Loamy and Clayey Flood Plain Marshes and Swamps

Description

A flood plain swamp occurs along or near rivers and streams with organic/alluvial substrate; usually inundated; Panhandle to central peninsula; rare or no fire; closed canopy dominated by cypress, tupelo, and/or black gum. (FNAI, 2010)

According to FNAI (2010) flood plain swamp is a closed-canopy forest of hydrophytic trees occurring on frequently or permanently flooded hydric soils adjacent to stream and river channels and in depressions and oxbows within flood plains. Trees are often buttressed, and the understory and groundcover are sparse. The canopy is sometimes a pure stand of bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), but more commonly bald cypress shares dominance with one or more of the following tupelo species: water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), swamp tupelo (N. sylvatica var. biflora), or ogeechee tupelo (N. ogeche). The “knees” arising from the root systems of both cypress and tupelo are common features in flood plain swamp. Other canopy trees capable of withstanding frequent inundation may be present but rarely dominant, including water hickory (Carya aquatica), overcup oak (Quercus lyrata), red maple (Acer rubrum), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), American elm (Ulmus americana), and swamp laurel oak (Q. laurifolia). Pond cypress (T. ascendens) is sometimes present in backswamps and depressions of the more hydrologically isolated areas of the flood plain.

Submodel

Description

Managed grassland represents both improved and unimproved pasture including wooded pasture.

Submodel

Description

Pine plantations in Florida are often dominated by evenaged loblolly, sand, or slash pine (Pinus taeda, P. clausa, or P. elliottii, respectively). Dense pine plantations typically have sparse to absent herbaceous vegetation as a result of shading or a cover of deep pine needle duff. These plantations may be very shrubby or vine-dominated or open at ground level. The groundcover in most cases has been severely impacted by mechanical site preparation, such as roller chopping and bedding. However, while perennial grasses such as wiregrass (Aristida stricta var. beyrichiana) may be greatly reduced, many components of the native groundcover persist even though the relative abundance is altered. Groundcover can be partially restored by thinning and/or frequent burning, although some planting of perennial grasses such as wiregrass may be required. (FNAI, 2010)

Description

The degraded State represents vegetation conditions that have been degraded by the introduction and spread of non-native species.