Vegetation Classification and Mapping Project Report - USGS
Vegetation Classification and Mapping Project Report - USGS
Vegetation Classification and Mapping Project Report - USGS
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<strong>USGS</strong>-NPS <strong>Vegetation</strong> <strong>Mapping</strong> Program<br />
Colonial National Historical Park<br />
COMMON NAME (PARK-SPECIFIC): SUCCESSIONAL TULIPTREE - LOBLOLLY<br />
PINE FOREST<br />
SYNONYMS<br />
USNVC English Name: Tuliptree - Loblolly Pine Forest<br />
USNVC Scientific Name: Liriodendron tulipifera - Pinus taeda Forest<br />
USNVC Identifier: CEGL007521<br />
LOCAL INFORMATION<br />
Environmental Description: These second- or third-growth forests develop after agricultural<br />
ab<strong>and</strong>onment or other anthropogenic disturbances on upl<strong>and</strong> flat areas that formerly supported<br />
Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest or Coastal Plain Mesic Calcareous Ravine Forest.<br />
<strong>Vegetation</strong> Description: The canopy can be dominated by Liriodendron tulipifera (tuliptree) or<br />
Pinus taeda (loblolly pine), either singly or in combination. Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum)<br />
<strong>and</strong> Acer rubrum (red maple) are also often in the canopy <strong>and</strong> commonly dominate the<br />
subcanopy. Other species that are less frequent but may be found in the canopy are Platanus<br />
occidentalis (American sycamore) <strong>and</strong> Quercus falcata (southern red oak). Other subcanopy <strong>and</strong><br />
shrub species vary but often include Cornus florida (flowering dogwood), Lindera benzoin<br />
(northern spicebush), Asimina triloba (pawpaw), <strong>and</strong> Ilex opaca var. opaca (American holly).<br />
The vines Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle), Toxicodendron radicans (eastern poison<br />
ivy), <strong>and</strong> Vitis spp. (grapes) can cover large areas in these forests. The ground layer is usually<br />
covered by pine litter with few herbs or covered by the exotic grass Microstegium vimineum<br />
(Nepalese browntop). Other common herbs include Erechtites hieraciifolia var. hieraciifolia<br />
(American burnweed), Cynoglossum virginianum var. virginianum (wild comfrey), <strong>and</strong><br />
Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern). This is an early-successional type that persists for<br />
many decades because of the longevity of the nominal trees.<br />
Tree species dominance can vary within <strong>and</strong> among st<strong>and</strong>s of this association, <strong>and</strong> the phenology<br />
can vary from a predominantly deciduous to a predominantly evergreen forest. The structure can<br />
vary from a closed forest to an open woodl<strong>and</strong> with a heavy shrub / vine layer, particularly in<br />
areas that have sustained wind damage. In Colonial National Historical Park, this forest has<br />
developed on disturbed areas that once supported Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest or Coastal<br />
Plain Mesic Calcareous Ravine Forest. The associated species of shrubs, herbs <strong>and</strong> occasional<br />
trees vary greatly with the type of forest that once occurred on the site.<br />
Most Abundant Species:<br />
Stratum Lifeform Species<br />
Tree canopy Needle-leaved tree Pinus taeda (loblolly pine)<br />
Tree canopy Broad-leaved deciduous tree Liriodendron tulipifera (tuliptree)<br />
Herb (field) Vine/Liana Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle)<br />
Herb (field) Graminoid Microstegium vimineum (Nepalese browntop)<br />
Characteristic Species: Liriodendron tulipifera (tuliptree), Lonicera japonica (Japanese<br />
honeysuckle), Microstegium vimineum (Nepalese browntop), Pinus taeda (loblolly pine).<br />
Other Noteworthy Species: Information not available.<br />
Subnational Distribution with Crosswalk Data:<br />
State SRank Rel Conf SName<br />
Reference<br />
VA SNA . .<br />
[not crosswalked] .<br />
209
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