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Ecological site F098XA012MI

Wet Loamy Depressions

Last updated: 1/11/2024
Accessed: 04/27/2024

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General information

Approved. An approved ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model, enough information to identify the ecological site, and full documentation for all ecosystem states contained in the state and transition model.

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Figure 1. Mapped extent

Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.

MLRA notes

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 098X–Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana Drift Plains

This area is in the Eastern Lake Section of the Central Lowland Province of the Interior Plains. It is a broad glaciated plain that is deeply mantled by till in the north and outwash to the south. Much of the area is nearly level to gently rolling. Elevation ranges from 183 to 391 m (600 to 1285 ft). Local topographic relief averages 9 m and ranges up to 74 m (30 to 245 ft). Highest relief occurs adjacent to river valleys eroded through moraines. Topography is more subdued south of the Atlantic/Gulf drainage divide near the Michigan/Indiana state line, elevations ranging from 185 to 280 m (605 to 920 ft). Local topographic relief in the south averages 4 m and ranges up to 49 m (10 to 160 ft).

The surface of this area is covered by 30 to 150 m (100 to 500 ft) of glacial drift in most areas. At the northern edge of the area, the drift is more than 100 meters (300 ft) thick. From the Grand River basin northward, most of the drift consists of till from the Saginaw Lobe of the Wisconsin Ice Sheet. From the Kalamazoo River basin southward, there are significant deposits of unconsolidated sand and gravel outwash formed between major lobes of the receding Wisconsin Ice Sheet. The outwash deposits are reworked as sand dunes in the Kankakee River basin.

The bedrock beneath the glacial deposits in this area is deformed in the shape of a basin. The center of this basin is in the north-central part of the area. Pennsylvanian-age sandstone are in the center of the basin, and Mississippian-age sandstone and shale beds form the outer rings of the basin. In a few areas the drift deposits are less than 2 m (6 ft) thick, where glacial outwash channels have eroded to limestone bedrock in Grand Rapids, and where sandstone bedrock cuestas peak in elevation in near Hillsdale, Michigan. A sandstone cliff < 15 m high (<50 ft) occurs along a short stretch of the Grand River in Grand Ledge, Michigan.

Most of the rivers in this area are short because of their proximity to the Great Lakes east and west of the area. The largest watersheds, the St. Joseph River, Grand River, and Kalamazoo River drain into Lake Michigan. The southern extent of the MLRA is drained by the Kankakee River of the Mississippi River watershed.

Classification relationships

Among the USFS ecoregional framework (Cleland et al., 2007), most of MLRA 98 is represented by the Humid Temperate Domain (200), Hot Continental Division (220), Midwest Broadleaf Forest Province (222), South Central Great Lakes Section (222J), subsections 222Jc, 222Jg, 222Jh, and 222Jf. Similar sites within the portion of MLRA 98 that overlap the Prairie Division (250) and Prairie Parkland Province
(251) are treated as separate ecological sites. MLRA 98 recently was adjusted to exclude portions of Warm Continental Division (210), Laurentian Mixed Forest Province (212) to the north, and subsections 222Ja and 222Jb to the northwest.

Among the EPA ecoregional framework (Omernik and Griffith, 2014), most of MLRA 98 falls within Eastern Temperate Forests (Level I: 8), Mixed Wood Plains (Level II: 8.1), Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains (Level III: 56), and Level IV: 56b, 56g, and 56h. Similar sites within the portion of MLRA 98 that overlap the Central USA Plains (Level II: 8.2) and Central Corn Belt Plains (Level III: 54) are treated as separate ecological sites. MLRA 98 recently was adjusted to exclude portions of Northern Forests (Level I: 5), Mixed Wood Shield (Level II: 5.2), Northern Lakes and Forests (Level III: 50) to the north, and level IV: 56d and 56f to the northwest.

Ecological site concept

The central concept of the Wet Loamy Depressions is loamy to clayey till with a persistently high water table, often with a horizon of very low saturated hydraulic conductivity within 100 cm of the surface. Site is generally found in depressions and is poorly drained or very poorly drained. Due to very low saturated conductivity, some depressional locations are subject to ponding from local rainfall events, but with little groundwater input. Therefore vegetation is potentially similar to that of a floodplain forest in that it is subject to periodic inundation followed by periods of dryness.

Associated sites

F098XA011MI	Moist Loamy Drift Plains Moist Loamy Drift Plains are the non-hydric equivalent of Wet Loamy Depressions. Vegetation is mesophytic forest instead of swamps.
F098XA006MI	Mucky Depressions Mucky Depressions can occur as wetter inclusions within or adjacent to Wet Loamy Depressions.

F098XA011MI

Moist Loamy Drift Plains

Moist Loamy Drift Plains are the non-hydric equivalent of Wet Loamy Depressions. Vegetation is mesophytic forest instead of swamps.

F098XA006MI

Mucky Depressions

Mucky Depressions can occur as wetter inclusions within or adjacent to Wet Loamy Depressions.

Similar sites

F098XA020MI	Wet Sandy Drift Depressions Wet Sandy Drift Depressions are the sandy equivalent to Wet Loamy Depressions. Swamps and wet meadows tend to have a less dynamic hydrology due to greater soil porosity and influence from groundwater.
F097XA023MI	Wet Loamy Depression Wet Loamy Depressions in MLRA 97 are essentially the same as that in MLRA 98, with perhaps, a slightly higher probability of pine or hemlock in its community composition, higher amounts of snowfall, and lower probability of fire.

F098XA020MI

Wet Sandy Drift Depressions

Wet Sandy Drift Depressions are the sandy equivalent to Wet Loamy Depressions. Swamps and wet meadows tend to have a less dynamic hydrology due to greater soil porosity and influence from groundwater.

F097XA023MI

Wet Loamy Depression

Wet Loamy Depressions in MLRA 97 are essentially the same as that in MLRA 98, with perhaps, a slightly higher probability of pine or hemlock in its community composition, higher amounts of snowfall, and lower probability of fire.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	(1) Acer saccharinum (2) Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Shrub	Not specified
Herbaceous	(1) Onoclea sensibilis

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Physiographic features

Site is most frequently found in depressions on till plains.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Depression (2) Till plain
Runoff class	Negligible to low
Ponding duration	Brief (2 to 7 days) to very long (more than 30 days)
Ponding frequency	Rare to frequent
Elevation	604 – 1,276 ft
Water table depth	10 in
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

This ecological site experiences a humid continental climate with mild summers and cold winters. Precipitation is moderately well distributed through the year with higher amounts during the growing season than the winter. Temperature extremes are moderated by the Great Lakes compared to other inland continental locations, though not as much as MLRAs directly bordering the Great Lakes. Mean annual extreme minimum temperatures range from -26.6 to -20.8°C (-16 to -5°F), which falls within hardiness zones 5a to 6a. Annual snowfall is enhanced by the Great Lakes, mainly on the western half of the MLRA.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	118-133 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	152-165 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	32-39 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	115-137 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	145-174 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	32-41 in
Frost-free period (average)	127 days
Freeze-free period (average)	159 days
Precipitation total (average)	36 in

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range

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Figure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 7. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) WANATAH 2 WNW [USC00129222], Valparaiso, IN
(2) ALMA [USC00200146], Alma, MI
(3) DOWAGIAC 1 W [USC00202250], Dowagiac, MI
(4) SAINT JOHNS [USC00207280], Saint Johns, MI
(5) THREE RIVERS [USC00208184], Three Rivers, MI
(6) BATTLE CREEK KELLOGG AP [USW00014815], Battle Creek, MI
(7) LAPORTE [USC00124837], La Porte, IN
(8) FLINT 7 W [USC00202851], Flushing, MI
(9) GREENVILLE 2 NNE [USC00203429], Greenville, MI
(10) GULL LK BIOLOGICAL STN [USC00203504], Augusta, MI
(11) HASTINGS [USC00203661], Hastings, MI
(12) FLINT BISHOP INTL AP [USW00014826], Flint, MI
(13) COLDWATER ST SCHOOL [USC00201675], Coldwater, MI
(14) EAST LANSING 4 S [USC00202395], Holt, MI
(15) HILLSDALE [USC00203823], Hillsdale, MI
(16) JACKSON REYNOLDS FLD [USW00014833], Jackson, MI
(17) GRAND RAPIDS [USW00094860], Grand Rapids, MI
(18) PRAIRIE HEIGHTS [USC00127102], LaGrange, IN
(19) HOWELL WWTP [USC00203947], Howell, MI
(20) IONIA 2SSW [USC00204078], Ionia, MI
(21) OWOSSO WWTP [USC00206300], Owosso, MI
(22) LANSING CAPITAL CITY AP [USW00014836], Lansing, MI

Soil features

Soils are poorly drained to very poorly drained loams. They are commonly classified as Typic Argiaquolls, Mollic Epiaquepts, and Typic Endoaquolls, and commonly mapped as Parkhill, Brookston, and Colwood series.

Figure 8. Soil samples from the reference state.

Figure 9. Soil profile of the cropped state.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Till
Surface texture	(1) Loam
Drainage class	Poorly drained to very poorly drained
Permeability class	Slow to moderately rapid
Soil depth	79 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	5%
Surface fragment cover >3"	1%
Available water capacity (0-39.4in)	5.12 – 8.66 in
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-19.7in)	5.5 – 7
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (0-59.1in)	35%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (0-59.1in)	15%

Ecological dynamics

The reference community of Wet Loamy Depressions is swamp forest dominated by Acer saccharinum (silver maple), Fraxinus pennsylvanica (green ash), Ulmus americana (American elm), Quercus bicolor (swamp white oak), and Populus deltoides (eastern cottonwood), with an understory of Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern), Carex grayi (Gray's sedge), Glyceria striata (fowl mannagrass), and Boehmeria cylindrica (smallspike false nettle). The high fertility and seasonal ponding of this mineral soil site results in a species composition similar to that of floodplains. Wet anoxic soils favor facultative and obligate wetland species.

Hydrology affects the spatial zonation while changes in precipitation patterns and beaver flooding affects community dynamics. Windthrow is a frequent disturbance due to shallow rooting of tree in wet soils, but usually consists of single tree gaps, favoring the already established young, mainly intermediate to shade tolerant species to fill the gaps. Fire occurs infrequently in swamp forest where fuels are typically discontinuous, and adjacent uplands are mesophytic forest. In some landscape settings adjacent to oak savanna, fires may carry into a wet meadow community phase. The degree of permeability of deeper soil layers affects the degree to which the hydrology is dominated by a steady water table or more subjected to short term droughts and surface runoff events.

The speed of succession in wet meadows and shrub thickets is slowed by wet hydrology. But because these sites are only seasonally wet, most instances of open communities in this ecological site will quickly succeed to swamp forest.

