Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available

Floristics: The canopy of this association is dominated by some combination of Magnolia virginiana, Magnolia grandiflora, and Fagus grandifolia. Nyssa sylvatica and Acer rubrum var. drummondii are typically present. Other canopy trees may include Liquidambar styraciflua, Quercus falcata, Quercus michauxii, Quercus phellos, Nyssa biflora, and Quercus nigra. The midstory and shrub layer may be dense with saplings of overstory trees and species such as Asimina triloba, Carpinus caroliniana, Cephalanthus occidentalis, Hamamelis virginiana, Ilex opaca, Itea virginica, Lyonia ligustrina, Morella caroliniensis (= Myrica heterophylla), Rhododendron canescens, Vaccinium fuscatum, and Viburnum nudum. Woody vines often form dense tangles that may include Berchemia scandens, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Smilax glauca, Smilax laurifolia, Smilax rotundifolia, and Vitis rotundifolia. A diverse herbaceous layer dominated by ferns, sphagnum moss, and sedges is usually present. Herbaceous species may include Arisaema triphyllum (= Arisaema atrorubens), Athyrium filix-femina, Bartonia paniculata, Boehmeria cylindrica, Carex lurida, Carex retroflexa, Chasmanthium laxum, Chasmanthium sessiliflorum, Commelina erecta, Commelina virginica, Cyperus plukenetii, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Juncus diffusissimus, Juncus effusus, Leersia oryzoides, Leersia virginica, Lobelia puberula var. mineolana, Ludwigia palustris, Mimulus alatus, Onoclea sensibilis, Osmunda cinnamomea, Osmunda regalis, Panicum anceps, Dichanthelium scoparium, Platanthera clavellata, Saururus cernuus, Sparganium americanum, Triadenum walteri, Viola x primulifolia, Woodwardia areolata, and Woodwardia virginica (NatureServe Ecology unpubl. data, Turner et al. unpubl. data). Many of the species found in this type, including most of the herbaceous species, are typical of "baygalls" or wet creek bottom habitats which invariably occur somewhat farther downslope. Castanea pumila is often found along the drier, more upland edge of this habitat. This type has elements of both typical acidic mesic hardwood forests of the region, as well as baygalls, and may actually be considered to be intermediate between these two different types.

Dynamics:  The combination of rugged topography and moist conditions limits the effectiveness of fire in this habitat. Although frequent fire is important in the surrounding sandhill habitats, it rarely enters this type.