Vegetation Classification and Mapping Project Report - USGS

USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program
Colonial National Historical Park
GLOBAL DESCRIPTION
Concept Summary: This early-successional upland forest of the southeastern U.S. occurs on a
variety of environmental settings, resulting from succession following human activities such as
logging and clearing or agriculture. Stands are dominated by Liquidambar styraciflua
(sweetgum), sometimes to the exclusion of other species. Pinus taeda (loblolly pine) is a
common associate. Other associated species are highly variable and depend on location and stand
history.
Environmental Description: This association is found in uplands that have been heavily
impacted by agriculture or other severe disturbances and are recovering.
Vegetation Description: Stands are dominated by Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum),
sometimes to the exclusion of other species.
Most Abundant Species:
Stratum Lifeform
Species
Tree canopy
Broad-leaved deciduous tree Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum)
Shrub/sapling (tall & short)
Broad-leaved deciduous tree Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum)
Characteristic Species: Information not available.
Other Noteworthy Species: Information not available.
USFWS Wetland System: Not applicable.
DISTRIBUTION
Range: This association may be found throughout the southeastern United States, in the coastal
plains and interior ecoregions. It is also attributed to New Jersey with the merger of
CEGL006927. The status in intervening states (e.g., Delaware, Maryland) needs to be assessed.
States/Provinces: AL, AR?, DE, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OK, SC, TN, VA.
Federal Lands: NPS (Big South Fork, Chickamauga-Chattanooga?, Colonial, Cowpens,
George Washington Birthplace, Guilford Courthouse, Kings Mountain, Mammoth Cave,
Natchez Trace, Ninety Six, Petersburg, Shiloh, Thomas Stone, Vicksburg); USFS (Cherokee?,
Oconee?, St. Francis?); USFWS (Prime Hook).
CONSERVATION STATUS
Rank: GNA (modified/managed) (19-Aug-2002).
Reasons: This is an upland successional vegetation type composed of native species. Its
conservation value is limited, but it may provide buffer for communities of greater conservation
value.
CLASSIFICATION INFORMATION
Status: Standard.
Confidence: 3 - Weak.
Comments: Information not available.
Similar Associations:
• Liquidambar styraciflua - Liriodendron tulipifera / Lindera benzoin / Arisaema triphyllum Forest
(CEGL004418)--a later-successional bottomland association.
• Liquidambar styraciflua - Quercus (alba, falcata) Forest (CEGL007217)--of interior provinces.
• Liquidambar styraciflua - Quercus (nigra, phellos) - Pinus taeda / Vaccinium elliottii - Morella cerifera Forest
(CEGL007726)--a more diverse successional forest of the Coastal Plain.
Related Concepts:
• sweet gum successional forest (Collins and Anderson 1994) =
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