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Ecological site F097XA023MI
Wet Loamy Depression
Last updated: 1/16/2024
Accessed: 06/18/2026
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Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
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Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 097X–Southwestern Michigan Fruit and Vegetable Crop Belt
Physiography consists of sandy lake plains and dunes along the western side adjacent to Lake Michigan, and moderately sloping fine-loamy moraine from the Lake Michigan lobe of the Wisconsin Ice Sheet.
Vegetation is mostly mesophytic forests of central and northern hardwood and conifer species with prairie and oak savanna to the south. Compared to inland locations, cold sensitive hardwood species extend further north due to milder winters, and conifers extend further south due to cooler summers, heavier snowfall, and sandier soils. Lake effect snow and delayed spring warm up dampen the fire frequency relative to similar inland sites, except along the south side of Lake Michigan. The northern extent is defined by a major floristic boundary where several central hardwoods species drop out. The southern boundary is defined by fine-loamy moraines with predominantly prairie vegetation.
The ecological site inference area for MLRA 97 is subdivided along a floristic/climatic break roughly from New Buffalo, Michigan to Portage, Indiana. This corresponds to the heaviest lake effect snow belt (>160 cm) south and east of this line and is associated lower historic fire frequencies. The snow belt portion “A”, has more frequent conifer and beech, while the less snowy portion “B” has more prairie and savanna elements. Although differing in precise boundary location, both USFS and EPA ecoregions support a climatic/floristic break at the next higher rank in their respective hierarchies.Classification relationships
Among the USFS ecoregional framework (Cleland et al., 2007), most of MLRA 97 is represented by the Humid Temperate Domain (200), Hot Continental Division (220), Midwest Broadleaf Forest Province (222), South Central Great Lakes Section (222J), subsections 222Ja and 222Jb. MLRA 97 was recently extended northward to be more consistent with the limits of the USFS ecoregions subsections 222Ja and 222Jb, because it is more consistent with vegetation patterns and species distributions. A former portion of MLRA 97 that extended westward from the southern end of Lake Michigan (including most of the city of Chicago) was recently removed from the MLRA due to its predominantly non-sandy deposits and reduced lake effect climate, and would have overlapped USFS ecoregion 222K.
Among the EPA ecoregional framework (Omernik and Griffith, 2014), most of MLRA 97 falls within Eastern Temperate Forests (Level I: 8), Mixed Wood Plains (Level II: 8.1), Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains (Level III: 56), and Level IV: 56d and 56f. Ecoregion 56f continues north beyond MLRA 97. Former portions of MLRA 97 that encompassed the city of Chicago included Level III ecoregion 54, Central Corn Belt Plains, before the last revision of MRLA boundaries.Ecological site concept
Depressions on fine-loamy to clayey glacial till deposits from the Lake Border and Valparaiso Moraines.
Associated sites
F097XA022MI Moist Loamy Drift Plains
F097XA031MI Acidic Peaty Depression
Similar sites
R097XB047IL Chicago Wet Clayey Flats
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree (1) Acer saccharinum
(2) Fraxinus pennsylvanicaShrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Onoclea sensibilis
Physiographic features
Depressions on fine-loamy to clayey glacial till deposits from the Lake Border and Valparaiso Moraines.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Till plain
Runoff class Negligible to low Ponding duration Brief (2 to 7 days) to very long (more than 30 days) Ponding frequency Occasional to frequent Elevation 581 – 1017 ft Water table depth 0 – 10 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The southeastern Lake Michigan lake plain and adjacent lake influenced moraines have a humid warm continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. About 55%-61% of the precipitation is distributed during the warmer half of the year with a significant portion of the precipitation occurring as heavy downpours during thunderstorms. Thunderstorm activity is enhanced inland by lake breeze fronts, while it is diminished near the lakeshore by the stabilizing effect of the cooler lake waters. Occasionally, thunderstorm microbursts cause localized high winds which open single tree gaps in forest canopies, or more rarely, tornados and derechos (severe straight-line winds) open larger gaps. Fall storms bring more frequent strong winds, but with impacts moderated by the lack of leaves (wind resistance) in the canopy. During July, average precipitation lags potential evapotranspiration, resulting in droughty conditions in the upper soil horizons of upland sites. During dry years, this droughty period is extended into August and September, resulting in dry fuels and potential for wildfire over oak and pine dominated areas.
Winter precipitation is enhanced by lake effect snows, with 1.6 to 2.4 m (40-95 inches) falling annually within the snow belt. Peak snowfall occurs at intermediate distances from the lake where topography enhances uplift. The combination of heavier winter snowfall, lake-delayed spring warm up, and frequent wetlands all contribute to relatively lower fire frequencies relative to inland locations with similarly droughty soils.
