Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available

Floristics: These structurally diverse tidal forests are best characterized by moderately dense (60-80% cover) to dense (80-100% cover) overstory canopies composed of Taxodium distichum and Nyssa biflora. Taxodium distichum is strongly diagnostic of this type, frequently attaining high cover and constancy. The canopy may also include, in variable proportions, species such as Fraxinus profunda (10-25%), Acer rubrum (10-25%), and occasional individuals of Liquidambar styraciflua, Pinus taeda, and Chamaecyparis thyoides. Magnolia virginiana and Carpinus caroliniana are frequent in the understory as trees or tall shrubs. Shrub diversity is exceptionally high within this community and similar in composition and structure to Fraxinus spp.-dominated tidal wetland types. The most constant species in the shrub stratum include Ilex verticillata, Ilex opaca, Clethra alnifolia, Rhododendron viscosum, and Vaccinium corymbosum. Other notable taxa within this stratum include Viburnum recognitum, Rosa palustris, Eubotrys racemosa (= Leucothoe racemosa), Carpinus caroliniana, Lindera benzoin, and Euonymus americanus. Lianas and herbaceous vines are also common and can be locally abundant within multiple strata, especially along forested edges and in light gaps caused by windthrow or other disturbances. The most consistent taxa include Toxicodendron radicans, Smilax rotundifolia, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, and Dioscorea villosa, while other less frequent taxa include Apios americana, Mikania scandens, Bignonia capreolata, Campsis radicans, Smilax laurifolia, Smilax walteri, Clematis virginiana, and Vitis labrusca. Non-native vine species such as Lonicera japonica and Clematis terniflora were reported from many stands and tend to abound in light gaps and on stand edges bordering the water''s edge. An exceptionally diverse herb layer is characteristic of this type and can be attributed to several factors, including hummock-and-hollow microtopography, species recruitment from adjacent habitats, and tidal frequency and duration. Regularly flooded hollows typically support flood-tolerant swamp species such as Impatiens capensis, Peltandra virginica, Polygonum arifolium, Iris versicolor, and Saururus cernuus. Hummocks, which are slightly elevated above normal high tides, provide habitat for less flood-tolerant species such as Arisaema triphyllum, Thalictrum pubescens (= Thalictrum polygamum), Viola cucullata, Cinna arundinacea, Cicuta maculata, Boehmeria cylindrica, Carex seorsa, Carex bromoides, Carex stricta, and ferns such as Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis, Osmunda cinnamomea, Woodwardia areolata, and Thelypteris palustris.

Dynamics:  No Data Available