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CEGL007853 Acer rubrum - Nyssa sylvatica / Ilex verticillata - Vaccinium fuscatum / Osmunda cinnamomea Seep Forest

Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Red Maple - Blackgum / Common Winterberry - Black Highbush Blueberry / Cinnamon Fern Seep Forest

Colloquial Name: Central Appalachian Acidic Seepage Swamp Forest

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This community occurs on groundwater-saturated flats and low slopes along streams in the Ridge and Valley, northern Cumberland Plateau, Northern Blue Ridge, and western Piedmont at elevations of 200-900 m (700-2900 feet). Habitats are usually more-or-less narrow and elongate, with hummock-and-hollow microtopography, and frequently with a small ephemeral stream channel running through or adjacent to the community. Substrates are poorly drained mineral soils with numerous hydric indicators. The ground surface is slightly sloping, and drainage is usually via small, intricately braided channels with interspersed hummocks. The canopy is usually closed and consists of Acer rubrum, Nyssa sylvatica, and Liriodendron tulipifera. Quercus alba is an important associate in some areas, and Ulmus rubra, Fraxinus americana, and Platanus occidentalis are present in some stands. Minor or local tree species include Magnolia acuminata, Tsuga canadensis, Betula lenta, Pinus rigida, and Pinus strobus. The shrub stratum may be well-developed and includes Ilex verticillata, Ilex opaca, Vaccinium corymbosum, Kalmia latifolia, Alnus serrulata, Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides, Viburnum dentatum, Smilax spp., and, less consistently, Carpinus caroliniana, Asimina triloba, Euonymus americanus, Lindera benzoin, Gaylussacia frondosa, Gaylussacia baccata, Menziesia pilosa, Vaccinium fuscatum, Chionanthus virginicus, Viburnum nudum var. nudum, Rhododendron viscosum, and Toxicodendron vernix. Rubus hispidus is an abundant creeping vine in many stands. Typical herbaceous plants include Osmunda cinnamomea, Carex gynandra, Carex lurida, Carex atlantica, Carex debilis, Thelypteris noveboracensis, Platanthera clavellata, Chelone glabra, Medeola virginiana, Dioscorea quaternata, Juncus effusus, Lycopus uniflorus, Lycopodium obscurum, Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis, Symplocarpus foetidus, Veratrum viride, Viola hastata, and Viola cucullata.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: Examples occur near the Maple Flats pond complex (Augusta County, Virginia). This community is also known from Massanutten Mountain (Lee District, George Washington National Forest), elsewhere along the foot of the Blue Ridge (north of Maple Flats), a site on the northern Blue Ridge in Loudoun County, Virginia (owned by The Appalachian Trail Club), and in the Bull Run Mountains of Virginia, an isolated Piedmont foothill in Fauquier and Prince William counties, Virginia; occurrences in the latter two areas do not have Pinus rigida (or much of it) but are otherwise very similar (Fleming 1998). Quantitative analysis of a 1300-plot regional dataset for the National Capital Region Parks Vegetation Mapping Project Phase I indicate that a portion of Gould and Berdine''s (1998) "circumneutral" seepage swamp community from Catoctin Mountain, Maryland, also corresponds to this type. It has also been sampled in West Virginia, where occurrences generally lack a dense shrub layer and are characterized by heavy fern cover.

There are unresolved issues regarding conceptual overlap between this type and ~Acer rubrum - Nyssa sylvatica High Allegheny Plateau-Central Appalachian Seep Forest (CEGL006132)$$. The latter type is a broadly defined community type that encompasses both seepage wetlands and poorly drained depressions. The community classified and described here for Virginia is limited conceptually to flow-through, groundwater-seepage wetlands. Communities with similar Acer - Nyssa canopies but occurring in saturated to seasonally flooded depression wetlands without apparent seepage inputs have been documented in Virginia but are not treated due to insufficient data. Nevertheless, they appear to warrant segregation from the seepage wetland communities because of their hydrologic regime, distinctly different herbaceous composition, and much lower species richness.

