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A3648 Carex trichocarpa Graminoid Rivershore Alliance

Type Concept Sentence: This alliance occurs in small patches on floodplain edges, deposition bars, and islands where tree canopy is lacking, on medium- to large-sized rivers in the mid-Atlantic region and on third- or fourth-order streams above 800 m elevation in the Central Appalachians. Ice-scour during high winter flows contributes to the open physiognomy of this community. Carex trichocarpa is the dominant species.

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Hairy-fruit Sedge Graminoid Rivershore Alliance

Colloquial Name: Hairy-fruit Sedge Graminoid Rivershore

Hierarchy Level:  Alliance

Type Concept: This alliance occurs in small patches on floodplain edges, deposition bars, and islands where tree canopy is lacking, on medium- to large-sized rivers in the mid-Atlantic region and on third- or fourth-order streams above 800 m elevation in the Central Appalachians. This vegetation is routinely flooded during most high-water events and commonly occurs on low flats associated with the active floodplain, either directly adjacent to the channel or in association with backwater depressions and sloughs. Ice-scour during high winter flows contributes to the open physiognomy of this community. Carex trichocarpa is the dominant species.

Diagnostic Characteristics: Dominance by Carex trichocarpa on floodplains of medium to large-sized rivers.

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: This alliance contains a single association.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: Stands of this alliance are characterized by light-requiring, tough-rooted herbaceous perennials tolerant of frequent inundation and flood-scouring, which often form dense, extensive colonies.

Floristics: Carex trichocarpa is the dominant species.

Dynamics:  Stands of this alliance experience frequent inundation and flood-scouring.
Environmental Description:  This alliance includes sedge-dominated alluvial wetlands on sand, gravel, and rock bars in valleys and gorges.
Geographic Range: This association occurs in the Central Appalachian and Lower New England regions.

Nations: US

States/Provinces:  NJ, NY, PA, VA, WV


Confidence Level: Moderate

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.Nd Eastern North American Temperate Freshwater Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Division D323 2.C.4.Nd
Macrogroup 2.C.4.Nd.3 Eastern North American Wet Shoreline Vegetation Macrogroup M880 2.C.4.Nd.3
Group 2.C.4.Nd.3.a Eastern North American Riverine Wetland Vegetation Group G755 2.C.4.Nd.3.a
Alliance A3648 Hairy-fruit Sedge Graminoid Rivershore Alliance A3648 2.C.4.Nd.3.a
Association CEGL006447 Hairy-fruit Sedge Rivershore Wet Meadow CEGL006447 2.C.4.Nd.3.a
Concept Lineage: This association was previously included in A.1340, Carex torta Temporarily Flooded Herbaceous Alliance, but there was no floristic overlap to justify its inclusion here. A.1340, in part

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: >< IIE3a. Riverside Shoal and Stream Bar Complex (Allard 1990)
Concept Author(s): L. Sneddon, in Faber-Langendoen et al. (2013)

Author of Description: L. Sneddon and D. Faber-Langendoen

Acknowledgements: No Data Available

Version Date: 12-18-14
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  • 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.
  • Fleming, G. P., and W. H. Moorhead, III. 1996. Ecological land units of the Laurel Fork Area, Highland County, Virginia. Natural Heritage Technical Report 96-08. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage, Richmond. 114 pp. plus appendices.
  • Hupp, C. R. 1982. Stream-grade variation and riparian forest ecology along Passage Creek, Virginia. Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club 109:488-499.
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  • Schafale, M. P., and A. S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the natural communities of North Carolina. Third approximation. North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation, Natural Heritage Program, Raleigh. 325 pp.
  • Tobe, J. D., J. E. Fairey, III, and L. L. Gaddy. 1992. Vascular flora of the Chauga River Gorge, Oconee County, South Carolina. Castanea 57:77-109.