Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Pine species Forest Plantation

Colloquial Name: Mixed Pine Conifer Plantation

Hierarchy Level:  Cultural Subtype

Type Concept: These plantations consist of mature Pinus strobus or Pinus sylvestris, with other conifers sometimes present in smaller amounts, planted in post-agricultural fields and pastures. Associated canopy conifers include Pinus resinosa, Picea abies, Picea pungens, or Larix decidua. The understory varies widely in its degree of development and may be virtually absent. Northern hardwoods dominate the sapling and seedling layers in some areas; Juniperus virginiana is common in others. Cover is proportional to the degree of canopy break-up or opening that has occurred. Common hardwoods include Prunus serotina, Acer rubrum, and Fraxinus americana. A tall-shrub layer may be present; common species (aside from smaller individuals of the hardwood saplings) include Crataegus spp., Hamamelis virginiana, and Lindera benzoin. Common short shrubs include Viburnum recognitum, Vaccinium pallidum, Rubus hispidus, and Rubus flagellaris. The species composition and abundance of the herbaceous layer vary widely due to variation in canopy tree species composition, stand stocking, and soil drainage. Herbaceous species include Ageratina altissima, Dryopteris intermedia, Dryopteris carthusiana, Oxalis stricta, Potentilla simplex, Mitchella repens, Galium aparine, Galium asprellum, Brachyelytrum erectum, Veronica officinalis, Polystichum acrostichoides, Maianthemum canadense, Trientalis borealis, Lycopodium clavatum, and Lycopodium digitatum. Graminoid and forb species associated with disturbed areas, such as Agrostis stolonifera, Dichanthelium clandestinum, Dennstaedtia punctilobula, and Hypericum perforatum, are often dominant in these communities. Vines such as Toxicodendron radicans, Smilax glauca, Smilax rotundifolia, Vitis spp., and Parthenocissus quinquefolia may be present, but not abundant, in these plantations. Disturbance from silvicultural treatments and landscape fragmentation leaves these communities prone to invasion by exotic species, including Lonicera tatarica, Berberis vulgaris, Rosa multiflora, Celastrus orbiculatus, Microstegium vimineum, and Alliaria petiolata, which are locally abundant.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: This type is intended for plantations of mixed pines or pine mixed with other non-native planted conifers. The concept should be removed and refined into native versus exotic mixed pine conifers. It may be even that stands should simply be assigned to the predominant conifer (>25%) in the stand.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available