This type is currently under-represented by plot data, but observations suggest that it is relatively consistent in its composition and environmental affiliations. However, community characterization and nomenclature are subject to change pending further data collection and analysis, ideally based on wider geographic sampling. The recognition of segregate associations, subassociations, or variants may also be warranted following additional assessment. Lower-elevation sites are characterized by Amianthium muscitoxicum, Brachyelytrum erectum, Carex debilis, Carex intumescens, Cypripedium acaule, Gaylussacia frondosa, Lindera benzoin, Platanthera ciliaris, Platanthera clavellata, Uvularia sessilifolia, Viburnum nudum var. nudum, and Viola x primulifolia. Middle-elevation sites are characterized by Oclemena acuminata, Betula lenta, Magnolia acuminata, Pinus strobus, Rhododendron catawbiense, and Rhododendron viscosum. A single site (Magnolia Swamp), possibly with boggier or more organic soils, is characterized by Magnolia virginiana, Arethusa bulbosa, Dulichium arundinaceum, Juncus effusus, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Triadenum virginicum, and Woodwardia areolata.

This type is similar in many respects to, and intergrades with, Montane Basic Seepage Swamps that are situated on calcareous soils derived from metabasalt (greenstone) and carbonate rock substrates [see ~Acer rubrum - Fraxinus nigra - Betula alleghaniensis / Veratrum viride - Carex bromoides Seep Forest (CEGL008416)$$]. These environmentally disparate swamps share a surprising number of prominent species including Acer rubrum, Symplocarpus foetidus, Veratrum viride, Osmunda cinnamomea, Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis, Carex leptalea, etc. Acidic seepage swamps, however, have lower species richness and mostly lack distinctly base-loving species such as Fraxinus americana, Fraxinus nigra, Caltha palustris, Carex bromoides, Saxifraga pensylvanica, etc. Sphagnum mosses, as well as many vascular plants that characterize Acidic Seepage Swamps, are absent or unimportant in the calcareous swamps. Examples include Pinus rigida, Nyssa sylvatica, Viburnum nudum, Parnassia asarifolia, Platanthera ciliaris, Platanthera clavellata, Rubus hispidus, Lycopodium obscurum, Carex debilis, and Carex folliculata (Fleming and Van Alstine 1999).

Formerly a common canopy tree of this community type in certain localities (e.g., Maple Flats, Augusta County), Pinus rigida has been nearly eliminated from many stands by a recent outbreak of southern pine beetles (Dendroctonus frontalis).

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available

Floristics: This forest association has an open to closed canopy of Acer rubrum, Nyssa sylvatica, and Liriodendron tulipifera. Quercus alba is an important associate in some areas, and Ulmus rubra, Fraxinus americana, and Platanus occidentalis are present in some stands. Pinus rigida is a frequent overstory associate in some Ridge and Valley and Blue Ridge stands, although its numbers have been recently reduced by southern pine beetle outbreaks. Minor tree species, especially at the higher elevations, include Magnolia acuminata, Tsuga canadensis, Betula lenta, and Pinus strobus. A single, anomalous stand in Augusta County, Virginia, contains an abundance of the disjunct Coastal Plain tree Magnolia virginiana (Carr 1939). Amelanchier arborea is usually common in the understory, along with reproduction of Acer rubrum and Nyssa sylvatica. The shrub stratum is often well-developed and includes Ilex verticillata, Ilex opaca, Kalmia latifolia, Alnus serrulata, Viburnum dentatum, Aronia arbutifolia, Vaccinium corymbosum, and Smilax spp. Less frequent, but locally important, shrubs include Asimina triloba, Vaccinium fuscatum, Euonymus americanus, Toxicodendron vernix, Viburnum nudum var. nudum, Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides, Menziesia pilosa, Carpinus caroliniana, Chionanthus virginicus, Lindera benzoin, Gaylussacia frondosa, Rhododendron catawbiense, Rhododendron periclymenoides, and Rhododendron viscosum. Rubus hispidus is an abundant creeping vine in many stands; Smilax rotundifolia may also be present. The most characteristic herbaceous plants are Osmunda cinnamomea, Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis, Platanthera clavellata, Chelone glabra, Rubus hispidus, Viola cucullata, Carex gynandra, Carex lurida, Carex atlantica, Carex debilis, Oxypolis rigidior, Thelypteris noveboracensis, Athyrium filix-femina, Dioscorea quaternata, Juncus effusus, Lycopus uniflorus, Medeola virginiana, Polystichum acrostichoides, Potentilla simplex, and Viola hastata. Where shrubs are sparse, as in most of the West Virginia occurrences, fern cover is typically extensive. Less frequent but typical herbs include Parnassia asarifolia, Carex intumescens, Carex leptalea, Symplocarpus foetidus, Veratrum viride, Maianthemum canadense, Lycopodium obscurum, Onoclea sensibilis, Leersia virginica, Boehmeria cylindrica, Lycopus virginicus, Glyceria striata, and Dryopteris cristata. Many additional herbaceous species, including several more typical of uplands, occur at low constancy and cover. The bryophyte layer may also be diverse; species of mosses and liverworts identified from plots include Atrichum undulatum, Aulacomnium palustre, Bryhnia novae-angliae, Callicladium haldanianum, Campylium radicale, Dicranum scoparium, Hypnum imponens, Solenostoma gracillimum (= Jungermannia gracillima), Leucobryum albidum, Mnium hornum, Pellia epiphylla, Plagiomnium ciliare, Platygyrium repens, Steerecleus serrulatus, and Thuidium delicatulum. Mean vascular plant species richness of 37 plot-sampled stands in Virginia and West Virginia is 47 taxa per 400 m2.