Sedge dominated wet meadow may dominate the site for the first 10 years after a tree and shrub mortality event such as from fire (every 1000 years) or ponding (every 300 years). Shrub thickets may dominate the site for up to 30 years before conversion to forest. Trees establishing under shrubs surpass the shrubs at 3-5 m tall. At 30-80 years, the canopy will exceed 10 m. In absence of disturbance the forest at 80-400 years may exceed 30 m tall. As a tree approaches the maximum height of the forest, it is at constant risk of being toppled by windthrow, especially with shallower rooting depths in hydric mineral soils (this effect is even worse for structurally weak organic soils). Shade intolerant and fast-growing species like Populus deltoides and Salix nigra may persist to 100 years, but earlier canopy emergence, lower density wood (increased wood-rot) all conspire to more quickly thin these species without replacement, due to shade. Longer lived trees may persist but will also tend to replace themselves with understory recruitment (advanced regeneration), having seedlings and saplings able to tolerate moderate amounts of shade. Upland species (e.g. species from adjacent upland forests: Acer saccharum, Tilia americana, Quercus rubra, Quercus macrocarpa, and Fagus grandifolia) may also be present on tip-up mounds, where roots are elevated above the water table. Transitional to wet sandy depressions and mucky depressions in more permeable substrates and less dynamic water tables, the overstory composition shifts towards species less tolerant of long period inundation such as Acer rubrum and Fraxinus nigrum.

For most of the flora there is a tradeoff between shade tolerance and flood tolerance. Consequently, some of the species most tolerant of wetness are among the least shade tolerant. The hydric species Acer saccharinum, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Ulmus americana, and Quercus bicolor are all intermediate in shade tolerance, but are the most tolerant among the hydric species (especially Acer saccharinum). Populus deltoides and most Salix spp. Cephalanthus occidentalis and Alnus rugosa are very shade intolerant. Acer saccharinum, Populus deltoides, Salix nigra, and Cephalanthus occidentalis can persist long periods in standing water. The understory of a ponded swamp forest tends to be sparse, whereas less inundated areas may have thick understory intermediately shade tolerant Lindera benzoin, Ilex verticillata, Zanthoxylum americanum, Sambucus canadensis, and Sambucus racemosa, species which may also occur in open shrub thickets. Open shrub thickets have a variable composition of shade intolerant shrubs: Cornus obliqua, Cornus racemosa, Cornus sericea, Salix interior, Salix petiolaris, Salix eriocephala, Salix sericea.

The seeds of swamp species often lack dormancy because they must be able to germinate mid-growing season while water tables are low, and not be washed away during the winter. Because the sites tend to maintain surface moisture throughout the growing season, seedlings of many genera (Acer, Fraxinus, Ulmus, and Populus) do not need the extra provisions for quickly establishing deep taproots, enabling a strategy of small, prolific winged fruits or seeds capable dispersing longer distances to smaller wetland patches. Nevertheless, the site supports the coexistence of the large-seeded genera (e.g. Quercus and Carya), as reproductive tradeoffs are not absolute.

Invasive plants like Frangula alnus, Alliaria petiolata, Berberis thunbergii, and Rosa multiflora have greatly affected the dominant species composition. More than a few percentages of these species render the stand semi-natural. The introduction of Dutch elm disease and emerald ash borer have substantially reduced the importance of Ulmus americana and Fraxinus pennsylvanica. It is common to find snags associated with dead Ulmus and Fraxinus, as well has extensive down woody debris in stands where dominance of Fraxinus was more recent. Ulmus has been able to sexually reproduce and maintain itself decades after the initial disease introduction. The current flux of Fraxinus seedlings and saplings is apparently remnant reproduction from trees that managed to reach maturity prior to arrival of the invasive borer.

State and transition model

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Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text

Ecosystem states

1. Reference State

SWAPAEH

2. Cultural State

SWAPAEH

3. Seminatural Drained State

SWAPAEH

4. Seminatural State

SWAPAEH

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Swamp Forest

SWAPAEH

1.2. Wet Meadow

SWAPAEH

1.3. Shrub-Thicket

SWAPAEH

1.4. Emergent Marsh

SWAPAEH

1.5. Inundated Shrub Swamp

SWAPAEH

Communities 2 and 5 (additional pathways)

1.2. Wet Meadow

SWAPAEH

1.5. Inundated Shrub Swamp

SWAPAEH

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Sustainable Crop, Pasture, or Plantation

SWAPAEH

2.2. Unsustainable Cultural Phase

SWAPAEH

2.3. Conservation Feature

SWAPAEH

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Ruderal Drained Meadow & Shrub

SWAPAEH

3.2. Exotic Ruderal Drained Forest

SWAPAEH

State 4 submodel, plant communities

4.1. Ruderal Wet Meadow & Shrub Swamp

SWAPAEH

4.2. Exotic Ruderal Swamp Forest

SWAPAEH

State 1
Reference State

The Reference State consists of a mosaic of swamp forest, shrub swamp, wet meadows, and marshes determined with a structure and composition determined mainly by ecological processes primarily with minimal influence from human activity. Intentional influence from human activity often serves to mimic natural processes or to restore missing species.

Dominant plant species

silver maple (Acer saccharinum), tree
green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), tree
sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis), other herbaceous

Community 1.1
Swamp Forest

Dominant plant species

silver maple (Acer saccharinum), tree
American elm (Ulmus americana), tree
green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), tree
common pricklyash (Zanthoxylum americanum), shrub
Gray's sedge (Carex grayi), grass
fowl mannagrass (Glyceria striata), grass
whitegrass (Leersia virginica), grass
American hogpeanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata), other herbaceous
smallspike false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), other herbaceous
Canadian clearweed (Pilea pumila), other herbaceous
jumpseed (Polygonum virginianum), other herbaceous

Table 5. Soil surface cover

Tree basal cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana basal cover	0%
Grass/grasslike basal cover	0%
Forb basal cover	12%
Non-vascular plants	0%
Biological crusts	0%
Litter	63%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	0%
Surface fragments >3"	0%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	0%

Table 6. Woody ground cover

Downed wood, fine-small (<0.40" diameter; 1-hour fuels)	0-5%
Downed wood, fine-medium (0.40-0.99" diameter; 10-hour fuels)	0-5%
Downed wood, fine-large (1.00-2.99" diameter; 100-hour fuels)	0-5%
Downed wood, coarse-small (3.00-8.99" diameter; 1,000-hour fuels)	0-8%
Downed wood, coarse-large (>9.00" diameter; 10,000-hour fuels)	0-7%
Tree snags (hard*)	–
Tree snags (soft*)	–
Tree snag count (hard*)
Tree snag count (hard*)	0-23 per acre

* Decomposition Classes: N - no or little integration with the soil surface; I - partial to nearly full integration with the soil surface.

** >10.16cm diameter at 1.3716m above ground and >1.8288m height--if less diameter OR height use applicable down wood type; for pinyon and juniper, use 0.3048m above ground.

*** Hard - tree is dead with most or all of bark intact; Soft - most of bark has sloughed off.

Table 7. Canopy structure (% cover)

Height Above Ground (ft)	Tree	Shrub/Vine	Grass/ Grasslike	Forb
<0.5	–	0-5%	0-15%	1-14%
>0.5 <= 1	–	0-5%	2-60%	1-25%
>1 <= 2	–	1-13%	2-60%	1-14%
>2 <= 4.5	0-5%	1-10%	1-50%	1-30%
>4.5 <= 13	0-12%	1-10%	–	–
>13 <= 40	55-95%	0%	–	–
>40 <= 80	55-90%	–	–	–
>80 <= 120	9-15%	–	–	–
>120	–	–	–	–

Community 1.2
Wet Meadow

Species list incomplete, and likely not representing the range of variability of this community. Most expressions of this community occur in sandy or mucky sites outside the range of this ecological site.

Dominant plant species

longhair sedge (Carex comosa), grass
common boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), other herbaceous

Table 8. Canopy structure (% cover)

Height Above Ground (ft)	Tree	Shrub/Vine	Grass/ Grasslike	Forb
<0.5	–	0-1%	5-10%	15-30%
>0.5 <= 1	–	0-1%	5-10%	15-30%
>1 <= 2	–	0-25%	5-10%	15-30%
>2 <= 4.5	0-1%	0-25%	15-30%	60-65%
>4.5 <= 13	0-1%	0-20%	–	–
>13 <= 40	–	–	–	–
>40 <= 80	–	–	–	–
>80 <= 120	–	–	–	–
>120	–	–	–	–

Community 1.3
Shrub-Thicket

Dominant plant species

redosier dogwood (Cornus sericea), shrub
silky dogwood (Cornus obliqua), shrub
gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa), shrub
sandbar willow (Salix interior), shrub
meadow willow (Salix petiolaris), shrub
Missouri River willow (Salix eriocephala), shrub
red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa), shrub

Community 1.4
Emergent Marsh

Dominant plant species

broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), grass

Community 1.5
Inundated Shrub Swamp

Dominant plant species

common buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), shrub

Table 9. Canopy structure (% cover)

Height Above Ground (ft)	Tree	Shrub/Vine	Grass/ Grasslike	Forb
<0.5	–	–	–	–
>0.5 <= 1	–	–	–	–
>1 <= 2	–	10-95%	0-2%	–
>2 <= 4.5	–	0-95%	0-2%	–
>4.5 <= 13	–	0-95%	–	–
>13 <= 40	–	–	–	–
>40 <= 80	–	–	–	–
>80 <= 120	–	–	–	–
>120	–	–	–	–

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Swamp Forest

Wet Meadow

Temporary prolonged inundation.

Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.3

Swamp Forest

Shrub-Thicket

Clearcut/Blowdown.

Conservation practices

Early Successional Habitat Development/Management
Forest Stand Improvement

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Wet Meadow

Swamp Forest

Succession.

Conservation practices

Tree/Shrub Site Preparation
Tree/Shrub Establishment

Pathway 1.2B
Community 1.2 to 1.3

Wet Meadow

Shrub-Thicket

Succession.

Conservation practices

Tree/Shrub Site Preparation
Tree/Shrub Establishment

Pathway 1.2D
Community 1.2 to 1.4

Wet Meadow

Emergent Marsh

Permanent inundation.

Pathway 1.2E
Community 1.2 to 1.5

Wet Meadow

Inundated Shrub Swamp

Shrub establishment; permanent inundation.

Conservation practices

Tree/Shrub Establishment

Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1

Shrub-Thicket

Swamp Forest

Succession.

Conservation practices

Tree/Shrub Site Preparation
Tree/Shrub Establishment

Conservation practices

Brush Management

Pathway 1.5C
Community 1.5 to 1.4

Inundated Shrub Swamp

Emergent Marsh

Temporary drought; shrub mortality.

