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CEGL007565 Tsuga canadensis - Acer rubrum - (Nyssa sylvatica) / Rhododendron maximum / Sphagnum spp. Seep Forest
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Eastern Hemlock - Red Maple - (Blackgum) / Great Laurel / Peatmoss species Seep Forest
Colloquial Name: Swamp Forest - Bog (Typic Type)
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This palustrine forest has a closed or open canopy and an open to dense shrub layer, interspersed with small Sphagnum-herb dominated depressions. These forests are found throughout the Southern Blue Ridge, and in the Cumberland Mountains and Cumberland Plateau, at elevations below 1200 m (4000 feet), in poorly drained bottomlands, generally with visible microtopography of ridges and sloughs or depressions. It often occurs near streams and is undoubtedly occasionally flooded. The canopy is composed of various mixtures of evergreen and deciduous species, often dominated by Tsuga canadensis and Acer rubrum, and less often by Liriodendron tulipifera, Nyssa sylvatica, Pinus strobus, or Pinus rigida. The dominant shrubs are usually Rhododendron maximum, Kalmia latifolia, and Leucothoe fontanesiana, but other shrubs include Salix nigra, Alnus serrulata, Ilex montana, Cornus amomum, Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides, and Toxicodendron vernix. Herbs in Sphagnum-herb dominated openings include Solidago patula var. patula, Symphyotrichum puniceum, Dalibarda repens, Osmunda cinnamomea, Carex folliculata, Carex gynandra, Carex scabrata, Carex leptalea, Carex stricta, Sarracenia purpurea, Sagittaria latifolia, and Leersia virginica. Herbs in the forested areas include Glyceria melicaria, Lycopodium obscurum, Onoclea sensibilis, Maianthemum canadense, Thelypteris noveboracensis, and Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: Canopy dominants vary with elevation. Occurrences at lower elevations tend to be dominated by Acer rubrum, Liriodendron tulipifera, and/or Nyssa sylvatica, while examples at higher elevations are usually dominated by Tsuga canadensis. This community is naturally rare, due to the scarcity of flat, wet sites in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Cumberland Mountains. Its rarity is also due to anthropogenic factors, being located in accessible, low-elevation sites which are prone to logging and agricultural activities. Most historic occurrences of this community have been destroyed or strongly altered by draining, impoundment, or conversion to pasture. This community extends to a few sites in the Appalachian Plateau of Kentucky, where similar seeps are known, but these lack Leucothoe fontanesiana and Sarracenia purpurea. Higher elevation bogs exist in the Smokies and other portions of the Blue Ridge [see ~Calamagrostis cainii - Carex ruthii - Parnassia asarifolia / Sphagnum spp. Herbaceous Seep (CEGL007877)$$ and ~Carex gynandra - Platanthera clavellata - Drosera rotundifolia - Carex ruthii / Sphagnum spp. Herbaceous Seep (CEGL007697)$$, for example], but they occur in much higher elevations, have a higher proportion of Carex spp., and occur within a matrix of spruce-fir or northern hardwood forests. Four plots (three from the Virginia and one from Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee) were classified as this association in the Appalachian Trail analysis (Fleming and Patterson 2009a). Acer rubrum and Rhododendron maximum are present and abundant in all the plot samples and species that are present in at least three of the four plots include Athyrium filix-femina ssp. asplenioides, Hamamelis virginiana, Lycopus uniflorus, Oclemena acuminata, Osmunda cinnamomea, Tsuga canadensis, Vaccinium simulatum, and Viola cucullata.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: This palustrine forest has a closed or open canopy and an open to dense shrub layer, interspersed with small Sphagnum- and herb-dominated depressions. The canopy is composed of various mixtures of evergreen and deciduous species, including Tsuga canadensis, Acer rubrum, Liriodendron tulipifera, Nyssa sylvatica, Pinus strobus, and Pinus rigida. Canopy dominants vary with elevation. Occurrences at lower elevations tend to be dominated by Acer rubrum, Liriodendron tulipifera, and/or Nyssa sylvatica, while examples at higher elevations are usually dominated by Tsuga canadensis and/or Betula alleghaniensis. Picea rubens is a minor canopy component at the highest elevations. The dominant shrubs are usually Rhododendron maximum, Kalmia latifolia, and Leucothoe fontanesiana, but other shrubs may include Salix nigra, Alnus serrulata, Ilex montana, Cornus amomum, Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides, and Toxicodendron vernix. Herbaceous species of sphagnous openings include Solidago patula, Symphyotrichum puniceum (= Aster puniceus), Dalibarda repens, Osmunda cinnamomea, Carex folliculata, Carex gynandra, Carex scabrata, Carex leptalea, Carex stricta, Sarracenia purpurea, Sagittaria latifolia (= var. pubescens), and Leersia virginica. Herbs in more densely shaded areas include Glyceria melicaria, Lycopodium obscurum, Onoclea sensibilis, Maianthemum canadense, Thelypteris noveboracensis, and Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis.
