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): TIDAL OLIGOHALINE MARSH (BIG<br />
CORDGRASS TYPE)<br />
SYNONYMS<br />
USNVC English Name: Giant Cordgrass Herbaceous <strong>Vegetation</strong><br />
USNVC Scientific Name: Spartina cynosuroides Herbaceous <strong>Vegetation</strong><br />
USNVC Identifier: CEGL004195<br />
LOCAL INFORMATION<br />
Environmental Description: This association is found in slightly brackish zones along tidal<br />
rivers <strong>and</strong> streams. Oligohaline conditions are defined as salt concentrations between 0.5 <strong>and</strong> 5<br />
ppt, although pulses of higher halinity may occasionally occur. This type favors oligohaline<br />
habitats on narrow levees along tidal channels, beyond which vegetation grades to more diverse<br />
marsh.<br />
<strong>Vegetation</strong> Description: Tidal Oligohaline Marsh (Big Cordgrass Type) is a tidal wetl<strong>and</strong><br />
strongly dominated by the grass Spartina cynosuroides (big cordgrass), which often forms tall,<br />
extensive, nearly monospecific st<strong>and</strong>s, particularly along edges of the main tidal channels.<br />
Pelt<strong>and</strong>ra virginica (green arrow arum) is a frequent associated species <strong>and</strong> can sometimes<br />
dominate in patches. Other species that occur with inconsistently with low cover include species<br />
typical of oligohaline environments such as Amaranthus cannabinus (tidalmarsh amaranth),<br />
Cyperus odoratus (fragrant flatsedge), Echinochloa walteri (coast cockspur grass), Hibiscus<br />
moscheutos ssp. moscheutos (crimsoneyed rosemallow), Phragmites australis (common reed),<br />
Pluchea odorata (sweetscent), Pontederia cordata (pickerelweed), Sagittaria lancifolia ssp.<br />
media (bulltongue arrowhead), Schoenoplectus robustus (sturdy bulrush), Spartina alterniflora<br />
(smooth cordgrass), <strong>and</strong> Typha angustifolia (narrowleaf cattail).<br />
Most Abundant Species:<br />
Stratum Lifeform Species<br />
Herb (field) Forb Pelt<strong>and</strong>ra virginica (green arrow arum)<br />
Herb (field) Graminoid Spartina cynosuroides (big cordgrass)<br />
Characteristic Species: Pelt<strong>and</strong>ra virginica (green arrow arum), Spartina cynosuroides (big<br />
cordgrass).<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 1 Tidal Oligohaline Marsh<br />
Fleming et al. 2006<br />
Local Range: Tidal Oligohaline Marsh is mapped at Swanns Point, Jamestown Isl<strong>and</strong>, <strong>and</strong> at<br />
Ringfield / King Creek. Tidal Oligohaline Marsh (Big Cordgrass Type) is one of five<br />
associations included in the map class Tidal Oligohaline Marsh. The five associations cannot be<br />
mapped separately based on photo signatures, <strong>and</strong> a combined map class was used the vegetation<br />
map. Polygons of Tidal Oligohaline Marsh may, in some cases, include several associations.<br />
<strong>Classification</strong> Comments: Tidal Oligohaline Marsh (Big Cordgrass Type) is by being<br />
dominated by Spartina cynosuroides (big cordgrass).<br />
Other Comments: Information not available.<br />
Local Description Authors: K. D. Patterson.<br />
Plots: None.<br />
Colonial National Historical Park Inventory Notes: Information not available.<br />
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