State 2
Cultural State

The cultural state includes any land use in which the species composition and vegetation structure is determined intentionally by regular human activity, including cropland and urbanland. It is managed to obtain specific products for the benefit of human society with efforts to exclude competition and herbivory connecting it to the rest of the ecosystem.

Community 2.1
Sustainable Crop, Pasture, or Plantation

In the majority of cases, this community phase is managed with annual row crops alternating between Zea mays and Glycine max. Attempts are made to reduce soil erosion by chemical methods that reduce the need to till the soil for weed control, and cover crops between harvested crops. Ideally there would be reduced need for fertilizer, allow for more infiltration of rainwater, and less runoff of nutrients into water bodies.

Dominant plant species

corn (Zea mays), grass
soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous

Community 2.2
Unsustainable Cultural Phase

In the majority of cases, this community phase is managed with annual row crops alternating between Zea mays and Glycine max. Conventional tilling is used to control weed competition. Much excess fertilizer is used to maximize production. After harvest, the ground is left bare and subject to erosion. The net effect is excess runoff with excess nitrogen and phosphorus accumulating in water bodies causing algal blooms.

Dominant plant species

corn (Zea mays), grass
soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous

Community 2.3
Conservation Feature

Can be a grassed waterway, conservation reserve, a small patch pollinator garden, or other land taken out of its primary cultural production to mitigate or reduce impacts of adjacent land use, and is not by itself a permanent restoration of a complete native biological community and associated ecosystem services.

Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2

Sustainable Crop, Pasture, or Plantation

Unsustainable Cultural Phase

Semi-natural drained vegetation has a structure and composition determined by ecological processes significantly influenced by human activity. Draining the site allows for more non-hydric species to colonize the site. Previous disturbance and introduction of invasive species will also affect composition.

Community 3.1
Ruderal Drained Meadow & Shrub

Plot data not representing the full range of variability of this community type.

Dominant plant species

timothy (Phleum pratense), grass
fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris), grass
quackgrass (Elymus repens), grass
Queen Anne's lace (Daucus carota), other herbaceous
annual ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), other herbaceous

Table 10. Canopy structure (% cover)

Height Above Ground (ft)	Tree	Shrub/Vine	Grass/ Grasslike	Forb
<0.5	–	–	–	–
>0.5 <= 1	–	–	–	–
>1 <= 2	–	–	–	0-1%
>2 <= 4.5	0-4%	–	30-95%	14-55%
>4.5 <= 13	0-4%	–	–	–
>13 <= 40	–	–	–	–
>40 <= 80	–	–	–	–
>80 <= 120	–	–	–	–
>120	–	–	–	–

Community 3.2
Exotic Ruderal Drained Forest

Dominant plant species

sugar maple (Acer saccharum), tree
red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
American beech (Fagus grandifolia), tree
American basswood (Tilia americana), tree
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), shrub
eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), shrub
jumpseed (Polygonum virginianum), other herbaceous

Table 11. Canopy structure (% cover)

Height Above Ground (ft)	Tree	Shrub/Vine	Grass/ Grasslike	Forb
<0.5	–	–	2-2%	2-12%
>0.5 <= 1	–	–	2-2%	2-15%
>1 <= 2	–	0-2%	2-3%	2-15%
>2 <= 4.5	0-4%	0-6%	0-1%	1-9%
>4.5 <= 13	0-20%	0-6%	–	–
>13 <= 40	75-95%	0%	–	–
>40 <= 80	65-85%	0%	–	–
>80 <= 120	25-30%	–	–	–
>120	–	–	–	–

Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2

Ruderal Drained Meadow & Shrub

Exotic Ruderal Drained Forest

Succession

Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1

Exotic Ruderal Drained Forest

Ruderal Drained Meadow & Shrub

Blowdown/clearcut.

Conservation practices

Early Successional Habitat Development/Management
Forest Stand Improvement

State 4
Seminatural State

Semi-natural vegetation has a structure and composition determined by ecological processes significantly influenced by human activity such as prior soil disturbances, harvesting, and introduction of invasive species.

Community 4.1
Ruderal Wet Meadow & Shrub Swamp

Dominant plant species

reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), grass

Table 12. Canopy structure (% cover)

Height Above Ground (ft)	Tree	Shrub/Vine	Grass/ Grasslike	Forb
<0.5	–	0-1%	–	0%
>0.5 <= 1	–	0-1%	–	0%
>1 <= 2	–	4-40%	7-11%	2-50%
>2 <= 4.5	2-8%	4-40%	65-100%	3-65%
>4.5 <= 13	1-3%	4-40%	0%	0-1%
>13 <= 40	0-2%	–	–	–
>40 <= 80	–	–	–	–
>80 <= 120	–	–	–	–
>120	–	–	–	–

Community 4.2
Exotic Ruderal Swamp Forest

Dominant plant species

silver maple (Acer saccharinum), tree
eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), tree
green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), tree
American elm (Ulmus americana), tree
multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), shrub
eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), shrub

Table 13. Canopy structure (% cover)

Height Above Ground (ft)	Tree	Shrub/Vine	Grass/ Grasslike	Forb
<0.5	–	–	5-15%	0-2%
>0.5 <= 1	–	–	5-15%	0-2%
>1 <= 2	–	6-35%	7-20%	–
>2 <= 4.5	1-20%	7-40%	30-90%	4-45%
>4.5 <= 13	1-30%	5-25%	–	–
>13 <= 40	25-60%	–	–	–
>40 <= 80	15-45%	–	–	–
>80 <= 120	1-3%	–	–	–
>120	–	–	–	–

Pathway 4.1A
Community 4.1 to 4.2

Ruderal Wet Meadow & Shrub Swamp

Exotic Ruderal Swamp Forest

Succession.

Pathway 4.2A
Community 4.2 to 4.1

Exotic Ruderal Swamp Forest

Ruderal Wet Meadow & Shrub Swamp

Blowdown or clearcut.

Conservation practices

Early Successional Habitat Development/Management
Forest Stand Improvement

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Reference State

Cultural State

Drain; clear vegetation; cultivate domesticated species.

Transition T1B
State 1 to 3

Reference State

Seminatural Drained State

Drain; clear vegetation, invasive species introduced.

Transition T1C
State 1 to 4

Reference State

Seminatural State

Clear vegetation, invasive species introduced.

Restoration pathway R2
State 2 to 1

Cultural State

Reference State

Restore hydrology; remove domesticated species; restore native species.

Conservation practices

Brush Management
Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats
Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management
Wetland Restoration
Herbaceous Weed Control

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

Cultural State

Seminatural Drained State

Abandon, succession.

Transition T2B
State 2 to 4

Cultural State

Seminatural State

Restore hydrology; abandon; succession.

Conservation practices

Wetland Restoration

Restoration pathway R3
State 3 to 1

Seminatural Drained State

Reference State

Restore hydrology; control invasive species; restore native species

Conservation practices

Brush Management
Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats
Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management
Wetland Restoration
Herbaceous Weed Control

Transition T3A
State 3 to 2

Seminatural Drained State

Cultural State

Clear vegetation; cultivate domesticated species.

Transition T3B
State 3 to 4

Seminatural Drained State

Seminatural State

Restore hydrology.

Conservation practices

Wetland Restoration

Restoration pathway R4
State 4 to 1

Seminatural State

Reference State

Control invasive species; restore native species.

Conservation practices

Brush Management
Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats
Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management
Herbaceous Weed Control

Transition T4A
State 4 to 2

Seminatural State

Cultural State

Drain; clear vegetation; cultivate domesticated species.

Transition T4B
State 4 to 3

Seminatural State

Seminatural Drained State

Drain.

Additional community tables

Table 14. Community 1.1 forest overstory composition

Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Nativity	Height (ft)	Canopy cover (%)	Diameter (in)	Basal area (square ft/acre)
Tree
silver maple	ACSA2	Acer saccharinum	Native	39.4–82	7–90	9.8–23.6	–
green ash	FRPE	Fraxinus pennsylvanica	Native	36.1–82	0–20	7.9–13.8	–
eastern cottonwood	PODE3	Populus deltoides	Native	65.6–98.4	0–20	19.7–31.5	–
American elm	ULAM	Ulmus americana	Native	6.6–36.1	0–15	–	–
bur oak	QUMA2	Quercus macrocarpa	Native	32.8–82	0–14	15.7–25.6	–
swamp white oak	QUBI	Quercus bicolor	Native	42.7–98.4	0–13	17.7–31.5	–
red maple	ACRU	Acer rubrum	Native	32.8–82	0–12	–	–
American basswood	TIAM	Tilia americana	Native	32.8–65.6	0–11	–	–
American elm	ULAM	Ulmus americana	Native	23–82	0–9	2.8–5.9	–
shagbark hickory	CAOV2	Carya ovata	Native	32.8–82	0–5	–	–
silver maple	ACSA2	Acer saccharinum	Native	16.4–49.2	0–5	–	–
American beech	FAGR	Fagus grandifolia	Native	32.8–82	0–4	–	–
shagbark hickory	CAOV2	Carya ovata	Native	16.4–23	0–2	–	–
bur oak	QUMA2	Quercus macrocarpa	Native	16.4–49.2	0–2	–	–
American hornbeam	CACA18	Carpinus caroliniana	Native	16.4–49.2	0–2	–	–
boxelder	ACNE2	Acer negundo	Native	16.4–49.2	0–1.5	–	–
sugar maple	ACSA3	Acer saccharum	Native	16.4–49.2	0–1.5	–	–
northern red oak	QURU	Quercus rubra	Native	29.5–82	0–1.5	19.7	–
American beech	FAGR	Fagus grandifolia	Native	16.4–49.2	0–1	–	–
red maple	ACRU	Acer rubrum	Native	16.4–49.2	0–1	–	–
black maple	ACNI5	Acer nigrum	Native	16.4–49.2	0–1	–	–
black walnut	JUNI	Juglans nigra	Native	32.8–82	0–1	–	–
green ash	FRPE	Fraxinus pennsylvanica	Native	6.6–23	0–0.5	–	–
sugar maple	ACSA3	Acer saccharum	Native	32.8–82	0–0.5	–	–
quaking aspen	POTR5	Populus tremuloides	Native	32.8–49.2	0–0.4	11.8	–
bitternut hickory	CACO15	Carya cordiformis	Native	16.4–49.2	0–0.4	–	–
American sycamore	PLOC	Platanus occidentalis	Native	32.8–82	0–0.3	–	–
pawpaw	ASTR	Asimina triloba	Native	16.4–39.4	0–0.3	–	–
quaking aspen	POTR5	Populus tremuloides	Native	16.4–49.2	0–0.2	–	–
sassafras	SAAL5	Sassafras albidum	Native	32.8–82	0–0.2	–	–
northern red oak	QURU	Quercus rubra	Native	16.4–49.2	0–0.1	–	–