Dynamics:  No Data Available
Environmental Description:  This community occurs on groundwater-saturated flats along low- to middle-elevation streams and headwaters seeps in areas underlain by acidic sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. It is a small-patch type that is particularly frequent and well-developed in the large alluvial fans along the western foot of the Northern Blue Ridge and in small-stream valleys and low-gradient plateau drainages of the Ridge and Valley province and parts of the Cumberland Plateau. Outliers occur throughout the western Piedmont, particularly in districts underlain by acidic metasedimentary rocks. Habitats are usually more-or-less narrow and elongate, with hummock-and-hollow microtopography, and frequently with a small ephemeral stream channel running through or adjacent to the community. Substrates are poorly drained mineral soils with numerous hydric indicators, including saturated horizons, oxidized root channels, low chroma, gley, and mottles. Local areas of organic muck sometimes accumulate in depressions. The ground surface is slightly sloping, and drainage is usually via small, intricately braided channels with interspersed hummocks. Moss mats, predominantly of Sphagnum spp., are usually abundant and provide a rooting medium for herbaceous species. Soils collected from plot samples are very strongly acidic with moderately low to very low base status. Patches of this community are mostly shaded by overhanging trees, but sunny spots may be created by canopy gaps, and larger patches may have small open centers.
Geographic Range: The documented range of this community type encompasses the Central Appalachians of Maryland and Virginia, and the Cumberland Mountains in West Virginia. In Virginia, it is scattered throughout the mountains (Northern Blue Ridge) and, more locally, the western Piedmont (Allard and Leonard 1943).

Nations: US

States/Provinces:  MD, NC, PA?, VA, WV


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 CEGL007853 Red Maple - Blackgum / Common Winterberry - Black Highbush Blueberry / Cinnamon Fern Seep Forest CEGL007853 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 - Fraxinus pennsylvanica - Betula (alleghaniensis, lenta) / Ilex verticillata / Symplocarpus foetidus Forest (Gould and Berdine 1998)
= Acer rubrum - Liriodendron tulipifera / Ilex verticillata - Vaccinium fuscatum / Osmunda cinnamomea - Symplocarpus foetidus Forest (Fleming 2002b)
= Acer rubrum - Liriodendron tulipifera / Ilex verticillata - Vaccinium fuscatum / Osmunda cinnamomea - Symplocarpus foetidus Forest (Fleming 2002a)
? Acer rubrum - Nyssa sylvatica - Pinus rigida / Ilex verticillata / Osmunda cinnamomea community (Fleming and Van Alstine 1999)
= Acer rubrum - Nyssa sylvatica / Vaccinium (corymbosum, fuscatum) / Osmunda cinnamomea Forest (Young et al. 2007a)
= Acer rubrum - Nyssa sylvatica / Vaccinium fuscatum - Ilex verticillata / Osmunda cinnamomea Forest (Fleming and Coulling 2001)
= Acer rubrum / Thelypteris noveboracensis forest seep (Vanderhorst 2001b)
Concept Author(s): G.P. Fleming and P.P. Coulling (2001)

