Print Report

A3020 Nelumbo lutea Tidal Freshwater Marsh Alliance

Type Concept Sentence: This tidal vegetation occurs as a distinct zone along fresh reaches of tidal rivers in the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain, and is dominated by Nelumbo lutea, which forms a thin band of vegetation along the river.

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: American Lotus Tidal Freshwater Marsh Alliance

Colloquial Name: American Lotus Tidal Freshwater Marsh

Hierarchy Level:  Alliance

Type Concept: This vegetation occurs as a distinct zone along fresh reaches of tidal rivers in the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain. Examples are dominated by Nelumbo lutea, which forms a thin band of vegetation along the river in water that is 2-3 m deep at low tide.

Diagnostic Characteristics: These are freshwater tidal marshes found along fresh reaches of tidal rivers in the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain. The vegetation is dominated by Nelumbo lutea which forms a thin band of vegetation along the river.

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: Description originally based on New Jersey GAP project sample taken along Salem River (SALEM2). Also found in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, bolstering its confidence ranking.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: The floating aquatic plant Nelumbo lutea dominates stands of this alliance.

Floristics: The floating aquatic plant Nelumbo lutea dominates stands of this alliance.

Dynamics:  This alliance is found along freshwater rivers subject to tidal influences.
Environmental Description:  This alliance is found along freshwater rivers subject to tidal influences.
Geographic Range: This vegetation is possible in tidal rivers of the Mid-Atlantic Coast. It has been documented from Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia.

Nations: US

States/Provinces:  DE, MD, NJ, VA


Confidence Level: Low

Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR

Greasons: No Data Available
Type Name Database Code Classification Code
Class 2 Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class C02 2
Subclass 2.C Shrub & Herb Wetland Subclass S44 2.C
Formation 2.C.4 Temperate to Polar Freshwater Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Formation F013 2.C.4
Division 2.C.4.Ne Atlantic & Gulf Coastal Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Division D322 2.C.4.Ne
Macrogroup 2.C.4.Ne.1 Annual Wild Rice - Saltmeadow Cordgrass - Pickerelweed Fresh-Oligohaline Tidal Marsh Macrogroup M066 2.C.4.Ne.1
Group 2.C.4.Ne.1.c <i>Zizania aquatica - Spartina patens - Amaranthus cannabinus</i> Freshwater Tidal Marsh Group G914 2.C.4.Ne.1.c
Alliance A3020 American Lotus Tidal Freshwater Marsh Alliance A3020 2.C.4.Ne.1.c
Association CEGL006913 American Lotus Tidal Marsh CEGL006913 2.C.4.Ne.1.c
Concept Lineage: same as old alliance A.3020; 1/1 (pasted in from old alliance A.3020 verbatim)

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
Concept Author(s): S.L. Neid, in Faber-Langendoen et al. (2013)

Author of Description: C. Nordman

Acknowledgements: We have incorporated significant information developed and compiled by S.L. Neid.

Version Date: 12-18-14
  • Coulling, Phil. Personal communication. Vegetation Ecologist. Department of Conservation & Recreation, Richmond, VA.
  • Faber-Langendoen, D., J. Drake, M. Hall, G. Kittel, S. Menard, C. Nordman, M. Pyne, M. Reid, M. Russo, K. Schulz, L. Sneddon, K. Snow, and J. Teague. 2013-2019b. Screening alliances for induction into the U.S. National Vegetation Classification: Part 1 - Alliance concept review. NatureServe, Arlington, VA.
  • NJNHP [New Jersey Natural Heritage Program]. No date. Unpublished data. New Jersey Natural Heritage Program, Office of Lands Management, Trenton, NJ.