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CEGL008432 Osmunda cinnamomea - Rhynchospora capitellata - Thalictrum mirabile Cumberland Seepage Cliff Vegetation
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Cinnamon Fern - Brownish Beaksedge - Little Mountain Meadowrue Cumberland Seepage Cliff Vegetation
Colloquial Name: Cumberland Plateau Wet Sandstone Cliff
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This type occurs on relatively cool, seepage-fed portions of sandstone cliff faces in the Cumberland Plateau of Alabama and possibly adjacent states. Individual cliff faces may extend vertically 30 to 45 m (100-150 feet), but this association tends to develop in areas that receive mostly filtered sunlight. Examples are characterized by the presence of relatively shade-intolerant species with high moisture requirements, such as Rhynchospora capitellata, Osmunda cinnamomea, Itea virginica, and Eutrochium fistulosum.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: This type was originally created with little information from only a single site in Alabama but has been modified by input from Al Schotz (ALNHP). Further clarifications may be made as additional information becomes available. This type may be difficult to distinguish from small seepages included as part of ~Asplenium montanum - Heuchera parviflora var. parviflora - Silene rotundifolia Cliff Sparse Vegetation (CEGL004392)$$, though the presence of sun-loving plants, such as Rhynchospora capitellata, in this type should help make the distinction.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: Characteristic species are Rhynchospora capitellata, Osmunda cinnamomea, and Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis (NatureServe Ecology unpubl. data). Other species present include Thalictrum mirabile, Eutrochium fistulosum (= Eupatorium fistulosum), Viola x primulifolia, Xanthorhiza simplicissima, Symphyotrichum dumosum (= Aster dumosus), Chionanthus virginicus, Decumaria barbara, Spiranthes sp., Iris verna, Lobelia cardinalis, Ilex ambigua, Hypericum mutilum, Xyris torta, and (rarely) Drosera rotundifolia.
Dynamics: Some examples at least of this community receive scouring during flash floods of associated streams.
Environmental Description: This association occurs on vertical to near-vertical cliff faces of the Cumberland Plateau where cliffs may extend 30 to 45 m (100-150 feet) in height (A. Schotz pers. comm.). Examples occur in relatively cool microclimates produced by filtered sunlight and seepage flow, generally along the lowermost two-thirds of an individual cliff. Sometimes steep ledges are present which provide additional shade and moisture, and these areas are sometime associated with Tsuga-dominated slopes that are critical to maintain microclimate. If areas become too exposed, desiccation may occur.
Geographic Range: This community is likely restricted to the Cumberland Plateau of the southeastern United States.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: AL, KY?, TN?
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.683903
Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G1G2Q
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 6 Open Rock Vegetation Class | C06 | 6 |
| Subclass | 6.B Temperate & Boreal Open Rock Vegetation Subclass | S04 | 6.B |
| Formation | 6.B.1 Temperate & Boreal Cliff, Scree & Other Rock Vegetation Formation | F034 | 6.B.1 |
| Division | 6.B.1.Na Eastern North American Temperate Cliff, Scree & Rock Vegetation Division | D051 | 6.B.1.Na |
| Macrogroup | 6.B.1.Na.1 Shrubby Fivefingers - Rock Polypody / Cup Lichen species Eastern North American Cliff & Rock Vegetation Macrogroup | M111 | 6.B.1.Na.1 |
| Group | 6.B.1.Na.1.c Appalachian Cliff & Rock Vegetation Group | G840 | 6.B.1.Na.1.c |
| Alliance | A3915 Appalachian Wet Cliff Alliance | A3915 | 6.B.1.Na.1.c |
| Association | CEGL008432 Cinnamon Fern - Brownish Beaksedge - Little Mountain Meadowrue Cumberland Seepage Cliff Vegetation | CEGL008432 | 6.B.1.Na.1.c |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
- NatureServe Ecology - Southeastern United States. No date. Unpublished data. NatureServe, Durham, NC.
- Schotz, Al. Personal communication. Community Ecologist. Alabama Natural Heritage Program. Montgomery, AL.
- Southeastern Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Durham, NC.