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G759 Fraxinus pennsylvanica - Ulmus americana - Salix nigra Floodplain Forest Group
Type Concept Sentence: These deciduous floodplain or swamp forests are found primarily in the coastal plains of the southeastern United States, and are typically dominated by some combination of Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Populus deltoides, Salix caroliniana, Salix nigra, and Ulmus americana.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Green Ash - American Elm - Black Willow Floodplain Forest Group
Colloquial Name: Southern Ash - Elm - Willow Floodplain Forest
Hierarchy Level: Group
Type Concept: This group is composed of deciduous floodplain or swamp forests found primarily in the coastal plains of the southeastern United States. These forests are typically dominated by some combination of Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Populus deltoides, Salix caroliniana, Salix nigra, and Ulmus americana. In addition, some examples contain or are codominated by Acer negundo, Betula nigra, Liquidambar styraciflua, and/or Platanus occidentalis. The composition and physiognomy of the shrub and herbaceous layers are quite variable due to the broad geographic area in which this group occurs, as well as the dynamics of the frequent disturbances. Common shrubs include Cornus drummondii, Ilex vomitoria, Lindera benzoin, Smilax spp., and Toxicodendron radicans. Sites are typically on sandbars, riverfronts, and levees of rivers and small streams, though some examples occur on the edges of lakes, and one alliance occurs primarily in the swales of Atlantic coastal dunes.
Diagnostic Characteristics: This group is typically dominated by some combination of Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Populus deltoides, Salix caroliniana, Salix nigra, and Ulmus americana. These stands are found primarily in the coastal plains of the southeastern United States, and occur on sandy to sandy loam soils and usually on riverfronts or levees or sometimes on sands along the edges of lakes. Sites are subject to frequent seasonal or temporary flooding.
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: There may be floristic overlap in terms of the composition of individual stands of this group (G759) and those of ~Oak - Sweetgum Floodplain Forest Group (G034)$$, but stands of G759 will typically not be dominated by Liquidambar - Quercus and tend to occur in more frequently disturbed habitats. Both are in ~Southern Coastal Plain Floodplain Forest Macrogroup (M031)$$.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: These forests are subject to frequent disturbances, including flooding, erosion, and deposition of sediment. This leads to a physiognomically diverse group. Stands that have recently been subjected to severe flooding may be relatively open. Most stands have moderate to closed tree canopies, though. The understory is also quite variable. Shrubs and herbaceous plants can be virtually absent to dense. Vines are common.
Floristics: The forests of this group are typically dominated by some combination of Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Populus deltoides, Salix caroliniana, Salix nigra, and Ulmus americana. In addition, some examples contain or are codominated by Acer negundo, Betula nigra, Liquidambar styraciflua, or Platanus occidentalis. The composition and physiognomy of the shrub and herbaceous layers are quite variable due to the broad geographic area in which this group occurs and the frequent disturbances. Common shrubs include Cornus drummondii, Ilex vomitoria, Lindera benzoin, Smilax spp., and Toxicodendron radicans.
Dynamics: Flooding, seasonal or after heavy rains, is a critical part of the typical dynamics of this group.
Environmental Description: Soil/substrate/hydrology: Soils are usually coarse- to medium-textured alluvium (sands to sandy loams). Water levels vary throughout the year with flooding typical at some point during the year.
Geographic Range: This group is composed of deciduous floodplain or swamp forests found primarily along rivers and streams in the coastal plains of the mid-Atlantic and southeastern United States primarily from Delaware south to Florida and west to Texas. Some associations are more northerly, ranging to New York and Connecticut, but these are close to the ocean and are tidally-influenced.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, KY, LA, MA, MD, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OK?, PA?, SC, TN, TX, VA
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.887421
Confidence Level: Moderate
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR
Greasons: No Data Available
Concept Lineage: G041 reworked and replaced by G759 and other groups (DFL 4-4-13)
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: > Black Willow: 95 (Eyre 1980)
- Eyre, F. H., editor. 1980. Forest cover types of the United States and Canada. Society of American Foresters, Washington, DC. 148 pp.
- Faber-Langendoen, D., J. Drake, S. Gawler, M. Hall, C. Josse, G. Kittel, S. Menard, C. Nordman, M. Pyne, M. Reid, L. Sneddon, K. Schulz, J. Teague, M. Russo, K. Snow, and P. Comer, editors. 2010-2019a. Divisions, Macrogroups and Groups for the Revised U.S. National Vegetation Classification. NatureServe, Arlington, VA. plus appendices. [in preparation]