Table 15. Community 1.1 forest understory composition

Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Nativity	Height (ft)	Canopy cover (%)
Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)
Gray's sedge	CAGR5	Carex grayi	Native	0.7–1.3	0–15
sweet woodreed	CIAR2	Cinna arundinacea	Native	1.3–2.6	0–12
hairy sedge	CALA16	Carex lacustris	Native	2.6–4.9	0–10
fowl mannagrass	GLST	Glyceria striata	Native	0.7–1.3	0.1–8
whitegrass	LEVI2	Leersia virginica	Native	0.3–0.7	0–7
Virginia wildrye	ELVI3	Elymus virginicus	Native	0.7–1.3	0–7
rice cutgrass	LEOR	Leersia oryzoides	Native	2.6–4.9	0–4.5
brome-like sedge	CABR14	Carex bromoides	Native	1–2	0–2
fox sedge	CAVU2	Carex vulpinoidea	Native	1.6–3.3	0–1
hop sedge	CALU4	Carex lupulina	Native	2.6–4.9	0–1
reed canarygrass	PHAR3	Phalaris arundinacea	Native	2.6–4.9	0–1
crested sedge	CACR7	Carex cristatella	Native	1.6–3.3	0–0.5
Tuckerman's sedge	CATU2	Carex tuckermanii	Native	1–2	0–0.5
greater bladder sedge	CAIN12	Carex intumescens	Native	1.6–3.3	0–0.3
Bebb's sedge	CABE2	Carex bebbii	Native	0.7–1.3	0–0.3
inflated narrow-leaf sedge	CAGR24	Carex grisea	Native	1–2	0–0.1
Forb/Herb
smallspike false nettle	BOCY	Boehmeria cylindrica	Native	1.6–3.3	0.1–10
American hogpeanut	AMBR2	Amphicarpaea bracteata	Native	1–2	0–9
Canadian woodnettle	LACA3	Laportea canadensis	Native	1–2	0–6
jewelweed	IMCA	Impatiens capensis	Native	2.6–4.9	0–5
Canadian clearweed	PIPU2	Pilea pumila	Native	0.3–0.7	0–5
devil's beggartick	BIFR	Bidens frondosa	Native	1.6–3.3	0–3
bottomland aster	SYON2	Symphyotrichum ontarionis	Native	1–2	0–2
threelobe beggarticks	BITR	Bidens tripartita	Native	1.6–3.3	0–1
stinging nettle	URDI	Urtica dioica	Native	1–2	0–1
white panicle aster	SYLA6	Symphyotrichum lanceolatum	Native	1–2	0–0.5
white avens	GECA7	Geum canadense	Native	1.6–3.3	0–0.5
Jack in the pulpit	ARTR	Arisaema triphyllum	Native	0.3–1	0–0.5
American pokeweed	PHAM4	Phytolacca americana	Native	2.6–4.9	0–0.4
giant goldenrod	SOGI	Solidago gigantea	Native	2.6–4.9	0–0.4
turion duckweed	LETU2	Lemna turionifera	Native	1–2	0–0.4
blue skullcap	SCLA2	Scutellaria lateriflora	Native	1–2	0–0.3
fringed loosestrife	LYCI	Lysimachia ciliata	Native	1–2	0–0.3
lesser clearweed	PIFO	Pilea fontana	Native	1–2	0–0.3
Canada goldenrod	SOCA6	Solidago canadensis	Native	1.6–3.3	0–0.3
yellow marsh marigold	CAPA5	Caltha palustris	Native	1–2	0–0.2
Canadian honewort	CRCA9	Cryptotaenia canadensis	Native	1–2	0–0.2
white vervain	VEUR	Verbena urticifolia	Native	1–2	0–0.2
beggarslice	HAVI2	Hackelia virginiana	Native	1–2	0–0.2
Virginia iris	IRVI	Iris virginica	Native	1.6–3.3	0–0.2
wrinkleleaf goldenrod	SORU2	Solidago rugosa	Native	1.6–3.3	0–0.1
American water plantain	ALSU	Alisma subcordatum	Native	0.3–0.7	0–0.1
swamp milkweed	ASIN	Asclepias incarnata	Native	2.6–4.9	0–0.1
swamp dock	RUVE3	Rumex verticillatus	Native	1–2	0–0.1
hemlock waterparsnip	SISU2	Sium suave	Native	1–2	0–0.1
American bur-reed	SPAM	Sparganium americanum	Native	1.6–3.3	0–0.1
common blue violet	VISO	Viola sororia	Native	–	0–0.1
clustered blacksnakeroot	SAOD	Sanicula odorata	Native	1–2	0–0.1
Canadian wildginger	ASCA	Asarum canadense	Native	0.3–0.7	0–0.1
Fern/fern ally
spinulose woodfern	DRCA11	Dryopteris carthusiana	Native	1–2	0–2
sensitive fern	ONSE	Onoclea sensibilis	Native	1–2	0–1
Shrub/Subshrub
common pricklyash	ZAAM	Zanthoxylum americanum	Native	1.6–6.6	0–5
northern spicebush	LIBE3	Lindera benzoin	Native	1.6–6.6	0–1.5
black raspberry	RUOC	Rubus occidentalis	Native	0.3–1	0–1
common winterberry	ILVE	Ilex verticillata	Native	1.6–6.6	0–1
Allegheny blackberry	RUAL	Rubus allegheniensis	Native	1.6–6.6	0–0.5
common buttonbush	CEOC2	Cephalanthus occidentalis	Native	1.6–6.6	0–0.5
gray dogwood	CORA6	Cornus racemosa	Native	1.6–6.6	0–0.5
swamp rose	ROPA	Rosa palustris	Native	1.6–6.6	0–0.3
nannyberry	VILE	Viburnum lentago	Native	1.6–6.6	0–0.3
gray dogwood	CORA6	Cornus racemosa	Native	0.3–1	0–0.1
Tree
green ash	FRPE	Fraxinus pennsylvanica	Native	3.3–16.4	0–5
green ash	FRPE	Fraxinus pennsylvanica	Native	1–1.6	0–1
silver maple	ACSA2	Acer saccharinum	Native	1–1.6	0–1
American beech	FAGR	Fagus grandifolia	Native	3.3–16.4	0–1
shagbark hickory	CAOV2	Carya ovata	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.5
common hackberry	CEOC	Celtis occidentalis	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.4
bitternut hickory	CACO15	Carya cordiformis	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.3
bur oak	QUMA2	Quercus macrocarpa	Native	1–1.6	0–0.2
black maple	ACNI5	Acer nigrum	Native	1–1.6	0–0.1
swamp white oak	QUBI	Quercus bicolor	Native	1–1.6	0–0.1
black ash	FRNI	Fraxinus nigra	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.1
shagbark hickory	CAOV2	Carya ovata	Native	1–1.6	0–0.1
American hornbeam	CACA18	Carpinus caroliniana	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.1
Vine/Liana
eastern poison ivy	TORA2	Toxicodendron radicans	Native	0.3–1	0.2–5
riverbank grape	VIRI	Vitis riparia	Native	1–1.6	0–1.5
Virginia creeper	PAQU2	Parthenocissus quinquefolia	Native	1–1.6	0–1.5
riverbank grape	VIRI	Vitis riparia	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.3
common moonseed	MECA3	Menispermum canadense	Native	1–1.6	0–0.2
common moonseed	MECA3	Menispermum canadense	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.1

Table 16. Community 1.2 forest understory composition

Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Nativity	Height (ft)	Canopy cover (%)
Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)
longhair sedge	CACO8	Carex comosa	Native	2.6–4.9	8–25
woolly sedge	CAPE42	Carex pellita	Native	1–2	2.5–8
three-way sedge	DUAR3	Dulichium arundinaceum	Native	1.3–2.6	0.5–1.5
woolgrass	SCCY	Scirpus cyperinus	Native	2.6–4.9	0.5–1.5
Dudley's rush	JUDU2	Juncus dudleyi	Native	1–2	0.3–1
yellow sedge	CAFL4	Carex flava	Native	1–2	0.1–0.2
Forb/Herb
dense blazing star	LISP	Liatris spicata	Native	2.6–4.9	15–45
nodding beggartick	BICE	Bidens cernua	Native	1.6–3.3	8–25
common boneset	EUPE3	Eupatorium perfoliatum	Native	1–2	8–25
watershield	BRSC	Brasenia schreberi	Native	1–2	0.5–1.5
spotted joe pye weed	EUMA9	Eutrochium maculatum	Native	2.6–4.9	0.3–1
palespike lobelia	LOSP	Lobelia spicata	Native	1–2	0.3–1
purple meadow-rue	THDA	Thalictrum dasycarpum	Native	1–2	0.3–1
Fern/fern ally
eastern marsh fern	THPA	Thelypteris palustris	Native	1–2	4.5–13
Shrub/Subshrub
shrubby cinquefoil	DAFR6	Dasiphora fruticosa	Native	1.6–2	0–25
swamp loosestrife	DEVE	Decodon verticillatus	Native	1.6–6.6	0–25
white meadowsweet	SPAL2	Spiraea alba	Native	1.6–3.3	0–25
alderleaf buckthorn	RHAL	Rhamnus alnifolia	Native	1.6–3.3	0–1
Missouri River willow	SAER	Salix eriocephala	Native	1.6–6.6	0–1
meadow willow	SAPE5	Salix petiolaris	Native	1.6–6.6	0–1
silky dogwood	COOB9	Cornus obliqua	Native	1.6–6.6	0–0.2
Tree
eastern redcedar	JUVI	Juniperus virginiana	Native	3.3–16.4	0–1

Table 17. Community 1.5 forest understory composition

Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Nativity	Height (ft)	Canopy cover (%)
Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)
fowl mannagrass	GLST	Glyceria striata	Native	3.3–4.9	0–1
whitegrass	LEVI2	Leersia virginica	Native	–	0–1
Forb/Herb
Canadian clearweed	PIPU2	Pilea pumila	Native	0–1.3	0–5
Shrub/Subshrub
common buttonbush	CEOC2	Cephalanthus occidentalis	Native	1.6–6.6	10–95

