Class: Acer rubrum - Nyssa sylvatica/ Rhododendron viscosum - Clethra alnifolia Forest (Lower New England Red Maple - Black Gum Swamp) TNC Alliance Code: I.B.2.N.g.2.  6156 CMI Code:  6156 Type Locator: Primarily found on the Floyd Estate

TNC Alliance Description:  Black gum swamp; Nyssa sylvatica is the canopy dominant with Acer rubrum often present. The shrub layer commonly has Vaccinium corymbosum with Rhododendron viscosum and Nyssa sylvatica often present.  Vine cover is common, especially Smilax rotundifolia.  The herbaceous layer is variable although not diverse.  Individual species are often locally dominant, especially Osmunda cinnamomea, Polygonum hydropiper, Triadenum virginicum, and Carex crinita.  Hummock and hollow microtopography is common.  Sphagnum mosses are dominant where present.
 

Photo Interpretation: This forest type is found on both the Floyd Estate and Fire Island. It appears as a light grayish tree canopy over very dark understory (i.e., wet). These types are usually near water or other wetland types.
 

Aerial Photo Samples:

 

Field Notes:  A dense forest with Acer rubrum or Nyssa silvatica as the dominant overstory.  Vaccinium corymbosum and Smilax rotundifolia are the common understory species.  Located primarily in poorly drained sights on the Floyd Estate.  Located in limited areas of Fire Island, on the bay side, adjacent to Maritime Deciduous Scrub Forest.
 

Ground Photos:

Mature Acidic Red Maple Basin Swamp	Red Maple Basin Swamp

Similar Alliances:  None