Overstory composition of the very few documented examples in Virginia is somewhat heterogeneous and may represent an elevational gradient. The lowest-elevation stand (at 790 m or 2600 feet) in Carroll County (Southern Blue Ridge) is codominated by Acer rubrum and Pinus strobus with minor associates of Betula alleghaniensis, and Tsuga canadensis. A Giles County (Ridge and Valley) stand at 1160 m (3800 feet) has a mixed canopy of Acer rubrum, Nyssa sylvatica, Picea rubens, and Pinus rigida. The third stand, located at 1335 m (4380 feet) in Grayson County (Southern Blue Ridge) is overwhelmingly dominated by Betula alleghaniensis, with minor associates of Acer rubrum and Picea rubens. Rhododendron maximum is the dominant shrub, and Osmunda cinnamomea the dominant herb, at all three sites. Other species prominent in at least two of the three stands include Kalmia latifolia, Hamamelis virginiana, Rhododendron viscosum, Rubus hispidus, Viola macloskeyi ssp. pallens, Carex trisperma, Glyceria melicaria, Lycopodium obscurum, and Carex intumescens. Dalibarda repens is an abundant herb at the Carroll County (lowest-elevation) site, while Solidago rugosa, Carex ruthii, and Carex baileyi are common at the Grayson County (highest-elevation) site. Mean species richness ranges from 30 to 46 taxa per 400 m2 (mean = 40).
Overstory composition of the very few documented examples in Virginia is somewhat heterogeneous and may represent an elevational gradient. The lowest-elevation stand (at 790 m or 2600 feet) in Carroll County (Southern Blue Ridge) is codominated by Acer rubrum and Pinus strobus with minor associates of Betula alleghaniensis, and Tsuga canadensis. A Giles County (Ridge and Valley) stand at 1160 m (3800 feet) has a mixed canopy of Acer rubrum, Nyssa sylvatica, Picea rubens, and Pinus rigida. The third stand, located at 1335 m (4380 feet) in Grayson County (Southern Blue Ridge) is overwhelmingly dominated by Betula alleghaniensis, with minor associates of Acer rubrum and Picea rubens. Rhododendron maximum is the dominant shrub, and Osmunda cinnamomea the dominant herb, at all three sites. Other species prominent in at least two of the three stands include Kalmia latifolia, Hamamelis virginiana, Rhododendron viscosum, Rubus hispidus, Viola macloskeyi ssp. pallens, Carex trisperma, Glyceria melicaria, Lycopodium obscurum, and Carex intumescens. Dalibarda repens is an abundant herb at the Carroll County (lowest-elevation) site, while Solidago rugosa, Carex ruthii, and Carex baileyi are common at the Grayson County (highest-elevation) site. Mean species richness ranges from 30 to 46 taxa per 400 m2 (mean = 40).
Dynamics: The factors responsible for creating and maintaining this community are not well known, although beaver activity may play a role. The frequency and role of flooding is not known. This community may represent late successional stage of primary succession from once extensive, open bog areas and will remain in a forest condition unless the canopy is removed by tree blowdown, logging, or fire.
Environmental Description: The type occurs mostly at elevations below 1200 m (4000 feet), in poorly drained bottomlands, generally with visible microtopography of ridges and sloughs or depressions. It often occurs near streams and is undoubtedly occasionally flooded. In Virginia, habitats range from 790-1340 m (2600-4400 feet) elevation and are typically located along small, braided headwaters streams draining visible groundwater discharge. Soils are very strongly acidic (mean pH in plots = 4.8) with low base status.