Author of Description: G. Fleming, P. Coulling, S.C. Gawler

Acknowledgements: No Data Available

Version Date: 04-02-10
  • Allard, H. A., and E. C. Leonard. 1943. The vegetation and floristics of Bull Run Mountain, Virginia. Castanea 8:1-64.
  • Carr, L. G. 1939. Some notes on the ecology of plants of Magnolia Swamp, August County, Virginia. Claytonia 5:37-47.
  • Fleming, G. P. 2002a. Ecological communities of the Bull Run Mountains, Virginia: Baseline vegetation and floristic data for conservation planning and natural area stewardship. Natural Heritage Technical Report 02-12. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage, Richmond. 274 pp. plus appendices.
  • Fleming, G. P. 2002b. Preliminary classification of Piedmont & Inner Coastal Plain vegetation types in Virginia. Natural Heritage Technical Report 02-14. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage, Richmond. 29 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/]
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  • Fleming, G. P., and K. D. Patterson. 2003. Preliminary vegetation classification for the National Capitol Region parks. Regional (VA-WVA-MD-DC) analysis prepared for NatureServe and USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program, March 2003. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage, Richmond.
  • Fleming, G. P., and N. E. Van Alstine. 1999. Plant communities and floristic features of sinkhole ponds and seepage wetlands in southeastern Augusta County, Virginia. Banisteria 13:67-94.
  • Fleming, G. P., and P. P. Coulling. 2001. Ecological communities of the George Washington and Jefferson national forests, Virginia. Preliminary classification and description of vegetation types. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage, Richmond, VA. 317 pp.
  • Fleming, Gary P. Personal communication. Ecologist, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage, Richmond, VA.
  • Gould, A. M. A., and M. A. Berdine. 1998. Identification and protection of reference wetland natural communities in Maryland: Northern Piedmont and Blue Ridge circumneutral seepage swamps. The Biodiversity Program, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Division, Annapolis. 77 pp. plus appendices.
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  • Vanderhorst, J. 2001b. Plant communities of the New River Gorge National River, West Virginia: Northern and southern thirds. Non-game Wildlife and Natural Heritage Program, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Elkins. 146 pp.
  • Vanderhorst, J. P., B. P. Streets, Z. Arcaro, and S. C. Gawler. 2010. Vegetation classification and mapping at Gauley River National Recreation Area. Technical Report NPS/NER/NRTR--2010/148. National Park Service, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Vanderhorst, J. P., J. Jeuck, and S. C. Gawler. 2007. Vegetation classification and mapping of New River Gorge National River, West Virginia. Technical Report NPS/NER/NRTR-2007/092. National Park Service, Philadelphia, PA. 396 pp.
  • WVNHP [West Virginia Natural Heritage Program]. No date. Unpublished data. West Virginia Natural Heritage Program, Elkins.
  • Young, J., G. Fleming, P. Townsend, and J. Foster. 2006. Vegetation of Shenandoah National Park in relation to environmental gradients. Final Report (v.1.1). Research technical report prepared for USDI, National Park Service. USGS/NPS Vegetation Mapping Program. 92 pp. plus appendices.
  • Young, J., G. Fleming, P. Townsend, and J. Foster. 2007a. Vegetation of Shenandoah National Park in relation to environmental gradients. Final Report, volume 1.1. Unpublished report submitted to the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. 103 pp. plus appendices and GIS products.
  • Young, J., G. Fleming, W. Cass, and C. Lea. 2009. Vegetation of Shenandoah National Park in relation to environmental gradients, Version 2.0. Technical Report NPS/NER/NRTR--2009/142. National Park Service, Philadelphia, PA. 389 pp.