Beech-dominated stands were probably once much more 

 common in Pamlico County; but because they occurred on soils 

 highly suited to agriculture , they have been much reduced in 

 extent. 



Off SR 1313 on the eastern edge of the Federal Paper 

 hardwood stand other areas of uncultivated Argent loam pro- 

 vide additional examples of the vegetation of the Argent 

 soils in the natural area (CT 2) . Unfortunately the ground 

 cover here is heavily dominated by Japanese honeysuckle 

 ( Lonicera japonica ) , which invaded the site aggressively 

 after selective logging opened the canopy. Native vines 

 such as grape ( Vitis spp.) arid Virginia creeper ( Parthenocissus 

 guingue folia ) have also increased as ground cover in response 

 to the opening of the canopy. This site is wetter than the 

 Holt's Chapel site, as indicated by the denser growth of 

 such herbs as false nettle ( Boehmeria cylindrica ) , netted 

 chain fern ( Woodwardia areolata ) , southern lady fern ( Athyrium 

 asplenioides ) , and lizard's tail ( Saururus cernuus ) . Scattered 

 unvegetated depressions are present which probably hold water 

 for long periods. Beech is less common and does not dominate 

 any part of the site. Swamp chestnut oak and laurel oak 

 ( Quercus laurifolia ) are canopy dominants, with some loblolly 

 pine present (individuals of all three species to 3 feet dbh) . 

 Tulip poplar, sweetgum and American elm ( Ulmus americana ) are 

 other canopy species; shorter individuals of the same trees, 

 with ironwood ( Carpinus caroliniana ) , form the subcanopy. 

 Taller shrubs are red bay (Persea borbonia ) and red maple 

 transgressives. Leucothoe ( Leucothoe axillaris ) forms 

 localized dense patches. Loblolly pine and cherrybark oak 

 ( Quercus falcata var. pagodaefolia ) may have been selectively 

 cut from this site. 



The SR 1313 site, although disturbed, represents a transition 

 to the wetter mineral soils closer to Light Ground Pocosin. These 

 are mapped as Brookman mucky silt loam (Typic Umbraqualfs) , the most 

 extensive mapping unit in the Federal Paper natural area. Almost none of 

 the Brookman soils here are in cultivation. Elevations range from 12 to 

 16 feet above mean sea level, but always relatively higher and wetter 

 than the Argent loams described previously. 



The best example seen in Pamlico County of natural vegetation 

 over a Brookman soil is on the Federal Paper natural area (and 

 owned by Federal Paper; CT 3). The canopy (av. dbh 24 in.) on 

 these wetter soils is dominated by wet-mesophytic oaks, swamp 

 chestnut oak and laurel oak being the most common. Cherrybark 

 oak is fairly common also. Large American hollys ( Ilex opaca) 

 form a distinct subcanopy. In places the Federal tract is 

 dominated by sweetgum and tulip poplar. Red maple and swamp 



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