Table 18. Community 3.1 forest understory composition

Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Nativity	Height (ft)	Canopy cover (%)
Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)
timothy	PHPR3	Phleum pratense	Introduced	1.6–3.3	25–85
fowl bluegrass	POPA2	Poa palustris	Native	1.6–3.3	0–45
quackgrass	ELRE4	Elymus repens	Introduced	1.3–2.6	2–15
smooth brome	BRIN2	Bromus inermis	Introduced	2.6–4.9	0–2
barnyardgrass	ECCR	Echinochloa crus-galli	Introduced	1–2	0–0.5
perennial ryegrass	LOPE	Lolium perenne	Introduced	1.6–3.3	0–0.5
yellow nutsedge	CYES	Cyperus esculentus	Native	1–2	0–0.5
Forb/Herb
Indianhemp	APCA	Apocynum cannabinum	Native	1.6–3.3	0–20
Canada goldenrod	SOAL6	Solidago altissima	Native	1.6–3.3	0–20
Queen Anne's lace	DACA6	Daucus carota	Introduced	1–2	3.5–20
annual ragweed	AMAR2	Ambrosia artemisiifolia	Native	1–2	2.5–5
redroot amaranth	AMRE	Amaranthus retroflexus	Introduced	1–2	0–2.5
bladder campion	SILA21	Silene latifolia	Introduced	1–2	0–2.5
lesser burdock	ARMI2	Arctium minus	Introduced	1–2	0.5–1
garden yellowrocket	BAVU	Barbarea vulgaris	Introduced	1–2	0–1
Fuller's teasel	DIFU2	Dipsacus fullonum	Introduced	1–2	0–1
prairie fleabane	ERST3	Erigeron strigosus	Native	1.6–3.3	0–1
Canada goldenrod	SOCA6	Solidago canadensis	Native	1.6–3.3	0–1
hairy white oldfield aster	SYPI2	Symphyotrichum pilosum	Native	1–2	0–1
velvetleaf	ABTH	Abutilon theophrasti	Introduced	1–2	0–0.5
lambsquarters	CHAL7	Chenopodium album	Native	1–2	0–0.5
chicory	CIIN	Cichorium intybus	Introduced	1–2	0–0.5
bull thistle	CIVU	Cirsium vulgare	Introduced	1–2	0–0.5
flat-top goldentop	EUGR5	Euthamia graminifolia	Native	1–2	0–0.5
field pepperweed	LECA5	Lepidium campestre	Introduced	1–2	0–0.5
Norwegian cinquefoil	PONO3	Potentilla norvegica	Native	1–2	0–0.5
spiny sowthistle	SOAS	Sonchus asper	Introduced	1–2	0–0.5
Tree
green ash	FRPE	Fraxinus pennsylvanica	Native	3.3–16.4	0–2
eastern cottonwood	PODE3	Populus deltoides	Native	1–1.6	0–0.5

Table 19. Community 3.2 forest overstory composition

Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Nativity	Height (ft)	Canopy cover (%)	Diameter (in)	Basal area (square ft/acre)
Tree
red maple	ACRU	Acer rubrum	Native	49.2–98.4	0–40	7.9–17.7	–
American beech	FAGR	Fagus grandifolia	Native	32.8–82	1–40	–	–
bur oak	QUMA2	Quercus macrocarpa	Native	65.6–98.4	0–35	15.7–21.7	–
sugar maple	ACSA3	Acer saccharum	Native	16.4–49.2	0–30	–	–
sugar maple	ACSA3	Acer saccharum	Native	32.8–65.6	2–25	7.9	–
American basswood	TIAM	Tilia americana	Native	32.8–82	0–25	–	–
black cherry	PRSE2	Prunus serotina	Native	16.4–49.2	0–20	–	–
swamp white oak	QUBI	Quercus bicolor	Native	32.8–82	0–15	–	–
American elm	ULAM	Ulmus americana	Native	16.4–49.2	0.4–15	–	–
American basswood	TIAM	Tilia americana	Native	23–49.2	0–10	–	–
red maple	ACRU	Acer rubrum	Native	16.4–49.2	0–8	–	–
black oak	QUVE	Quercus velutina	Native	32.8–82	0–8	–	–
eastern hemlock	TSCA	Tsuga canadensis	Native	32.8–82	0–8	–	–
swamp white oak	QUBI	Quercus bicolor	Native	16.4–49.2	0–6	–	–
American elm	ULAM	Ulmus americana	Native	32.8–82	0–4	–	–
black maple	ACNI5	Acer nigrum	Native	16.4–49.2	0–4	–	–
American hornbeam	CACA18	Carpinus caroliniana	Native	16.4–49.2	0–4	–	–
eastern cottonwood	PODE3	Populus deltoides	Native	32.8–82	0–3.5	–	–
pin oak	QUPA2	Quercus palustris	Native	32.8–82	0–3.5	–	–
black cherry	PRSE2	Prunus serotina	Native	32.8–82	0–3.5	–	–
northern red oak	QURU	Quercus rubra	Native	32.8–82	0–3	–	–
shagbark hickory	CAOV2	Carya ovata	Native	32.8–82	0–2.5	–	–
white mulberry	MOAL	Morus alba	Introduced	16.4–49.2	0–2	–	–
American sycamore	PLOC	Platanus occidentalis	Native	32.8–82	0–2	–	–
northern red oak	QURU	Quercus rubra	Native	16.4–49.2	0–2	–	–
hophornbeam	OSVI	Ostrya virginiana	Native	32.8–82	0–1.5	–	–
pignut hickory	CAGL8	Carya glabra	Native	32.8–82	0–1	–	–
quaking aspen	POTR5	Populus tremuloides	Native	32.8–82	0–1	–	–
white oak	QUAL	Quercus alba	Native	32.8–82	0–1	–	–
American beech	FAGR	Fagus grandifolia	Native	16.4–26.2	0–0.5	–	–
black maple	ACNI5	Acer nigrum	Native	32.8–82	0–0.3	–	–
white ash	FRAM2	Fraxinus americana	Native	16.4–49.2	0–0.2	–	–
Vine/Liana
Virginia creeper	PAQU2	Parthenocissus quinquefolia	Native	16.4–65.6	0–0.1	–	–

Table 20. Community 3.2 forest understory composition

Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Nativity	Height (ft)	Canopy cover (%)
Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)
Swan's sedge	CASW	Carex swanii	Native	1–2	0–1.5
graceful sedge	CAGR2	Carex gracillima	Native	0.3–1	0.2–1.5
rosy sedge	CARO22	Carex rosea	Native	1–2	0–1
eastern bottlebrush grass	ELHY	Elymus hystrix	Native	1–2	0–1
Pennsylvania sedge	CAPE6	Carex pensylvanica	Native	1–2	0–1
pubescent sedge	CAHI5	Carex hirtifolia	Native	1–2	0–0.3
fowl mannagrass	GLST	Glyceria striata	Native	0.3–1	0–0.3
bearded shorthusk	BRER2	Brachyelytrum erectum	Native	1–2	0–0.2
nerveless woodland sedge	CALE11	Carex leptonervia	Native	1–2	0–0.2
greater straw sedge	CANO	Carex normalis	Native	2.6–4.9	0–0.2
Canada bluegrass	POCO	Poa compressa	Introduced	1–2	0–0.2
Forb/Herb
mayapple	POPE	Podophyllum peltatum	Native	0.7–1.3	0–5
smallspike false nettle	BOCY	Boehmeria cylindrica	Native	1.6–3.3	0–1
jewelweed	IMCA	Impatiens capensis	Native	2.6–4.9	0–0.5
Canada mayflower	MACA4	Maianthemum canadense	Native	–	0–0.5
Jack in the pulpit	ARTR	Arisaema triphyllum	Native	0.3–0.7	0–0.5
feathery false lily of the valley	MARA7	Maianthemum racemosum	Native	0.3–0.7	0–0.4
garlic mustard	ALPE4	Alliaria petiolata	Introduced	1–2	0–0.4
spotted geranium	GEMA	Geranium maculatum	Native	0.3–1	0–0.3
white avens	GECA7	Geum canadense	Native	1.6–3.3	0–0.3
tall hairy agrimony	AGGR2	Agrimonia gryposepala	Native	2.6–4.9	0–0.2
threelobe beggarticks	BITR	Bidens tripartita	Native	1.6–3.3	0–0.2
flat-top goldentop	EUGR5	Euthamia graminifolia	Native	1–2	0–0.2
lanceleaf wild licorice	GALA3	Galium lanceolatum	Native	1–2	0–0.2
Robert geranium	GERO	Geranium robertianum	Native	1–2	0–0.2
Canadian clearweed	PIPU2	Pilea pumila	Native	1–2	0–0.2
hairy Solomon's seal	POPU4	Polygonatum pubescens	Native	1–2	0–0.2
common cinquefoil	POSI2	Potentilla simplex	Native	1–2	0–0.2
bristly buttercup	RAHI	Ranunculus hispidus	Native	1.3–2.6	0–0.2
American hogpeanut	AMBR2	Amphicarpaea bracteata	Native	1–1.6	0–0.1
Canadian woodnettle	LACA3	Laportea canadensis	Native	1–2	0–0.1
Fern/fern ally
spinulose woodfern	DRCA11	Dryopteris carthusiana	Native	1–2	0–0.5
Christmas fern	POAC4	Polystichum acrostichoides	Native	1–2	0–0.3
interrupted fern	OSCL2	Osmunda claytoniana	Native	1.6–3.3	0–0.2
western brackenfern	PTAQ	Pteridium aquilinum	Native	2.6–4.9	0–0.2
northern maidenhair	ADPE	Adiantum pedatum	Native	1–2	0–0.1
Shrub/Subshrub
Amur honeysuckle	LOMA6	Lonicera maackii	Introduced	1.6–6.6	0–2
northern spicebush	LIBE3	Lindera benzoin	Native	1.6–3.3	0–2
Japanese barberry	BETH	Berberis thunbergii	Introduced	0.3–1	0–1.5
gray dogwood	CORA6	Cornus racemosa	Native	1.6–6.6	0–0.3
multiflora rose	ROMU	Rosa multiflora	Introduced	1.6–6.6	0–0.3
red elderberry	SARA2	Sambucus racemosa	Native	1.6–6.6	0–0.2
common pricklyash	ZAAM	Zanthoxylum americanum	Native	1.6–6.6	0–0.2
multiflora rose	ROMU	Rosa multiflora	Introduced	0.3–1	0–0.1
northern spicebush	LIBE3	Lindera benzoin	Native	0.3–1	0–0.1
Japanese barberry	BETH	Berberis thunbergii	Introduced	1.6–6.6	0–0.1
Tree
American hornbeam	CACA18	Carpinus caroliniana	Native	3.3–16.4	0.4–7
sugar maple	ACSA3	Acer saccharum	Native	3.3–16.4	0–6
green ash	FRPE	Fraxinus pennsylvanica	Native	3.3–16.4	0–4.5
American beech	FAGR	Fagus grandifolia	Native	3.3–16.4	0–3.5
green ash	FRPE	Fraxinus pennsylvanica	Native	1–1.6	0–2
white ash	FRAM2	Fraxinus americana	Native	1–1.6	0–1
black cherry	PRSE2	Prunus serotina	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.4
American basswood	TIAM	Tilia americana	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.2
silver maple	ACSA2	Acer saccharinum	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.2
bitternut hickory	CACO15	Carya cordiformis	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.2
American witchhazel	HAVI4	Hamamelis virginiana	Native	3.3–6.6	0–0.2
American beech	FAGR	Fagus grandifolia	Native	1–1.6	0–0.1
shagbark hickory	CAOV2	Carya ovata	Native	1–1.6	0–0.1
American elm	ULAM	Ulmus americana	Native	1–1.6	0–0.1
Vine/Liana
eastern poison ivy	TORA2	Toxicodendron radicans	Native	3.3–16.4	0–14
Virginia creeper	PAQU2	Parthenocissus quinquefolia	Native	3.3–16.4	0–12
Virginia creeper	PAQU2	Parthenocissus quinquefolia	Native	1–1.6	0.4–7
running strawberry bush	EUOB8	Euonymus obovatus	Native	1–1.6	0–0.4
eastern poison ivy	TORA2	Toxicodendron radicans	Native	1–1.6	0–0.3

