Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Eastern Rough Sedge - Marsh Blue Violet / Toothed Leafy Moss Seepage Meadow

Colloquial Name: Allegheny Mountains Eastern Rough Sedge / Wavy-leaf Moss Seep

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This linear, sloping forested seep occurs on saturated, temporarily flooded, and semipermanently flooded soils in headwater basins of the Allegheny Mountains region of West Virginia, at elevations between 780 and 1300 m. It occupies gently to steeply sloping drainages (1.5-20°) in upland forest, typically occurring as small, discontinuous patches that repeat across a mountainside. It is fed primarily by seepage and springs from the adjacent upland forest. Microtopography is characterized by a complex of tip-up mounds, buttressed roots, and downed wood over large and small rocks. Bedrock is typically shale or sometimes sandstone. Soils are moderately to poorly drained and stony, with variable texture ranging from muck to silt loam to sandy loam. The canopy is open and dominated by Betula alleghaniensis var. alleghaniensis with an herbaceous layer dominated by Carex scabrata, Viola cucullata, and the characteristic bryophyte Plagiomnium ciliare. The canopy often includes low cover by Acer saccharum var. saccharum, Picea rubens, and Fagus grandifolia. Most trees are not rooted in the seep, but rather overhang and shade the seep from the edges. The subcanopy and shrub layers are sparse. The herbaceous layer is dominated by Carex scabrata, Viola cucullata, Laportea canadensis, Tiarella cordifolia, and Glyceria melicaria. Other herbaceous species with high constancy include Dryopteris intermedia, Saxifraga micranthidifolia, Cardamine diphylla, Chrysosplenium americanum, Poa alsodes, Symphyotrichum prenanthoides, Packera aurea, Thelypteris noveboracensis, Cardamine pensylvanica, Arisaema triphyllum, Monarda didyma, and Oxalis montana. Nonvascular plants are dominated by Plagiomnium ciliare with lesser amounts of Brachythecium rivulare, Thuidium delicatulum, and Rhizomnium appalachianum. The indicator species that help to distinguish this community from others within the forested seep physiognomy in West Virginia are Carex scabrata, Laportea canadensis, Tiarella cordifolia, Acer saccharum var. saccharum, Brachythecium rivulare, Cardamine diphylla, Carex leptonervia, and Plagiomnium ciliare. Mean species richness of all vascular plants and any nonvascular plants with cover >1% is 32 taxa per 400 m2, with about 15% of the diversity in the bryophyte layer.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: Seven plots represent this type, which was classified as part of a 2004-2006 study of high-elevation wetlands in West Virginia''s Allegheny Mountains region (Byers et al. 2007). The type clusters and ordinates well and has been sampled throughout its range in West Virginia. Similar vegetation is very likely in the High Allegheny region of Virginia, but may be better interpreted there as an inclusion in a small stream alluvial forest.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available