Ohio subset of Plant Communities of the Midwest ... - NatureServe

Wooded Swamps and Floodplains: Southeastern Coastal Plain Floodplain Shrublands
Cephalanthus occidentalis / Carex spp. - Lemna spp. Southern Shrubland
Buttonbush / Sedge Species - Duckweed Species Southern Shrubland
Southern Buttonbush Pond
CEGL002191
DESCRIPTION: Cephalanthus occidentalis comprises nearly 90% of the shrub layer in waters 1-2 m deep (Voigt and
Mohlenbrock 1964). Other shrubs commonly encountered include Cornus sericea (= Cornus stolonifera) and Salix
spp. Sedges are the dominant herbaceous species present, although Hibiscus spp. can also form dense stands in
shallower water. Lemna spp. are also common plants in this natural community. Populus heterophylla and Nyssa
aquatica may also occur within their range (TNC 1995a).
Stands occupy shallow water depressions, oxbow ponds, upland pond depressions, beaver ponds, and backwater
sloughs of stream and river floodplains. Inundation is usually continuous throughout the year, but these sites can
become dry in mid or late summer or during periods of prolonged drought. In floodplain situations, soils are deep (one
meter or more) consisting of peat or muck over alluvial parent material (Nelson 1987, Lauver et al. 1999). Key
environmental factors which favor the establishment and maintenance of this community include nearly continuous
inundation from 1-2 m in depth (Voigt and Mohlenbrock 1964).
Seasonal flooding and heavy rains leading to inundation of stands to a depth of 1-2 m favor establishment of this
type.
COMMENTS: 2, SCS. This community can be highly dynamic from one season to the next, and species composition
and density are wholly dependent on water regime (Niering 1985). Primary identifying characteristics include the near
absence of trees and dominance of buttonbush (at least 25% coverage). Floristic characteristics that distinguish this
type from more northern types are needed. Stands of buttonbush with widely scattered Taxodium (