Classification of Vegetation Communities of Maryland: First Iteration

III. SHRUBLAND
III.B.2.N.h. Tidal cold-deciduous shrubland
A.3025--SALIX NIGRA TIDAL SHRUBLAND ALLIANCE (III.B.2.N.h)
Black Willow Tidal Shrubland Alliance

Summary: This tidal black willow shrubland of the Maryland Coastal Plain occurs on freshwater tidal rivers. It forms a zone between adjacent freshwater tidal marshes and uplands. Microtopography is variable, ranging from pronounced hummocks and hollows to flat. The substrate is partially decomposed peat with sand or silt admixed. The shrub canopy is relatively open and dominated by Salix nigra, or mixed with other shrubs such as Cephalanthus occidentalis, Acer rubrum, Alnus serrulata, Cornus amomum, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Rosa palustrus, and Viburnum dentatum. Vines include Mikania scandens and Toxicodendron radicans. The herbaceous layer is relatively diverse and is comprised of Symphotrichum novi-belgii, Boehmeria cylindrica, Galium obtusum, Hibiscus moscheutos, Impatiens capensis, Leersia oryzoides, Peltandra virginica, Pilea pumila, Polygonum arifolium, Polygonum punctatum, Polygonum sagittatum, and Thalictrum pubescens (= Thalictrum polygamum).

Range: This vegetation occurs on the coastal plain of Virginia and Maryland.

States/Provinces: MD:S?, VA:S?

TNC Ecoregions: 58:C

USFS Ecoregions: 232Ad:CCC

References: Coulling 2002, Harrison 2003

Authors: J. Harrison / L. Sneddon Confidence: 3 Identifier: CEGL006843

- Maryland Vegetation Classification Subset Report III. Shrublan

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