This community is characterized by an open to partially 

 closed canopy 70-80 feet tall, average trunk diameters of 

 18-22 inches, and a distinct three-tiered stratification: 

 canopy-subcanopy - tall shrub. 



Much of the area is dominated by swamp blackgum although 

 locally, tulip poplar ( Liriodendron tulipifera ) is a common 

 canopy constituent. Extremely large specimens of the latter 

 tree are common, ranging in size up to 90 feet tall with dbh's 

 of 24-36 inches. Also present in the canopy are occasional 

 large loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda ) and baldcypress ( Taxodium 

 distichum ) . The subcanopy is composed of very large sweetbay 

 along with red maple. Occasional scattered clumps or indi- 

 viduals of Atlantic white cedar ( Chamaecyparis thyoides ) are 

 present in this layer. Most of the cedars appear to be mature 

 or old-growth in age . 



A dense tall shrub layer dominated by redbay is ubiquitous 

 throughout the tract. There are no distinct low shrub or ground 

 layers. Common species present in these layers include sweet 

 pepperbush ( Clethra alnifolia ) , highbush blueberry ( Vaccinium 

 corymbosum ) , and royal fern ( Osmund a regalis var. spectabilis ) . 

 Vines are conspicuous and abundant in all the vegetation layers . 

 The most common species are climbing hydrangea ( Decumaria barbara ) , 

 yellow jessamine ( Gelsemium sempervirens ) , and Virginia creeper 

 ( Parthenocissus guinquefolia ) . 



Other minor plant communities may be present within the 

 natural area. Time restraints and the late discovery of the 

 site prevented a more thorough examination. Some portions 

 of the tract appear to be more recently disturbed by selective 

 timber cutting. These areas have a greater proportion of red 

 maple and loblolly pine in the canopy than the least disturbed, 

 old-growth sections. 



Unusually large specimens of several canopy and subcanopy 

 components deserve mention. Scattered old-growth swamp black- 

 gums are present with trunk diameters in excess of 30 inches. 

 As in the Van Swamp natural area (see pp. ) , sweetbay reaches 

 an impressive size with many trees present which are in the 13-15 

 inch dbh range (maximum dbh = 18 inches) and with heights up to 

 75-80 feet. Scattered old-growth baldcypress are present as 

 emergent "flattops", reaching 62 inches dbh and 100 feet in 

 height. These old giants are probably "cull" trees left over 

 from past logging operations due to trunk deformities and other 

 defects. Old-growth, flattop loblolly pines are also present. 

 Tulip poplars, mentioned earlier in the text, reach an impressive 

 size. They, too, appear to be old-growth "cull" trees which re- 

 main intact from earlier logging cycles. Apparently, early logging 

 operation methods focused on the removal of the highest quality 



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