catharanthus roseus.

Conservation Ranking & Rare Species

GRank: G3? (97-08-13):

High-ranked species: EUPATORIUM MIKANIOIDES (G3?)

Element Distribution

Range: This association is found in Florida and possibly southeastern Georgia.

States: FL GA?

Crosswalk to State Classifications:

• 
  FL: Coastal Interdunal Swale, in part (FL 1992)
  

TNC Ecoregions: 55:C, 56:?

USFS Ecoregions: 232Bf:CCC, 232Ce:CCC, 232Db:CCC, 232Gb:CCC

Federal Lands: DOD (Cape Canaveral); USFS (Ocala?)

Element Sources

References: FNAI 1992a

Ecological Group Not Assigned

Carolina Willow Temporarily Flooded Forest

Element Identifiers

NVCS association: Salix caroliniana Temporarily Flooded Forest [Placeholder]

Database Code: CEGL007373

Formation: Temporarily flooded cold-deciduous forest

Alliance: SALIX CAROLINIANA TEMPORARILY FLOODED FOREST ALLIANCE (I.B.2.N.d.21)

Element Concept

Summary: This vegetation occurs primarily on riverfronts and lakeshores, mostly in the Atlantic Coastal Plain, Interior Low Plateau, and Ozarkian highlands. Salix caroliniana is the dominant small tree and can form a dense to open or very open canopy. This community tends to occupy small areas, usually relatively linear or crescent-shaped patches associated with streamfronts, sand bars, etc., but sometimes it occupies larger areas. This vegetation results from flooding disturbance and is generally short-lived.

Environment: This vegetation occurs primarily on riverfronts and lakeshores. These small areas are usually relatively linear or crescent-shaped patches associated with streamfronts, sand bars, etc., but it sometimes occupies larger areas. These communities result from flooding disturbance and are generally short-lived.

Vegetation: See Summary

Dynamics: These communities result from flooding disturbance and are generally short-lived.

Similar Associations: No information

Synonymy: No information

Comments: None

Conservation Ranking & Rare Species

GRank: G? (97-12-01):

High-ranked species: No information

Element Distribution

Range:

States: AL DE? FL GA MD? MS? NC NJ? SC TN VA WV

Crosswalk to State Classifications:

• 
  VA: Rocky Bar and Shore, in part (VA 2001)
  

TNC Ecoregions: 32:P, 43:P, 44:P, 52:P, 53:C, 55:P, 56:C, 57:C, 58:?

USFS Ecoregions: 222E:PP, 231Ac:CCP, 231Ah:CCP, 231Ba:CCP, 231Bc:CCP, 231Bd:CCP, 231Be:CCP, 231Bf:CCP, 231Ga:CCP, 231Gb:CCP, 231Gc:CCP, 232Bg:CCP, 232Bh:CCP, 232Bi:CCP, 232Bj:CCP, 232Bn:CCP, 232Bo:CCP, 232Bp:CCP, 232Bq:CCP, 232Br:CCP, 232Bs:CCC, 232Ca:CCP, 232Cb:CCP, 232Cg:CCP, 232Ch:CCP, 232Da:CCP, 232Db:CCP, 232Dc:CCP

Federal Lands: USFS (Apalachicola)

Element Sources

References: Fleming et al. 2001

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