Print Report
A3421 Populus deltoides - Salix nigra - Salix caroliniana Coastal Plain Floodplain Forest Alliance
Type Concept Sentence: Examples of this vegetation are dominated by some combination of Populus deltoides, Salix caroliniana, and Salix nigra, with Acer negundo, Acer rubrum, Acer saccharinum, Catalpa bignonioides, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Platanus occidentalis, and Ulmus americana. It is found primarily along riverfronts, newly made sand bars, frontland ridges, and well-drained flats throughout the southeastern United States.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Eastern Cottonwood - Black Willow - Carolina Willow Coastal Plain Floodplain Forest Alliance
Colloquial Name: Coastal Plain Cottonwood - Willow Floodplain Forest
Hierarchy Level: Alliance
Type Concept: In examples of this vegetation, the tree canopy is tall (to 30 m) and is usually dominated by some combination of Populus deltoides, Salix caroliniana, and Salix nigra. Other possible components include Acer negundo, Acer rubrum, Acer saccharinum, Catalpa bignonioides, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Platanus occidentalis, and Ulmus americana. Tree diversity is limited due to the dynamics of flooding and deposition/scouring of sediments. The shrub layer is often sparse, but species such as Carpinus caroliniana, Cornus drummondii, Forestiera acuminata, Ilex opaca var. opaca, Ilex vomitoria, and Lindera benzoin can be found. Herbaceous growth can be thick and lush but is often patchy and sparse due to frequent inundation. Examples are found in the coastal plains of the southeastern United States from Virginia to Texas, and possibly in the adjacent Piedmont. Stands are found primarily along riverfronts, where they develop on bare, moist soil on primary successional bars and well-drained flats. Soils are formed in alluvium, are deep, medium-textured, and with adequate or excessive moisture available for vegetation during the growing season. Vegetation of this alliance can also be found on abandoned fields and well-drained ridges in the first bottoms.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Examples of this alliance are found in the coastal plains and adjacent ecoregions of the southeastern United States along riverfronts, and are usually dominated by some combination of Populus deltoides, Salix nigra, and Salix caroliniana. This combination of floristics and biogeography is diagnostic.
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: This alliance should be examined in comparison to alliances in ~Northern & Mid-Atlantic Coastal Wetland Group (G752)$$.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: The tree canopy in examples of this vegetation is usually dominated by some combination of Populus deltoides, Salix caroliniana, and Salix nigra. Other possible components include Acer negundo, Acer rubrum, Acer saccharinum, Catalpa bignonioides, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Platanus occidentalis, and Ulmus americana. Tree diversity is limited due to the dynamics of flooding and deposition/scouring of sediments. The shrub layer is often sparse, but species such as Carpinus caroliniana, Cornus drummondii, Forestiera acuminata, Ilex opaca var. opaca, Ilex vomitoria, and Lindera benzoin can be found. Herbaceous growth can be thick and lush but is often patchy and sparse due to frequent inundation.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: Stands are found primarily along riverfronts, where they develop on bare, moist soil on primary successional bars and well-drained flats.
Geographic Range: This alliance is found in the coastal plains of the southeastern United States from South Carolina (and possibly Virginia and North Carolina) south and west to Texas, and possibly in the adjacent Piedmont and Ouachitas.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC?, NJ, SC, TN, TX, VA?, WV
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.899545
Confidence Level: Low
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR
Greasons: No Data Available
Concept Lineage: This new alliance includes members from several old alliances: A.280 (1/10); A.290 (3/20); A.297 (3/6); and A.334 (3/7).
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
- 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.