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): COASTAL PLAIN DEPRESSION WETLAND<br />
(RED MAPLE - SWEETGUM - WILLOW OAK<br />
TYPE)<br />
SYNONYMS<br />
USNVC English Name: Sweetgum - Red Maple - Willow Oak / Swamp Doghobble<br />
Forest<br />
USNVC Scientific Name: Liquidambar styraciflua - Acer rubrum - Quercus phellos /<br />
Leucothoe racemosa Forest<br />
USNVC Identifier: CEGL006110<br />
LOCAL INFORMATION<br />
Environmental Description: Coastal Plain Depression Wetl<strong>and</strong> occurs as a seasonally flooded<br />
deciduous forest in an otherwise upl<strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong>scape. It includes poorly drained basin wetl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
occurring on nearly flat Coastal Plain terraces with fluctuating, seasonally perched water tables.<br />
Most of these wetl<strong>and</strong>s are seasonally flooded <strong>and</strong> are believed to be sinkhole features that<br />
formed through dissolution of underlying carbonate-rich, shell marl deposits. The marl deposits<br />
are too deep to influence soil or water chemistry of the depressions, which are strongly acidic in<br />
most examples. This community type typically occupies ponds that are flooded to depths < 50<br />
cm (2 ft).<br />
<strong>Vegetation</strong> Description: In Colonial National Historical Park, Coastal Plain Depression<br />
Wetl<strong>and</strong> (Red Maple - Sweetgum - Willow Oak Type) includes forested ponds with Acer rubrum<br />
(red maple), Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum), Nyssa sylvatica (blackgum), <strong>and</strong> Quercus<br />
phellos (willow oak) as typical canopy components. Shrubs that dominate some ponds include<br />
Ilex opaca var. opaca (American holly), Vaccinium corymbosum (highbush blueberry), <strong>and</strong><br />
Leucothoe racemosa (swamp doghobble). During the winter <strong>and</strong> spring these ponds are often<br />
filled with water. When drawn down, these communities have very sparse herb strata with the<br />
ground covered in litter <strong>and</strong> bare soil. Herb species vary from site to site, but in general, herbs<br />
characteristic of these communities are well-adapted to long periods of submersion. Some typical<br />
herbaceous species in Colonial National Historical Park examples include Carex joorii (cypress<br />
swamp sedge), Juncus effusus (common rush), Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis (royal fern),<br />
Thelypteris palustris var. pubescens (eastern marsh fern), <strong>and</strong> Woodwardia areolata (netted<br />
chainfern). Some examples may have cover by Sphagnum spp. (sphagnum mosses).<br />
Coastal Plain Depression Wetl<strong>and</strong> occurs in patches of 0.5 ha or less than. Disturbed ponds may<br />
have Pinus taeda (loblolly pine) as a component <strong>and</strong> less diverse vegetation strata. Many<br />
examples in the park have canopy wind damage from past hurricanes.<br />
Most Abundant Species:<br />
Stratum Lifeform Species<br />
Tree canopy Broad-leaved deciduous tree Acer rubrum (red maple),<br />
Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum)<br />
Characteristic Species: Acer rubrum (red maple), Carex joorii (cypress swamp sedge),<br />
Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum), Quercus phellos (willow oak).<br />
Other Noteworthy Species: Information not available.<br />
Subnational Distribution with Crosswalk Data:<br />
State SRank Rel Conf SName<br />
Reference<br />
VA SNR* B .<br />
Coastal Plain Depression Wetl<strong>and</strong> .<br />
247
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