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A1657 Justicia americana Riverbed Alliance
Type Concept Sentence: This riverscour alliance, found in the Interior Low Plateau, Ozarks, Ouachita Mountains, and the Central Appalachians is characterized by Justicia americana with Leersia spp., Saururus cernuus, and others. More Appalachian examples may contain Orontium aquaticum as a codominant. In parts of the Ridge and Valley and Piedmont, Hymenocallis coronaria is codominant.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: American Water-willow Riverbed Alliance
Colloquial Name: Water-willow Riverbed
Hierarchy Level: Alliance
Type Concept: This alliance covers rocky river shoals dominated by Justicia americana with Leersia spp., Saururus cernuus, and others. It occurs in the Piedmont, Central Appalachians, Cumberland Plateau, Interior Low Plateau, Ozarks, Ouachita Mountains, and adjacent provinces. There is some apparent regional variation in the associated species. More Appalachian examples may contain Orontium aquaticum as a codominant. In parts of the Ridge and Valley and Piedmont, Hymenocallis coronaria is codominant.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Presence of Justicia americana, either dominant or characteristic; includes other alluvial herbs such as Apocynum cannabinum, Saururus cernuus, Polygonum spp. occurring on highly dynamic riverside subjected to flood-scour.
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: The inclusion of ~Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis Seepage Riverbed Vegetation (CEGL008404)$$ is debatable, as this vegetation is more accurately described as a riverside seep, with saturated hydrology and a setting kept open by riverscour. Little information exists for this association and it is included here for lack of a better placement.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: Stands are dominated by herbaceous perennial plants.
Floristics: This alliance contains riverside herbaceous communities dominated by Justicia americana with Orontium aquaticum, Podostemum ceratophyllum, Leersia spp., Lemna minor, Saururus cernuus, and others. A sparse tree canopy may be present, and species may include Carpinus caroliniana ssp. caroliniana, Fagus grandifolia, and Fraxinus pennsylvanica. There is some apparent regional variation in the associated species. More Appalachian examples may contain Orontium aquaticum as a codominant (Schmalzer and DeSelm 1982). In parts of the Ridge and Valley and Piedmont, Hymenocallis coronaria is codominant. In the Edwards Plateau of central Texas, associated with Justicia americana are Bacopa monnieri, Fuirena simplex, Eleocharis geniculata (= Eleocharis caribaea), Eleocharis montevidensis, and Cyperus spp. Further study is needed to characterize this alliance and document its regional variability.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: This alliance occurs on the shoals or bars of rocky streams and riverbeds.
Geographic Range: This alliance includes a broad geographic region, including the Piedmont, Central Appalachians, Cumberland Plateau, Interior Low Plateau, Ozarks, and Ouachita Mountains.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: AL, AR, GA, KY, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.881483
Confidence Level: Moderate
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR
Greasons: No Data Available
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: >< IIE3a. Riverside Shoal and Stream Bar Complex (Allard 1990)
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- Schmalzer, P. A., and H. R. DeSelm. 1982. Vegetation, endangered and threatened plants, critical plant habitats and vascular flora of the Obed Wild and Scenic River. Unpublished report. USDI National Park Service, Obed Wild and Scenic River. 2 volumes. 369 pp.