Physiognomy and Structure: Structural variation in this community is subject to the duration and depth of flooding and soil physical properties. Understory, shrub, herbaceous, and vine layers can be dense, especially when flooding is minimal or in response to canopy openings. Basal area values range from 25-35 m2/ha.

Floristics: This is a floodplain forest dominated by broad-leaved deciduous trees. Although canopy diversity can be high, this community is dominated by Quercus michauxii, Quercus shumardii, Liquidambar styraciflua, and sometimes Carya laciniosa. If Quercus pagoda is not a component of this type, that would restrict its range to regions to the interior and north of the Coastal Plain, but this was not the original intent. Quercus pagoda may be present in the Mississippi River Alluvial Plain, but will be rare or absent in stands outside of the Coastal Plain (e.g., Interior Low Plateau, Ozarks). Trees exhibit good growth and attain heights in excess of 30 m (up to 60 m for Quercus shumardii), with straight, thick trunks which are clear of branches for nearly two-thirds of their height. Canopy closure is at or near 100%. The subcanopy is dense and dominated by Carpinus caroliniana and Ulmus alata. Dominant shrubs include Ilex decidua, Cornus foemina, and Viburnum dentatum. The herbaceous layer is dense and dominated by Carex spp. and a diverse and varied assemblage of grasses and forbs, including Arundinaria gigantea, which often forms dense, almost impenetrable stands particularly where canopy openings allow sunlight to reach the forest floor. Vines are prevalent in the subcanopy and understory of this community; the most commonly encountered are Toxicodendron radicans, Campsis radicans, and Parthenocissus quinquefolia (TNC 1995a). In the southern Cumberland Plateau of northern Alabama, the community is found on limestone-derived soils. The midstory stratum is dominated by Ulmus rubra, Acer floridanum (= Acer barbatum) and Carpinus caroliniana. Also in this area, Aesculus pavia is a characteristic species of the understory, in addition to scattered dense patches of Arundinaria gigantea.

Species variability and physiognomic differences within and among occurrences of this type are directly related to the duration and depth of seasonal flooding, soil physical properties, and the amount of light penetrating the tree canopy. Considerable variability in species composition is possible within and among occurrences of this natural community throughout its range. This variability is a result of hydrologic influences, particularly the duration and depth of seasonal flooding. Historically, giant cane was much more prevalent. In southern Illinois, Public Land Survey notes mention dense stands of this species, and Theodore Roosevelt describes canebrakes stretching for miles and so dense as to choke out other plants.

Dynamics:  Natural disturbances which may affect this type include flooding, wind, and storm damage. It is subject to infrequent, short-duration, shallow flooding (<1.5 m). Seasonal flooding (early winter and late spring) contributes nutrients and sediments to this dynamic and productive ecosystem. Occasional prolonged flooding can stress canopy species, especially pecan and sugarberry, and silver maple can become more prevalent under these conditions.