Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available

Floristics: This is a deciduous broad-leaved riparian forest typically codominated by the trees Acer negundo and Populus angustifolia, with total canopy cover averaging 62%. A well-developed tall-shrub layer is present in the form of nearly impenetrable Cornus sericea, a deciduous species. A few other shrub species are occasionally present, including Crataegus rivularis, Rosa woodsii, and Salix lucida ssp. caudata. The herbaceous layer is diverse but moderately sparse due to the intense shading of the shrub layer. Perennial forbs are the most abundant species, including Cirsium spp., Rudbeckia laciniata, Solidago gigantea, and Maianthemum stellatum (= Smilacina stellata). Most of the graminoid species present are introduced "hay" species, but a few native species are present in small amounts, including Carex hoodii, Carex pellita (= Carex lanuginosa), Carex microptera, and Poa palustris. Hydrophyllum fendleri is reported to be important in this association, but none of the stands sampled have this species present. It may be very susceptible to elimination by livestock grazing. Most stands of this association have been impacted by grazing and nearby hay pasturing, with a significant component in the understory of introduced grass species, such as Dactylis glomerata, Bromus inermis, Poa pratensis, and Phalaris arundinacea.

Dynamics:  Most of the former sites that may have supported this community have been extirpated or highly altered as a result of domestic livestock grazing, or conversion to agriculture fields. Heavy livestock grazing results in elimination of the Cornus understory, an increase in the exotic Poa pratensis, and probably damages Acer and Populus regeneration.

Alteration of the natural flood regime of the undammed White River could seriously affect this plant community. Regeneration of the dominant tree species is probably controlled somewhat by the flooding characteristics of the river. [See Baker (1989a).]