Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Red Maple - Black Ash - (Eastern Hemlock) / Heartleaf Foamflower Swamp Forest

Colloquial Name: Northern Hardwood - Hemlock Seepage Swamp Forest

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This is a northern hardwood-conifer seepage forest of central New England. It typically occurs in basins or along streamsides that are associated with groundwater discharge or seeps at the wetland margin; pH is often circumneutral or at least not highly acidic. Stands often form at stream headwaters. Soil substrate is well-decomposed peat or muck of variable thickness, ranging from 20 cm to several meters thick. The canopy is dominated by Acer rubrum or codominated with Fraxinus nigra, which is generally indicative of mineral enrichment from groundwater in this region. Typical canopy associates include Betula alleghaniensis and Tsuga canadensis; Pinus strobus and Ulmus americana may also be present. The shrub layer includes saplings of canopy tree species plus Rhamnus alnifolia, Vaccinium corymbosum, Ribes americanum, Ilex verticillata, and Toxicodendron radicans. In the southern extent of the range, Toxicodendron vernix and Lindera benzoin become more abundant. Common herbs include Onoclea sensibilis, Osmunda cinnamomea, Impatiens capensis, Chrysosplenium americanum, Mitella nuda, Saxifraga pensylvanica, Rubus pubescens, Geum rivale, Tiarella cordifolia, Carex leptalea, Carex leptonervia, Carex interior, Glyceria striata, and Dryopteris cristata. In some cases, the ferns form an herbaceous "canopy" with the forbs and graminoids scattered among and below them. The nonvascular layer is usually well-developed and includes Thuidium delicatulum, Mnium spp., Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, and Climacium dendroides with Calliergon cordifolium in hollows.

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