Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Chinquapin Oak - Sweetgum / (Giant Cane) / Cherokee Sedge - Indian Woodoats Mesic Riparian Forest

Colloquial Name: Mesic Blackland Riparian Forest

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This mesic blackland forest community occurs on deep soils in relatively level, wide bottoms along ephemeral streams in Arkansas''s Upper West Gulf Coastal Plain. Overstory trees are tall (to 30 m [100 feet]) with a closed canopy. In mature forest (rare) a gallery effect is present. Fire plays a role in forest composition and structure due its placement on the landscape in the midst of blackland prairie. Dominant tree species include Quercus muehlenbergii, Celtis laevigata, and Liquidambar styraciflua. Other overstory trees often include all or some of the following: Carya cordiformis, Carya illinoinensis, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Juglans nigra, Platanus occidentalis (common in the streambed), Quercus michauxii, Quercus shumardii, Quercus macrocarpa (rare), and Ulmus americana. The midstory can be well-developed with Acer rubrum, Asimina triloba, Carpinus caroliniana, Cercis canadensis, and saplings of overstory trees. The shrub layer is dominated by Arundinaria gigantea which can occur sparsely or in dense patches, except where heavily grazed recently. Vine tangles are common, especially in recently disturbed areas. Woody vines include Nekemias arborea, Berchemia scandens, Campsis radicans, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Toxicodendron radicans, and Vitis cinerea. The herbaceous layer is well-developed and dense, especially in the spring. Dominant herbaceous species include Carex cherokeensis and Chasmanthium latifolium. Other herbs include Allium canadense, Arisaema dracontium, Symphyotrichum cordifolium, Symphyotrichum lanceolatum, Carex sp., Cryptotaenia canadensis, Geum canadense, Glyceria striata, Mitchella repens, Panicum sp., Ruellia strepens, Sanicula canadensis, Solidago auriculata, and Trepocarpus aethusae. Upland tree species are uncommon because of the seasonally high water table. Soils are deep, recently deposited blackland alluvium (top soil from surrounding hills) or calcareous sands. No high-quality examples of this community are known. Fire may play a role in the formation and maintenance of this community. A greater understanding of this community type should result with fire management. Disturbed remnants of this community type occur at the Terre Noire Natural Areas, Grandview Prairie Wildlife Management Area, and Nacatoch Ravines Natural Area. The type location is in Clark County, Arkansas. Other examples are known from Howard and Hempstead counties, and it should be found in Little River, Nevada, and Sevier counties, Arkansas.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: This community type has been heavily disturbed in the past. The small streams are somewhat to greatly entrenched. Woody vegetation succession is rapid during periods of fire suppression. The stream channels are narrow (but mesic) and abut dry-mesic and mesic prairie, as well as wet-mesic ravine forest lower down the hydrologic gradient. The reintroduction of fire will likely change species dominance. Seasonally higher water tables and greater herbaceous vegetation may be more common in areas of lower tree densities.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available