Table 21. Community 4.1 forest overstory composition

Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Nativity	Height (ft)	Canopy cover (%)	Diameter (in)	Basal area (square ft/acre)
Tree
American elm	ULAM	Ulmus americana	Native	16.4–49.2	0–0.2	–	–
black willow	SANI	Salix nigra	Native	16.4–49.2	0–0.1	–	–

Table 22. Community 4.1 forest understory composition

Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Nativity	Height (ft)	Canopy cover (%)
Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)
reed canarygrass	PHAR3	Phalaris arundinacea	Native	3.3–4.6	12–100
rice cutgrass	LEOR	Leersia oryzoides	Native	2.6–4.9	0–13
redtop	AGGI2	Agrostis gigantea	Introduced	1–2	0–12
Kentucky bluegrass	POPR	Poa pratensis	Native	1–2	0–12
fowl mannagrass	GLST	Glyceria striata	Native	2.6–4.9	0.3–11
sweet woodreed	CIAR2	Cinna arundinacea	Native	2.6–4.9	0–7
tall fescue	SCAR7	Schedonorus arundinaceus	Introduced	1.6–3.3	0–5
graceful sedge	CAGR2	Carex gracillima	Native	1.6–3.3	0–3
rough bluegrass	POTR2	Poa trivialis	Introduced	1.3–2.6	0–3
timothy	PHPR3	Phleum pratense	Introduced	1.6–3.3	0–2.5
fowl bluegrass	POPA2	Poa palustris	Native	1.6–3.3	0–1.5
hairy sedge	CALA16	Carex lacustris	Native	2.6–4.9	0–1
crested sedge	CACR7	Carex cristatella	Native	1–2.3	0–0.5
green bulrush	SCAT2	Scirpus atrovirens	Native	3.3–6.6	0–0.5
hop sedge	CALU4	Carex lupulina	Native	2.6–4.9	0–0.5
smooth brome	BRIN2	Bromus inermis	Introduced	2.6–4.9	0–0.3
awlfruit sedge	CAST5	Carex stipata	Native	1.6–3.3	0–0.3
fall panicgrass	PADI	Panicum dichotomiflorum	Native	1.6–3.3	0–0.3
Virginia wildrye	ELVI3	Elymus virginicus	Native	1.3–2.6	0–0.2
greater bladder sedge	CAIN12	Carex intumescens	Native	1.6–3.3	0–0.1
Tuckerman's sedge	CATU2	Carex tuckermanii	Native	1–2	0–0.1
fox sedge	CAVU2	Carex vulpinoidea	Native	1.6–3.3	0–0.1
Greene's rush	JUGR	Juncus greenei	Native	1–2	0–0.1
barnyardgrass	ECCR	Echinochloa crus-galli	Introduced	1–2	0–0.1
Forb/Herb
giant goldenrod	SOGI	Solidago gigantea	Native	2–3.9	0–30
Canada goldenrod	SOCA6	Solidago canadensis	Native	1.3–2.6	0–10
bottomland aster	SYON2	Symphyotrichum ontarionis	Native	1.3–2.6	0–6
jewelweed	IMCA	Impatiens capensis	Native	2.6–4.9	0–6
Canada goldenrod	SOAL6	Solidago altissima	Native	1.6–3.3	0–4.5
white panicle aster	SYLA6	Symphyotrichum lanceolatum	Native	1.6–3	0–3
Indianhemp	APCA	Apocynum cannabinum	Native	1.6–3.3	0–3
Canada thistle	CIAR4	Cirsium arvense	Introduced	1.6–3	0–2.5
Queen Anne's lace	DACA6	Daucus carota	Introduced	1.6–3.3	0–2
devil's beggartick	BIFR	Bidens frondosa	Native	1.6–3.3	0–2
annual ragweed	AMAR2	Ambrosia artemisiifolia	Native	1–2	0–1.5
smallspike false nettle	BOCY	Boehmeria cylindrica	Native	1.6–3.3	0–1.5
purpleleaf willowherb	EPCO	Epilobium coloratum	Native	1.6–3.3	0–1
great ragweed	AMTR	Ambrosia trifida	Native	1.6–3.3	0–1
stinging nettle	URDI	Urtica dioica	Native	3.3–6.6	0–0.5
ditch stonecrop	PESE6	Penthorum sedoides	Native	1.3–2.6	0–0.4
white vervain	VEUR	Verbena urticifolia	Native	1–2	0–0.4
giant sunflower	HEGI	Helianthus giganteus	Native	1.6–3.3	0–0.3
purplestem aster	SYPU	Symphyotrichum puniceum	Native	1–2	0–0.3
red clover	TRPR2	Trifolium pratense	Introduced	1–2	0–0.3
flat-top goldentop	EUGR5	Euthamia graminifolia	Native	1.3–2.6	0–0.2
purple loosestrife	LYSA2	Lythrum salicaria	Introduced	1.6–3.3	0–0.2
swamp milkweed	ASIN	Asclepias incarnata	Native	2.6–4.9	0–0.2
bull thistle	CIVU	Cirsium vulgare	Introduced	2–3.9	0–0.1
common boneset	EUPE3	Eupatorium perfoliatum	Native	1–2	0–0.1
Virginia strawberry	FRVI	Fragaria virginiana	Native	0.3–1	0–0.1
Virginia iris	IRVI	Iris virginica	Native	1.6–3.3	0–0.1
common duckweed	LEMI3	Lemna minor	Native	–	0–0.1
curly dock	RUCR	Rumex crispus	Introduced	1–2	0–0.1
swamp verbena	VEHA2	Verbena hastata	Native	1–2	0–0.1
Fern/fern ally
sensitive fern	ONSE	Onoclea sensibilis	Native	1–2	0–0.1
Shrub/Subshrub
sandbar willow	SAIN3	Salix interior	Native	1.6–6.6	0–13
gray dogwood	CORA6	Cornus racemosa	Native	1.6–6.6	0–3
Allegheny blackberry	RUAL	Rubus allegheniensis	Native	1.6–6.6	0–0.5
meadow willow	SAPE5	Salix petiolaris	Native	1.6–6.6	0–0.5
Missouri River willow	SAER	Salix eriocephala	Native	1.6–6.6	0–0.5
multiflora rose	ROMU	Rosa multiflora	Introduced	1.6–2.6	0–0.5
black raspberry	RUOC	Rubus occidentalis	Native	1.6–3.3	0–0.4
multiflora rose	ROMU	Rosa multiflora	Introduced	0.3–1	0–0.2
silky willow	SASE	Salix sericea	Native	1.6–6.6	0–0.1
silky willow	SASE	Salix sericea	Native	0.3–1	0–0.1
black elderberry	SANI4	Sambucus nigra	Native	1.6–6.6	0–0.1
red elderberry	SARA2	Sambucus racemosa	Native	0.3–1	0–0.1
Tree
green ash	FRPE	Fraxinus pennsylvanica	Native	3.3–4.9	0–7
American elm	ULAM	Ulmus americana	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.5
bur oak	QUMA2	Quercus macrocarpa	Native	3.3–6.6	0–0.4
peachleaf willow	SAAM2	Salix amygdaloides	Native	3.3–6.6	0–0.3
green ash	FRPE	Fraxinus pennsylvanica	Native	1–1.6	0–0.1
red maple	ACRU	Acer rubrum	Native	1–1.6	0–0.1
silver maple	ACSA2	Acer saccharinum	Native	1–1.6	0–0.1
hophornbeam	OSVI	Ostrya virginiana	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.1
swamp white oak	QUBI	Quercus bicolor	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.1
Vine/Liana
eastern poison ivy	TORA2	Toxicodendron radicans	Native	0.3–1	0–0.5
Virginia creeper	PAQU2	Parthenocissus quinquefolia	Native	1–1.6	0–0.3
riverbank grape	VIRI	Vitis riparia	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.1

Table 23. Community 4.2 forest overstory composition

Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Nativity	Height (ft)	Canopy cover (%)	Diameter (in)	Basal area (square ft/acre)
Tree
silver maple	ACSA2	Acer saccharinum	Native	32.8–82	6–40	15.7–19.7	–
eastern cottonwood	PODE3	Populus deltoides	Native	32.8–82	0–20	–	–
American elm	ULAM	Ulmus americana	Native	16.4–32.8	0.1–11	–	–
green ash	FRPE	Fraxinus pennsylvanica	Native	16.4–19.7	0–7	–	–
red maple	ACRU	Acer rubrum	Native	32.8–82	0–6	–	–
black cherry	PRSE2	Prunus serotina	Native	32.8–82	0–5	–	–
bur oak	QUMA2	Quercus macrocarpa	Native	16.4–49.2	0–5	–	–
bur oak	QUMA2	Quercus macrocarpa	Native	32.8–98.4	0–4	2.8–3.1	–
northern red oak	QURU	Quercus rubra	Native	32.8–82	0–4	–	–
bitternut hickory	CACO15	Carya cordiformis	Native	32.8–82	0–3.5	–	–
American hornbeam	CACA18	Carpinus caroliniana	Native	16.4–32.8	0–3.5	–	–
American basswood	TIAM	Tilia americana	Native	16.4–49.2	0–3	–	–
boxelder	ACNE2	Acer negundo	Native	16.4–49.2	0–2	–	–
white mulberry	MOAL	Morus alba	Introduced	16.4–49.2	0–2	–	–
eastern cottonwood	PODE3	Populus deltoides	Native	16.4–49.2	0–2	–	–
black willow	SANI	Salix nigra	Native	16.4–49.2	0–1.5	–	–
sassafras	SAAL5	Sassafras albidum	Native	32.8–82	0–1	–	–
shagbark hickory	CAOV2	Carya ovata	Native	16.4–49.2	0–1	–	–
tuliptree	LITU	Liriodendron tulipifera	Native	32.8–82	0–0.5	–	–
green ash	FRPE	Fraxinus pennsylvanica	Native	32.8–82	0–0.5	–	–
silver maple	ACSA2	Acer saccharinum	Native	16.4–49.2	0–0.5	–	–
black oak	QUVE	Quercus velutina	Native	32.8–82	0–0.3	–	–
American basswood	TIAM	Tilia americana	Native	32.8–82	0–0.1	–	–

