Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available

Floristics: These communities have an open to closed tree canopy, which may consist of trees rooted in the wetland or of trees rooted in adjacent communities. Acer rubrum, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, and Liquidambar styraciflua are most constant, but Betula nigra or other floodplain species are often present and may be abundant. The shrub layer ranges from sparse to dense. Alnus serrulata is sometimes strongly dominant. Other examples may have a mix of Lindera benzoin and Alnus or other species. The herbaceous layer is generally dense but not highly diverse. Graminoids usually dominate, including Glyceria striata, Cinna arundinacea, Carex lurida, Carex atlantica ssp. atlantica, Carex atlantica ssp. capillacea (= Carex howei), Carex laevivaginata, Carex crinita, Carex tribuloides, and Carex radiata. Other abundant herbs include Impatiens capensis, Lycopus virginicus, Boehmeria cylindrica, Sagittaria latifolia, and Polygonum sagittatum. Sphagnum spp. or Mnium spp. may be abundant.

Dynamics:  The ongoing wetness created by seepage is the most important ecological influence, but seepage may vary with rainfall. Intermittent flooding and minor sediment deposition may bring in pulses of nutrients and propagules. Flooding and nearby seed sources make these communities highly susceptible to invasion by non-native species. More drastic alterations, such as beaver impoundment or scouring, may alter the community in the long term. Trees likely most often regenerate in small to medium-sized canopy gaps created by wind storms. The saturated soil may make these communities more susceptible to windthrow and keep them dominated by younger canopies than in adjacent communities.