ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY


 NO. 20 BOTTOMLAND HARDWOODS


OCCURRENCE

The Bottomland Hardwood ecological community occurs within the floodplain of
the river systems of west Florida. Forests of the Apalachicola River are
typical of this community. Rather rapid rise and fall in floodwater and
little or no inundation during the growing season distinguishes this community
from swamp hardwoods.

DESCRIPTION

The moisture regime is probably the most significant factor in maintaining the
bottomland hardwood community. The key to its perpetuation is the seasonal
flooding and receding of water while depressional areas within the alluvial
flood plain retain some water and support the associated community of swamp
forests. Luxurious growth during the summer months and a deciduous forest
during the winter season characterize the appearance of this community.

1. Soils

 The level to nearly level soils are alluvial in nature. Representative
 soils are Bibb, Mantachie, and Wahee. Appendix A contains information on
 correlation of soil series with the appropriate ecological community.

2. Vegetation

 Vegetation is extremely diverse in bottomland hardwoods. Shrubs, vines,
 grasses, and herbaceous plants grown profusely where sunlight penetrates
 the canopy. As the forest matures and competition for sunlight increases
 during the growing season, this community takes on an open, park-like
 appearance. Plants which characterize this community are:

 TREES American elm, Ulmus americana; American hornbean, Carpinus
 caroliniana; Black willow, Salix nigra; Green ash, Fraxinus
 pennsylvanica; Overcup oak, Quercus lyrata; River birch, Betula
 nigra; Swamp chestnut oak, Quercus michauxii; Shumard oak,
 Quercus shumardii; Sweetgum, Liquidambar styraciflua; American
 sycamore, Platanus americana; Water hickory, Carya aquatica;
 Water oak, Ouercus nigra; Willow oak, Quercus phellos

 HERBACEOUS VINES Crossvine, Bignonia capreolata; Greenbriars, Smilax
 spp.; Peppervine, Ampelopsis arborea; Poison ivy, Toxicodendron
 radicans; Trumpet creeper, Campsis radicans; Wild grape, Vitis
 spp.