Table 24. Community 4.2 forest understory composition

Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Nativity	Height (ft)	Canopy cover (%)
Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)
reed canarygrass	PHAR3	Phalaris arundinacea	Native	2.6–4.9	4–45
fowl mannagrass	GLST	Glyceria striata	Native	2.6–4.9	0–30
fox sedge	CAVU2	Carex vulpinoidea	Native	1.6–3.3	0–20
brome-like sedge	CABR14	Carex bromoides	Native	0.3–1	0–14
hop sedge	CALU4	Carex lupulina	Native	2.6–4.9	0–12
sweet woodreed	CIAR2	Cinna arundinacea	Native	2.6–4.9	0.3–10
whitegrass	LEVI2	Leersia virginica	Native	1.6–3.3	0–9
hairy sedge	CALA16	Carex lacustris	Native	2.6–4.9	0–6
Gray's sedge	CAGR5	Carex grayi	Native	1.6–3.3	0–6
graceful sedge	CAGR2	Carex gracillima	Native	1.6–3.3	0–4.5
rough bluegrass	POTR2	Poa trivialis	Introduced	1.3–2.6	0–2.5
shallow sedge	CALU5	Carex lurida	Native	1.6–3.3	0–2.5
awlfruit sedge	CAST5	Carex stipata	Native	1.6–3.3	0–2.5
Canada bluegrass	POCO	Poa compressa	Introduced	1–2	0–2.5
eastern bottlebrush grass	ELHY	Elymus hystrix	Native	1–2	0–2
rice cutgrass	LEOR	Leersia oryzoides	Native	2.6–4.9	0–2
redtop	AGGI2	Agrostis gigantea	Introduced	1–2	0–1
Crawford's sedge	CACR4	Carex crawfordii	Native	1–2	0–1
squarrose sedge	CASQ2	Carex squarrosa	Native	1.6–3.3	0–1
smooth brome	BRIN2	Bromus inermis	Introduced	2.6–4.9	0–0.2
Forb/Herb
Canadian woodnettle	LACA3	Laportea canadensis	Native	1–2	0–15
smallspike false nettle	BOCY	Boehmeria cylindrica	Native	1.6–3.3	0.3–14
American pokeweed	PHAM4	Phytolacca americana	Native	2.6–4.9	0–6
Canada goldenrod	SOAL6	Solidago altissima	Native	1.6–3.3	0–5
giant goldenrod	SOGI	Solidago gigantea	Native	2.6–4.9	0–5
jewelweed	IMCA	Impatiens capensis	Native	2.6–4.9	0–5
common boneset	EUPE3	Eupatorium perfoliatum	Native	1–2	0–3.5
devil's beggartick	BIFR	Bidens frondosa	Native	1.6–3.3	0–3
beggarslice	HAVI2	Hackelia virginiana	Native	1–2	0–3
Canadian clearweed	PIPU2	Pilea pumila	Native	1–2	0–2.5
purpleleaf willowherb	EPCO	Epilobium coloratum	Native	1.6–3.3	0–2
white avens	GECA7	Geum canadense	Native	0.3–0.7	0.2–1.5
big devils beggartick	BIVU	Bidens vulgata	Native	1–2	0–1
mayapple	POPE	Podophyllum peltatum	Native	1–2	0–1
white panicle aster	SYLA6	Symphyotrichum lanceolatum	Native	1–2	0–1
lesser burdock	ARMI2	Arctium minus	Introduced	1–2	0–0.5
Philadelphia fleabane	ERPH	Erigeron philadelphicus	Native	1.6–3	0–0.5
Virginia strawberry	FRVI	Fragaria virginiana	Native	1–2	0–0.5
turion duckweed	LETU2	Lemna turionifera	Native	1–2	0–0.5
common blue violet	VISO	Viola sororia	Native	–	0–0.5
bottomland aster	SYON2	Symphyotrichum ontarionis	Native	1–2	0–0.5
ditch stonecrop	PESE6	Penthorum sedoides	Native	1.3–2.6	0–0.3
harvestlice	AGPA6	Agrimonia parviflora	Native	2.6–4.9	0–0.2
common milkweed	ASSY	Asclepias syriaca	Native	1–2	0–0.2
Canada thistle	CIAR4	Cirsium arvense	Introduced	1–2	0–0.2
wild basil	CLVU	Clinopodium vulgare	Native	1–2	0–0.2
stickywilly	GAAP2	Galium aparine	Native	0.3–1	0–0.2
cardinalflower	LOCA2	Lobelia cardinalis	Native	2.6–4.9	0–0.2
Indian-tobacco	LOIN	Lobelia inflata	Native	1–2	0–0.2
blue skullcap	SCLA2	Scutellaria lateriflora	Native	1–2	0–0.2
calico aster	SYLA4	Symphyotrichum lateriflorum	Native	1–2	0–0.2
stinging nettle	URDI	Urtica dioica	Native	1–2	0–0.2
threelobe beggarticks	BITR	Bidens tripartita	Native	1.6–3.3	0–0.1
feathery false lily of the valley	MARA7	Maianthemum racemosum	Native	1–2	0–0.1
Fern/fern ally
sensitive fern	ONSE	Onoclea sensibilis	Native	1–2	0.1–3
field horsetail	EQAR	Equisetum arvense	Native	0.3–1	0–1
eastern marsh fern	THPA	Thelypteris palustris	Native	1–2	0–1
spinulose woodfern	DRCA11	Dryopteris carthusiana	Native	1–2	0–1
Shrub/Subshrub
multiflora rose	ROMU	Rosa multiflora	Introduced	1.6–3.3	2–25
silky dogwood	COOB9	Cornus obliqua	Native	1.6–6.6	0–4.5
black raspberry	RUOC	Rubus occidentalis	Native	1.6–6.6	0–4
common pricklyash	ZAAM	Zanthoxylum americanum	Native	1.6–9.8	0–3
northern spicebush	LIBE3	Lindera benzoin	Native	1.6–6.6	0–2.5
gray dogwood	CORA6	Cornus racemosa	Native	1.6–6.6	0–1.5
Allegheny blackberry	RUAL	Rubus allegheniensis	Native	1.6–6.6	0–0.5
common winterberry	ILVE	Ilex verticillata	Native	1.6–6.6	0–0.5
swamp rose	ROPA	Rosa palustris	Native	1.6–6.6	0–0.5
European privet	LIVU	Ligustrum vulgare	Introduced	1.6–6.6	0–0.3
gray dogwood	CORA6	Cornus racemosa	Native	0.3–1	0–0.3
red elderberry	SARA2	Sambucus racemosa	Native	1.6–6.6	0–0.2
white meadowsweet	SPAL2	Spiraea alba	Native	1.6–3.3	0–0.1
Tree
green ash	FRPE	Fraxinus pennsylvanica	Native	3.3–16.4	0.5–20
American hornbeam	CACA18	Carpinus caroliniana	Native	3.3–16.4	0–9
American elm	ULAM	Ulmus americana	Native	3.3–16.4	0–2
bitternut hickory	CACO15	Carya cordiformis	Native	3.3–16.4	0–1.5
black maple	ACNI5	Acer nigrum	Native	3.3–16.4	0–1
black ash	FRNI	Fraxinus nigra	Native	3.3–16.4	0–1
common hackberry	CEOC	Celtis occidentalis	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.5
shagbark hickory	CAOV2	Carya ovata	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.5
black cherry	PRSE2	Prunus serotina	Native	1–1.6	0–0.4
northern red oak	QURU	Quercus rubra	Native	1–1.6	0–0.3
tuliptree	LITU	Liriodendron tulipifera	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.2
tuliptree	LITU	Liriodendron tulipifera	Native	1–1.6	0–0.2
sugar maple	ACSA3	Acer saccharum	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.2
Vine/Liana
riverbank grape	VIRI	Vitis riparia	Native	3.3–16.4	0–13
eastern poison ivy	TORA2	Toxicodendron radicans	Native	1–1.6	1–9
Virginia creeper	PAQU2	Parthenocissus quinquefolia	Native	1–1.6	0–7
eastern poison ivy	TORA2	Toxicodendron radicans	Native	3.3–16.4	0–4
Virginia creeper	PAQU2	Parthenocissus quinquefolia	Native	3.3–16.4	0–0.5
riverbank grape	VIRI	Vitis riparia	Native	1–1.6	0–0.4
common moonseed	MECA3	Menispermum canadense	Native	1–1.6	0–0.1

Interpretations

Animal community

Mammals
Large Herbivores

The largest herbivore in the region is white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), a browser that occupies a wide range of cover phases in all but the most inundated habitats. Agricultural conversion and forest fragmentation, both of which are favorable to deer forage, and the extirpation of most natural predators has resulted in excess populations of deer across the entire area. Excess deer-browse limits the continued recruitment oak (Quercus spp.) into the overstory and severely reduces the diversity of forbs in the understory.

Large Predators

Formerly, gray wolf (Canis lupus), American black bear (Ursus americanus), and cougar (Puma concolor), were among the top predators occupying adjacent uplands. By the late 1800s, these species were extirpated from the area through excess hunting and habitat conversion. Bobcat (Lynx rufus) and fisher (Pekania pennanti) ranked among the medium-sized predators until they also were extirpated by the late 1800s. However, bear and bobcats occasionally are present at the northern end of the MLRA.

After the loss of wolves and cougars, the native carnivore most capable of preying on deer is the coyote (Canis latrans), which occupies all community phases. Medium-sized mammalian predators include gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes), both of which occupy a wide range of community phases, but gray fox prefers more forested phases than red fox. Racoon (Procyon lotor) are ubiquitous mid-sized omnivores that spend a large amount of time in swampy habitat, hunting burrowing crayfish among other animals.

Small Mammals
Beaver (Castor canadensis) is a keystone species of swamp and marsh for its ecological engineering of landscapes. Beavers can be responsible for consuming trees and shrubs of the woody community phases, converting them to marsh and meadow phases. They also, by damming streams, may increase the water table, and move from saturated swamp, wet meadow, and fen phases to phases to semipermanently ponded marsh and inundated shrub swamp phases. Cottonwood (Populus spp.), willows (Salix spp.), alder (Alnus rugosa), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), grasses (Poaceae), and smartweeds (Persicaria spp.).

Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) construct dens using cattails and sedges in the marsh phase.

Bats (family Vespertilionidae) may forage at night in and around wetlands, which often are a hub for flying insects, many of which have aquatic larvae. Many bats roost in summer in cavities and under tree bark, thus requiring forests with some large mature trees and snags. A healthy population of bats provides an important ecosystem service by reducing crop pest populations and reducing the need for pesticide applications.

