Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available

Floristics: Vegetation is somewhat zoned, with open shrubs in the center and often a narrow ring of wetland trees and denser shrubs around the edge. Cephalanthus occidentalis is almost always present and is usually dominant in the interior. Eubotrys racemosa (= Leucothoe racemosa) may dominate the shrub layer, and other wetland shrubs (e.g., Vaccinium fuscatum) may potentially be present. Herbs range from sparse to moderate in density. Carex joorii is usually present and may be dense in the interior or on the edge. Other plants may include Vaccinium fuscatum, Smilax rotundifolia, and Chasmanthium laxum. Quercus phellos generally occurs along the edge, and Liquidambar styraciflua, Nyssa sylvatica, and/or Acer rubrum may also occur. Overall species richness is very low. Other herbaceous species include other species of Carex, Scirpus cyperinus, and Juncus spp. In addition, Climacium americanum, Sphagnum lescurii, or other mosses may be common (M. Schafale pers. comm.).

Dynamics:  Herbaceous abundance can vary substantially in response to variation in duration and depth of flooding, which varies with rainfall. Breeding amphibians may constitute an important ecosystem component, dominating animal communities and presumably affecting nutrient cycling. Fire may rarely penetrate the interior in dry periods but probably has little effect.