Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Cedar Elm - (Pecan) Floodplain Forest

Colloquial Name: Cedar Elm - Pecan Small Stream Forest

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This association is found in narrow bands along small streams of the Edwards Plateau in central Texas, with ephemeral to intermittent flow or on rarely flooded terraces along larger, more permanent streams that are highly incised (in this situation, the association often covers larger areas). It may also be found in very narrow bands on slopes around streams (these examples are often small enough to be included in the surrounding vegetation) or along the boundary of slopes and floodplains. Canopy cover is often dense but may resemble that of a woodland along the upper reaches of small streams, especially in areas with relatively frequent fire. Canopy composition is highly variable with some upland influence but is dominated by Ulmus crassifolia and sometimes codominated by Carya illinoinensis. Other canopy species may include Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Celtis laevigata, Ulmus americana, Juniperus virginiana, Maclura pomifera, Acer negundo, and Morus rubra. Platanus occidentalis and Salix nigra are often present in the stream bed. Upland species sometimes found in this association (especially towards the upland edge) include Quercus fusiformis, Juniperus ashei, Fraxinus albicans, Quercus buckleyi, and Quercus muehlenbergii. Along very small, incised streams, Juniperus ashei may become dominant, especially after fire suppression. The understory may be dense to open, depending on the fire history of the site. Common species include Ilex decidua, Cornus drummondii, Frangula caroliniana, Sideroxylon lanuginosum, Symphoricarpos orbiculatus, Viburnum rufidulum, Smilax spp., Toxicodendron radicans, Rubus trivialis, Nekemias arborea, Vitis spp., and Parthenocissus quinquefolia. Herbaceous cover is variable and can include Geum canadense, Sanicula canadensis, Galium circaezans, Elymus virginicus, Verbesina virginica, Vernonia baldwinii, Symphyotrichum drummondii, Desmodium tweedyi, Tragia brevispica, Passiflora lutea, Ruellia spp., Elephantopus carolinianus, Justicia americana, and Chasmanthium latifolium.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: This association is distinguished from most other riparian/floodplain associations of the eastern Edwards Plateau of Texas by its presence along small streams with ephemeral to intermittent flow and by the variability in canopy composition. It straddles the hydrologic line between temporarily flooded and upland and might be more appropriately classed as intermittently flooded. Currently, this vegetation is classed in ~Carya illinoinensis - Ulmus crassifolia - Celtis laevigata Floodplain Forest Alliance (A3679)$$ for floristic reasons. Vegetation dominated by Quercus buckleyi and Fraxinus albicans occurring in shallow or narrow drainages would be classified as ~Quercus buckleyi - Fraxinus albicans - Juniperus ashei Forest (CEGL002135)$$. When Quercus buckleyi and Juniperus ashei are codominant, the vegetation should be classified as ~Juniperus ashei - Quercus buckleyi Woodland (CEGL004172)$$.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available