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CEGL006321 Chamaecyparis thyoides / Chamaedaphne calyculata Swamp Woodland

Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Atlantic White-cedar / Leatherleaf Swamp Woodland

Colloquial Name: Atlantic White-cedar Bog

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This Atlantic white-cedar bog of the northeastern coastal region is an oligotrophic basin peatland dominated by heath shrubs with an open canopy of stunted white-cedar. Chamaecyparis thyoides is the most abundant tree but generally grows in association with other trees such as Acer rubrum, Pinus rigida, Nyssa sylvatica, and Magnolia virginiana. Tall shrubs may be present and scattered, including Vaccinium corymbosum, Clethra alnifolia, or Rhododendron viscosum. Heath shrubs form a dense low-shrub layer dominated by Chamaedaphne calyculata and Kalmia angustifolia. Other dwarf-shrub associates may include Gaylussacia baccata, Rhododendron canadense, and Gaylussacia dumosa. Herbaceous species growing within the dwarf-shrub mat often include Eriophorum spp., Woodwardia virginica, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Drosera spp., and Sarracenia purpurea. Sphagnum mosses form a continuous layer. Key diagnostic characteristic is the sparse Chamaecyparis thyoides canopy over dense heath shrubs.

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: Chamaecyparis thyoides is the most abundant tree but generally grows in association with other trees such as Acer rubrum, Pinus rigida, Nyssa sylvatica, and Magnolia virginiana. Tall shrubs may be present and scattered, including Vaccinium corymbosum, Clethra alnifolia, or Rhododendron viscosum. Heath shrubs form a dense low-shrub layer dominated by Chamaedaphne calyculata and Kalmia angustifolia. Other dwarf-shrub associates may include Gaylussacia baccata, Rhododendron canadense, and Gaylussacia dumosa. Herbaceous species growing within the dwarf-shrub mat often include Eriophorum spp., Woodwardia virginica, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Drosera spp., and Sarracenia purpurea. Sphagnum mosses form a continuous layer. Key diagnostic characteristic is the sparse Chamaecyparis thyoides canopy over dense heath shrubs.

Dynamics:  Fire frequency is responsible for more open canopy on the Coastal Plain in New Jersey.
Environmental Description:  This Atlantic white-cedar bog of the northeastern coastal region is an oligotrophic basin peatland dominated by heath shrubs with an open canopy of stunted cedar.
Geographic Range: Occurs from Maine to Connecticut.

Nations: US

States/Provinces:  CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI


Confidence Level: Moderate

Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G3G4

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.3 Temperate Flooded & Swamp Forest Formation F026 1.B.3
Division 1.B.3.Nb Southeastern North American Flooded & Swamp Forest Division D062 1.B.3.Nb
Macrogroup 1.B.3.Nb.3 Sweetbay - Swamp Bay - Pond Pine Swamp Forest Macrogroup M032 1.B.3.Nb.3
Group 1.B.3.Nb.3.b Atlantic White-cedar - Pitch Pine Swamp Group G039 1.B.3.Nb.3.b
Alliance A3400 Atlantic White-cedar Northern Peat Swamp Forest Alliance A3400 1.B.3.Nb.3.b
Association CEGL006321 Atlantic White-cedar / Leatherleaf Swamp Woodland CEGL006321 1.B.3.Nb.3.b
Concept Lineage: No Data Available

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Chamaecyparis / Chamaedaphne (Type 5) (Sperduto and Crowley 2002b)
? Chamaecyparis thyoides/Chamaedaphne (Barrett 1996)
>< Atlantic White Cedar - Leatherleaf Bog (Cpw1) (Windisch 2014a)
= Cedar bog type (Motzkin 1991)
Concept Author(s): Eastern Ecology Group

Author of Description: S.L. Neid

Acknowledgements: No Data Available

Version Date: 05-09-07
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