Geographic Range: This community is found in the Southern Blue Ridge and Ridge and Valley from Pennsylvania south to Georgia, ranging west into the Cumberland Mountains and Cumberland Plateau of Kentucky.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: GA, KY, NC, PA, SC, TN, VA
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.689336
Confidence Level: High
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G2
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.Na Eastern North American-Great Plains Flooded & Swamp Forest Division | D011 | 1.B.3.Na |
| Macrogroup | 1.B.3.Na.2 Pin Oak - Green Ash - Blackgum Swamp Forest Macrogroup | M503 | 1.B.3.Na.2 |
| Group | 1.B.3.Na.2.f Red Maple - Blackgum - Green Ash Swamp Forest Group | G902 | 1.B.3.Na.2.f |
| Alliance | A3416 Yellow Birch - Eastern Hemlock Swamp Forest Alliance | A3416 | 1.B.3.Na.2.f |
| Association | CEGL007565 Eastern Hemlock - Red Maple - (Blackgum) / Great Laurel / Peatmoss species Seep Forest | CEGL007565 | 1.B.3.Na.2.f |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Acer rubrum - Betula alleghaniensis / Rhododendron maximum / Osmunda cinnamomea - Carex trisperma Forest (Fleming and Coulling 2001)
= Tsuga canadensis - Acer rubrum - (Liriodendron tulipifera, Nyssa sylvatica) / Rhododendron maximum / Sphagnum spp. Forest (Fleming and Patterson 2009a)
< Bog Forest (Wichmann et al. 2007)
< Eastern Hemlock: 23 (Eyre 1980)
? Eastern hemlock-red maple-great laurel swamp (CAP pers. comm. 1998)
? Hemlock-Hardwood (08) (USFS 1988)
< IIE1a. Southern Appalachian Bog Complex (Allard 1990)
< Low Elevation Saturated Forest (Wichmann 2009)
= Swamp Forest (Wichmann et al. 2007)
= Tsuga canadensis - Acer rubrum - (Liriodendron tulipifera, Nyssa sylvatica) / Rhododendron maximum / Sphagnum spp. Forest (Fleming and Patterson 2009a)
< Bog Forest (Wichmann et al. 2007)
< Eastern Hemlock: 23 (Eyre 1980)
? Eastern hemlock-red maple-great laurel swamp (CAP pers. comm. 1998)
? Hemlock-Hardwood (08) (USFS 1988)
< IIE1a. Southern Appalachian Bog Complex (Allard 1990)
< Low Elevation Saturated Forest (Wichmann 2009)
= Swamp Forest (Wichmann et al. 2007)
- Allard, D. J. 1990. Southeastern United States ecological community classification. Interim report, Version 1.2. The Nature Conservancy, Southeast Regional Office, Chapel Hill, NC. 96 pp.
- CAP [Central Appalachian Forest Working Group]. 1998. Central Appalachian Working group discussions. The Nature Conservancy, Boston, MA.
- Evans, M., B. Yahn, and M. Hines. 2009. Natural communities of Kentucky 2009. Kentucky Nature Preserves Commission, Frankfort, KY. 22 pp.
- Eyre, F. H., editor. 1980. Forest cover types of the United States and Canada. Society of American Foresters, Washington, DC. 148 pp.
- Fike, J. 1999. Terrestrial and palustrine plant communities of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Recreation, Bureau of Forestry, Harrisburg, PA. 86 pp.
- Fleming, G. P., K. D. Patterson, and K. Taverna. 2017. The natural communities of Virginia: A classification of ecological community groups and community types. Third approximation. Version 3.0. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage, Richmond, VA. [http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-communities/]
- Fleming, G. P., and K. D. Patterson. 2009a. A vegetation classification for the Appalachian Trail: Virginia south to Georgia. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage. In-house analysis, March 2009.
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- GNHP [Georgia Natural Heritage Program]. 2018. Unpublished data. Georgia Natural Heritage Program, Wildlife Resources Division, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Social Circle.
- Peet, R. K., T. R. Wentworth, M. P. Schafale, and A.S. Weakley. No date. Unpublished data of the North Carolina Vegetation Survey. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
- Schafale, M. P. 2012. Classification of the natural communities of North Carolina, 4th Approximation. North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation, Natural Heritage Program, Raleigh.
- Schafale, M. P., and A. S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the natural communities of North Carolina. Third approximation. North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation, Natural Heritage Program, Raleigh. 325 pp.
- Southeastern Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Durham, NC.
- TDNH [Tennessee Division of Natural Heritage]. 2018. Unpublished data. Tennessee Division of Natural Heritage, Nashville, TN.
- USFS [U.S. Forest Service]. 1988. Silvicultural examination and prescription field book. USDA Forest Service, Southern Region. Atlanta, GA. 35 pp.
- Weakley, A. S., and M. P. Schafale. 1994. Non-alluvial wetlands of the Southern Blue Ridge: Diversity in a threatened ecosystem. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 77:359-383.
- White, R. D., Jr. 2006. Vascular plant inventory and ecological community classification for Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. NatureServe, Durham, NC. 246 pp.
- Wichmann, B. 2009. Vegetation of geographically isolated montane non-alluvial wetlands of the Southern Blue Ridge of North Carolina. Masters thesis, North Carolina State, Raleigh. [http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/theses/available/etd-05152009-120239/unrestricted/etd.pdf]
- Wichmann, B., R. K. Peet, and T. R. Wentworth. 2007. Natural vegetation of the Carolinas: Classification and description of montane non-alluvial wetlands of the Southern Appalachian region. A report prepared for the Ecosystem Enhancement Program, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources in partial fulfillments of contract D07042. Carolina Vegetation Survey, Curriculum in Ecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.