Birds

Commonly encountered birds foraging in marshy phases are Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) and Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana), which nest in shrubs. Tree Swallow (Hirundo rustica) are aerial predators over open water and nest in tree cavities. Green Heron (Butorides virescens) and Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) hunt for small aquatic animals in shallow water and nest in trees.
Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) nest in cavities of larger trees and snags of swamp forests and patrol vernal pools within swamp forests and open marshes.

Common species foraging and nesting in shrubbier phases include Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis), Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), and Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia).

Larger birds that nest in large trees and snags of swamp forests include Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus), Barred Owl (Strix varia) and Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus). Generalist forest songbirds occurring in swamp forests include White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens), Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus

ludovicianus), Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), and Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula). Forest and woodland songbirds with an affinity for swamp forest include Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus), Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea), Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis).

According to Neimi et al. (2009) the following birds are more tolerant of disturbed wetlands: Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), American Robin (Turdus migratorius), European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis), Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris), Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis), Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula), Brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), and Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus). Similarly, the following birds are associated with higher quality wetlands: Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana), Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis), Sedge Wren (Cistothorus platensis), Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum), Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorous), American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla), Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus), Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum), and White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis).

Reptiles

Common reptiles such as ribbon and garter snakes (Thamnophis spp.) prey upon soft invertebrates and amphibian among all cover types (community phases) on land and occasionally in the water. Eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus), the region’s only dangerously venomous species, occupies a mixture of cover types, but is frequently associated with open upland phases during cooler periods. Massaugas require the flowing groundwater to prevent their subterranean hibernacula from freezing over the winter. Kirtland's Snake (Clonophis kirtlandii) is a rare snake that occupies crayfish burrows in prairie fens, open tamarack swamps, and sedge meadows, mostly in the southern half of the MLRA.

Several species of turtles may transit through wet depressions between upland nesting sites and aquatic environments. Spotted Turtle (Clemys guttata) has affinity to fens and tamarack swamps, and is of conservation concern. The mainly terrestrial box turtle (Terrapene carolina) can be found foraging within the non-inundated habitat within wet loamy depressions.

Amphibians

The seasonally ponded areas associated with wet loamy depressions ecological site provide potentially important fish-free pools for the development of amphibian larvae. Amphibians most frequently encountered in wooded community phases are Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) and gray treefrogs (Hyla versicolor and H. chrysoscelis). Four-toed Salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum) can be seen breeding in the fall and will lay their eggs along the banks of ponded areas in the spring. Blanchard's Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans blanchardi) is a rare frog found in the open community phases.

Invertebrates

Among the thousands of invertebrates that that occupy habitats within this ecological site, Hine's Emerald (Somatochlora hineana) and Tamarack tree cricket (Oecanthus laricis) have affinity for this type of habitat. Hine's Emerald is a dragonfly of note due to its habitat restriction to bogs and fens. The larvae of this dragonfly inhabit burrowing crayfish burrows. Tamarack tree cricket is a rare cricket found in the tamarack community phase.

Domesticated Livestock

This ecological site is not a significant host for domesticated livestock. The substrate is likely too wet unless drained.

The references consulted for wildlife habitat suitability are MNFI (2020), Harding (1997), Reid (2006), Van Dersal (1938), Roberts and Arner (1984), and Cornell Lab of Ornithology (2020).

Hydrological functions

Wet Loamy Depressions function as hydrologic discharge or sink areas.

Recreational uses

Recreational opportunities consist mainly of hunting, hiking, botanizing, and bird watching, assuming waterproof footwear. The potentially ponded areas create issues with camping. Abundant mosquitoes may compromise user experience during the warmer seasons.

Wood products

Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)
Silver maple readily regenerates from seed on moist soils of its natural habitat. Silver maple breaks easily due to brittle wood and is not typically harvested for wood products. It makes a moderate-density firewood (dry specific gravity: 0.47).

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Red maple is managed through a variety of silvicultural systems (including clearcutting) and regenerates by stump sprouting, but sometimes is suppressed with herbicide and fire where oak is more desired.
Wood is used for furniture and cabinetry. It makes a moderate-density firewood (dry specific gravity: 0.54).

American Elm (Ulmus americana)
American elm regenerates by seed in moist soils and rotting logs and can persist in moderate shade. Trees suffer heavy mortality from Dutch elm disease, which is a nonnative fungal disease (Ceratocystis ulmi) spread by both native and non-native bark beetles. Despite the disease creating forest gaps due to mortality of larger trees, elm evades population collapse by being reproductively mature at a young age (15 y) and being a prolific seeder of moist forest openings. American elm wood is used for furniture and veneer. It makes a moderate-density firewood (dry specific gravity: 0.50).

Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
Green ash usually has advanced regeneration (seedling and saplings in understory prior to harvest) and is also able to stump sprout. Trees suffer heavy mortality from emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). Green ash wood is well suited as tool handles and baseball bats due to its hardness and bending qualities. It makes a moderate-density firewood (dry specific gravity: 0.56).

Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra)
Black ash naturally regenerates by seed in open moist soils of swamps. Trees suffer heavy mortality from emerald ash borer. Black ash is a slow-growing small tree not commonly used for wood products. It makes a moderate-density firewood (dry specific gravity: 0.49).

Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)
Swamp white oak is managed by shelterwood harvest.
Wood is grouped with other related white oaks, is used in furniture, and is uniquely suitable (above all other woods) for use as wine barrels. It makes a high-density firewood (dry specific gravity: 0.72).

Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides)
Eastern cottonwood seeds disperse widely even via the lightest winds. Seeds readily germinate without delay on moist exposed soils. Trees can also be regenerated with cuttings if placed in wet soil. Trees are extremely fast growing but are very intolerant of shade. Eastern cottonwood wood warps easily and biodegrades quickly, and therefore is mostly suitable for building quickly discarded products like crates and pallets. It makes a low-density firewood (dry specific gravity: 0.37).

Black Willow (Salix nigra)
Black willow naturally regenerates immediately by seed on open, moist soil (seeds have a short viability window). It usually is artificially regenerated by cuttings, which root easily in wet soil. Black willow wood is easily worked and doesn’t splinter. It typically is used for crates and boxes or small carvings. It makes a low-density firewood (dry specific gravity: 0.39).

Table 25. Representative site productivity

Common name	Symbol	Site index low	Site index high	CMAI low	CMAI high	Age of CMAI	Site index curve code	Site index curve basis	Citation
silver maple	ACSA2	65	80	20	33	50	–	–
green ash	FRPE	65	67	10	29	50	–	–

Supporting information

Inventory data references

The swamp forest reference community was inventoried with relevé plots in 2021 and 2022 at 3 targeted locations within MLRA 98, including Dansville State Game Area (1 plot, Ingham Co., MI), Sleepy Hollow State Park (2 plots, Clinton Co., MI), and Stanton State Game Area (1 plot, Montcalm Co., MI). Incidental records were integrated with targeted plots from wetland determinations: 35 Swamp Forest, 11 Ruderal Wet Meadow & Shrub Swamp, 9 Exotic Ruderal Drained Forest, 9 Exotic Ruderal Swamp Forest, 3 Ruderal Drained Meadow & Shrub, 2 Wet Meadow, 1 Inundated Shrub Swamp. The composition for the Stanton State Gamer Area sites was determined to be non-hydric and was consequently aggregated with the exotic ruderal drained forest phase records.

Type locality

Location 1: Ingham County, MI
Latitude	42° 30′ 59″
Longitude	-84° 19′ 30″
General legal description	Dansville State Game Area
Location 2: Clinton County, MI
Latitude	42° 55′ 53″
Longitude	-84° 23′ 50″
General legal description	Sleepy Hollow State Park
Location 3: Clinton County, MI
Latitude	42° 55′ 50″
Longitude	-84° 23′ 51″
General legal description	Sleepy Hollow State Park

References

Barnes, B.V. and W.H. Wagner. 2004. Michigan trees, revised and updated: a guide to the trees of the Great Lakes region.. University of Michigan Press..
Burns, R.M., B.H. Honkala, and others. 1990. Silvics of North America. Volume 1: Conifers. Agriculture Handbook 654. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.
Burns, R.M. and B.H. Honkala. 1990. Silvics of North America. Volume 2: Hardwoods. Agriculture Handbook 654. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.
Cleland, D.T., J.A. Freeouf, J.E. Keys, G.J. Nowacki, C. Carpenter, and W.H. McNab. 2007. Ecological Subregions: Sections and Subsections of the Coterminous United States. USDA Forest Service, General Technical Report WO-76. Washington, DC. 1–92.
Comer, P.J., D.A. Albert, H.A. Wells, B.L. Hart, J.B. Raab, D.L. Price, D.M. Kashian, R.A. Corner, D.W. Schuen, T.R. Leibfried, M.B. Austin, C.J. DeLain, L. Prange-Gregory, L.J. Scrimger, K.M. Korroch, and J.G. Spitzley. 1995. Vegetation of Michigan circa 1800: Michigan's native landscape as interpreted from the General Land Office Surveys 1816-1856 (digital map). Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Lansing, MI.
Kost, M.A., D.A. Albert, J.G. Cohen, B.S. Slaughter, R.K. Schillo, C.R. Weber, and K.A. Chapman. 2010. Natural communities of Michigan: classification and description. Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Lansing, MI.
Omernik, J.M. and G.E. Griffith. 2014. Ecoregions of the conterminous United States: evolution of a hierarchical spatial framework. Environmental Management 54:1249–1266.
Ryan, K.C., K.M. Lee, M.G. Rollins, Z. Zhu, J. Smith, and D. Johnson. 2006. Landfire: National vegetation and fuel mapping for fire management planning. Forest Ecology and Management 234:S220.
USGS. 2009 (Date accessed). Landfire National Vegetation Dynamics Models. http://www.LANDFIRE.gov/index.php.

Contributors

Greg Schmidt

Approval

Nels Barrett, 1/11/2024

Acknowledgments

Matt Bromley and Andy Henriksen reviewed the narratives. Matt Bromley reviewed associated soil map units.

Rangeland health reference sheet

Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.

Author(s)/participant(s)
Contact for lead author
Date	01/11/2024
Approved by	Nels Barrett
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production

Indicators

Number and extent of rills:
Presence of water flow patterns:
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):

Dominant:

Sub-dominant:

Other:

Additional:
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
Perennial plant reproductive capability:

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Natural ResourcesConservation Service

Ecological site F098XA012MI

Wet Loamy Depressions

Last updated: 1/11/2024 Accessed: 04/27/2024

General information

Figure 1. Mapped extent

MLRA notes

Classification relationships

Ecological site concept

Associated sites

Similar sites

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Natural Resources
Conservation Service

Last updated: 1/11/2024
Accessed: 04/27/2024