Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Laurel Oak - Green Ash - Water Tupelo / Dwarf Palmetto Tidal Forest

Colloquial Name: Northern Gulf Laurel Oak - Ash - Tupelo Tidal Forest

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This forest occurs in tidally flooded brownwater situations in the East Gulf Coastal Plain. The canopy is dominated by Quercus laurifolia, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, and Nyssa aquatica, with Taxodium distichum, Populus heterophylla, and Betula nigra as frequent components as well. Historically, Taxodium distichum may have been more abundant, but it was reduced by timber harvest and failure to regenerate. Fraxinus caroliniana locally forms a subcanopy. The shrub layer is strongly dominated by Sabal minor. Ilex verticillata and Cornus foemina are widely scattered. Characteristic woody vines (lianas) include Toxicodendron radicans, Gelsemium rankinii, and Wisteria frutescens. Herbs are generally sparse and of low diversity; Justicia ovata and Carex gigantea are typical. This community forms extensive stands in the lower reaches of the braided Mobile-Tensaw system (Mobile and Baldwin counties, Alabama), and possibly in other areas as well.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: Additional information is needed about tidal forests in the Gulf Coastal Plain area. This association is assumed to be limited to the mouths of large brownwater rivers.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available