Print Report
CEGL008441 Quercus phellos - Liquidambar styraciflua / Chasmanthium laxum Cumberland / Southern Ridge & Valley Wet Forest
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Willow Oak - Sweetgum / Slender Woodoats Cumberland / Southern Ridge & Valley Wet Forest
Colloquial Name: Cumberland Plateau Willow Oak Pond
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This community occupies shallow depressions in ridgetop or plateau-top sandstone of the Cumberland Plateau or on limestones and dolostones in the Southern Ridge and Valley. This association has a closed to open canopy dominated by Quercus phellos. In addition, Liquidambar styraciflua, Acer rubrum, Nyssa sylvatica, Quercus rubra, and Pinus taeda can also be canopy components. Shrubs and woody vines are sparse, and can include Toxicodendron radicans, Cephalanthus occidentalis, and Campsis radicans. Herbs are also sparse. Most characteristic is Chasmanthium laxum. Other herbs include Carex glaucescens, Dulichium arundinaceum, Dichanthelium spp., Rhynchospora corniculata, Juncus repens, and Chasmanthium sessiliflorum. Sphagnum lescurii and other Sphagnum spp. can form scattered patches or fairly continuous cover.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: This type is most closely allied to ~Quercus phellos / Carex (albolutescens, intumescens, joorii) / Climacium americanum Wet Forest (CEGL007403)$$ of the Piedmont. This type (CEGL008441) seems to be more depauperate. Further comparison and assessment should be made of the similarities of these two types; it may be reasonable to merge them.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: This association has a closed to open canopy dominated by Quercus phellos. In addition, Liquidambar styraciflua, Acer rubrum, Nyssa sylvatica, Quercus rubra, and Pinus taeda can also be canopy components. Shrubs and woody vines are sparse and may include Toxicodendron radicans, Cephalanthus occidentalis, and Campsis radicans. Herbs are also sparse. Most characteristic is Chasmanthium laxum. Other herbs include Carex glaucescens, Dulichium arundinaceum, Dichanthelium spp., Rhynchospora corniculata, Juncus repens, and Chasmanthium sessiliflorum. Sphagnum lescurii and other Sphagnum spp. can form scattered patches or fairly continuous cover.
Dynamics: These communities are fairly stable.
Environmental Description: This community occupies shallow depressions in ridgetop or plateau-top sandstone of the Cumberland Plateau or on limestones and dolostones in the Southern Ridge and Valley. Flooding reaches depths of about 0.3-0.6 m (1-2 feet). Flooding commonly extends from mid-winter into mid-spring. These communities are typically important amphibian breeding sites, since they are fish-free yet are flooded for long enough to allow amphibian egg hatching and maturation of young (in most years).
Geographic Range: This association is known from the Southern Ridge and Valley and Cumberland Plateau of Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: AL, GA, KY, TN
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.689490
Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G3
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.b Overcup Oak - Post Oak - Blackgum Flatwoods & Pond Forest Group | G654 | 1.B.3.Na.2.b |
| Alliance | A3430 Willow Oak Piedmont-Cumberland Wet Depression Forest Alliance | A3430 | 1.B.3.Na.2.b |
| Association | CEGL008441 Willow Oak - Sweetgum / Slender Woodoats Cumberland / Southern Ridge & Valley Wet Forest | CEGL008441 | 1.B.3.Na.2.b |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Sagpond (Quercus phellos - Erianthus strictus type) (Wharton 1978)
- ALNHP [Alabama Natural Heritage Program]. 2018. Unpublished data on file. Alabama Natural Heritage Program, Auburn University.
- Chafin, L. 2011. Georgia''s natural communities and associated rare plant and animal species: Thumbnail accounts. Based on "Guide to the Natural Communities of Georgia," by Edwards et al. 2013. University of Georgia Press. Georgia Nongame Conservation Section, Wildlife Resources Division, Georgia Department of Natural Resources. 125 pp.
- NatureServe Ecology - Southeastern United States. No date. Unpublished data. NatureServe, Durham, NC.
- Southeastern Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Durham, NC.
- Wharton, C. H. 1978. The natural environments of Georgia. Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Atlanta. 227 pp.