Print Report

CEGL007279 Robinia pseudoacacia Ruderal Forest

Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Black Locust Ruderal Forest

Colloquial Name: Ruderal Black Locust Forest

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This black locust ruderal forest is found locally throughout the eastern United States. Stands often establish on old fields abandoned after agricultural cropping or pasturing or around old homesites. In some areas it occurs on post-agricultural floodplain terraces. This vegetation has also become established following the planting of Robinia pseudoacacia to stabilize and enrich nutrient-poor soils that are subject to erosion. The vegetation is dominated by Robinia pseudoacacia. Associated woody species vary from site to site and include Prunus serotina, Juniperus virginiana, Ulmus americana, Ulmus rubra, Carya ovata, Celtis occidentalis, Juglans nigra, Quercus rubra, Ulmus rubra, and in some areas Acer platanoides or Ailanthus altissima. Understory vegetation is highly variable depending on site history and often includes Toxicodendron radicans; Lindera benzoin is sometimes present. The invasive non-native Rosa multiflora may be present as a shrub, along with the non-native bramble Rubus phoenicolasius. Non-native species such as Alliaria petiolata, Chelidonium majus, Glechoma hederacea, and Convallaria majalis can characterize the herb layer, which may also have a native component.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: No Data Available

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available

Floristics: The vegetation is dominated by Robinia pseudoacacia forming a partial to nearly complete canopy. Associated woody species vary from site to site and include Prunus serotina, Juniperus virginiana, Ulmus americana, Ulmus rubra, Carya ovata, Celtis occidentalis, Juglans nigra, Quercus rubra, Ulmus rubra, Acer rubrum, Nyssa sylvatica, and in some areas Acer platanoides or Ailanthus altissima. In addition, Cornus florida may be present in the subcanopy. Understory vegetation is highly variable depending on site history and often includes Toxicodendron radicans; Lindera benzoin is sometimes present. The invasive non-natives Rosa multiflora and Elaeagnus umbellata are typically the most common shrubs, along with the non-native bramble Rubus phoenicolasius. Non-native species such as Alliaria petiolata, Chelidonium majus, Glechoma hederacea, Dactylis glomerata, Daucus carota, and Convallaria majalis can characterize the herb layer, which may have a native component as well, for example with (depending on geography) Ageratina altissima, Dichanthelium clandestinum, Elymus hystrix var. hystrix, Leersia virginica, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Pilea pumila, Solidago canadensis, Solidago rugosa, Verbesina alternifolia, Verbesina occidentalis, and Viola spp.

Dynamics:  No Data Available
Environmental Description:  This type often establishes on old fields abandoned after agricultural cropping or pasturing or around old home sites. This vegetation has also become established following the planting of Robinia pseudoacacia to stabilize and enrich nutrient-poor soils that are subject to erosion (Rabie 2000). Soils are variable and may be highly acidic, especially where established on old mine sites.
Geographic Range: This black locust ruderal forest is found locally throughout the eastern United States.

Nations: US

States/Provinces:  AR, DC?, DE, IA, KY, MA, MD, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV


Confidence Level: Moderate

Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNA

Greasons: No Data Available
Type Name Database Code Classification Code
Class 1 Forest & Woodland Class C01 1
Subclass 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest & Woodland Subclass S15 1.B
Formation 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest & Woodland Formation F008 1.B.2
Division 1.B.2.Na Eastern North American Forest & Woodland Division D008 1.B.2.Na
Macrogroup 1.B.2.Na.90 Black Locust - Tuliptree - Norway Maple Ruderal Forest Macrogroup M013 1.B.2.Na.90
Group 1.B.2.Na.90.a Eastern Red-cedar - Tuliptree / Tatarian Honeysuckle Ruderal Forest Group G030 1.B.2.Na.90.a
Alliance A3228 Tuliptree - Black Walnut - Black Locust Ruderal Forest Alliance A3228 1.B.2.Na.90.a
Association CEGL007279 Black Locust Ruderal Forest CEGL007279 1.B.2.Na.90.a
Concept Lineage: No Data Available

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: ? Juglans nigra - Robinia pseudoacacia / Lonicera japonica / Verbesina alternifolia Association (Rawinski et al. 1996)
? Successional black locust disturbed forests (CAP pers. comm. 1998)
< Successional communities (Ehrenfeld 1977)
Concept Author(s): A.S. Weakley

Author of Description: D. Faber-Langendoen, S.C. Gawler and L.A. Sneddon

Acknowledgements: No Data Available

Version Date: 01-29-08
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