The area falls within USDA Hardiness zones 6a and 6b and has delayed spring warm up until after the last killing frosts, allowing for a wide range of fruit crops to be grown. Frost free days peak more than 175 days along Lake Michigan, whereas typical values are around 150-160 days. A small inland area contiguous with the outwash plains to the northeast may be less than 135 days. The 1981-2010 period was somewhat wetter and warmer than the 1971-2000 period. The warming trend was most pronounced during winter months.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 120-140 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 150-190 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 30-40 in Frost-free period (actual range) 120-150 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 140-200 days Precipitation total (actual range) 30-40 in Frost-free period (average) 130 days Freeze-free period (average) 170 days Precipitation total (average) 40 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 7 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) BLOOMINGDALE [USC00200864], Bloomingdale, MI
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(2) HOLLAND WTP [USC00203858], Holland, MI
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(3) MUSKEGON CO AP [USW00014840], Muskegon, MI
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(4) GRAND RAPIDS [USW00094860], Grand Rapids, MI
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(5) ALLEGAN 5NE [USC00200128], Allegan, MI
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(6) EAU CLAIRE 4 NE [USC00202445], Dowagiac, MI
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(7) GRAND HAVEN FIRE DEPT [USC00203290], Grand Haven, MI
">Influencing water features
Perched watertable within 25 cm, sometimes seasonally dry.<br />
Soil features
Soils are poorly drained to very poorly drained fine loams and clays. They are commonly classified as Typic Argiaquolls, Mollic Haplaquepts, and Typic Endoaquolls, and commonly mapped as Pewamo, Milford, and Parkhill series.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Drift
Surface texture (1) Loam
Drainage class Very poorly drained to poorly drained Permeability class Moderately slow to moderately rapid Soil depth 79 – 0 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 10 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 5 % Available water capacity
(0-39.4in)5.12 – 8.66 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-19.7in)5.5 – 7 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(0-59.1in)0 – 35 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(0-59.1in)0 – 15 % Ecological dynamics
The reference community of Wet Loamy Depressions is swamp forest dominated by Acer saccharinum (silver maple), Fraxinus pennsylvanica (green ash), Ulmus americana (American elm), Quercus bicolor (swamp white oak), and Populus deltoides (eastern cottonwood), with an understory of Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern), Carex grayi (Gray's sedge), Glyceria striata (fowl mannagrass), and Boehmeria cylindrica (smallspike false nettle). The high fertility and seasonal ponding of this mineral soil site results in a species composition similar to that of floodplains. Wet anoxic soils favor facultative and obligate wetland species.
Hydrology affects the spatial zonation while changes in precipitation patterns and beaver flooding affects community dynamics. Windthrow is a frequent disturbance due to shallow rooting of tree in wet soils, but usually consists of single tree gaps, favoring the already established young, mainly intermediate to shade tolerant species to fill the gaps. Fire occurs infrequently in swamp forest where fuels are typically discontinuous, and adjacent uplands are mesophytic forest. In some landscape settings adjacent to oak savanna, fires may carry into a wet meadow community phase. The degree of permeability of deeper soil layers affects the degree to which the hydrology is dominated by a steady water table or more subjected to short term droughts and surface runoff events.
The speed of succession in wet meadows and shrub thickets is slowed by wet hydrology. But because these sites are only seasonally wet, most instances of open communities in this ecological site will quickly succeed to swamp forest.
Sedge dominated wet meadow may dominate the site for the first 10 years after a tree and shrub mortality event such as from fire (every 1000 years) or ponding (every 300 years). Shrub thickets may dominate the site for up to 30 years before conversion to forest. Trees establishing under shrubs surpass the shrubs at 3-5 m tall. At 30-80 years, the canopy will exceed 10 m. In absence of disturbance the forest at 80-400 years may exceed 30 m tall. As a tree approaches the maximum height of the forest, it is at constant risk of being toppled by windthrow, especially with shallower rooting depths in hydric mineral soils (this effect is even worse for structurally weak organic soils). Shade intolerant and fast-growing species like Populus deltoides and Salix nigra may persist to 100 years, but earlier canopy emergence, lower density wood (increased wood-rot) all conspire to more quickly thin these species without replacement, due to shade. Longer lived trees may persist but will also tend to replace themselves with understory recruitment (advanced regeneration), having seedlings and saplings able to tolerate moderate amounts of shade. Upland species (e.g. species from adjacent upland forests: Acer saccharum, Tilia americana, Quercus rubra, Quercus macrocarpa, and Fagus grandifolia) may also be present on tip-up mounds, where roots are elevated above the water table. Transitional to wet sandy depressions and mucky depressions in more permeable substrates and less dynamic water tables, the overstory composition shifts towards species less tolerant of long period inundation such as Acer rubrum and Fraxinus nigrum.
For most of the flora there is a tradeoff between shade tolerance and flood tolerance. Consequently, some of the species most tolerant of wetness are among the least shade tolerant. The hydric species Acer saccharinum, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Ulmus americana, and Quercus bicolor are all intermediate in shade tolerance, but are the most tolerant among the hydric species (especially Acer saccharinum). Populus deltoides and most Salix spp. Cephalanthus occidentalis and Alnus rugosa are very shade intolerant. Acer saccharinum, Populus deltoides, Salix nigra, and Cephalanthus occidentalis can persist long periods in standing water. The understory of a ponded swamp forest tends to be sparse, whereas less inundated areas may have thick understory intermediately shade tolerant Lindera benzoin, Ilex verticillata, Zanthoxylum americanum, Sambucus canadensis, and Sambucus racemosa, species which may also occur in open shrub thickets. Open shrub thickets have a variable composition of shade intolerant shrubs: Cornus obliqua, Cornus racemosa, Cornus sericea, Salix interior, Salix petiolaris, Salix eriocephala, Salix sericea.
The seeds of swamp species often lack dormancy because they must be able to germinate mid-growing season while water tables are low, and not be washed away during the winter. Because the sites tend to maintain surface moisture throughout the growing season, seedlings of many genera (Acer, Fraxinus, Ulmus, and Populus) do not need the extra provisions for quickly establishing deep taproots, enabling a strategy of small, prolific winged fruits or seeds capable dispersing longer distances to smaller wetland patches. Nevertheless, the site supports the coexistence of the large-seeded genera (e.g. Quercus and Carya), as reproductive tradeoffs are not absolute.
Invasive plants like Frangula alnus, Alliaria petiolata, Berberis thunbergii, and Rosa multiflora have greatly affected the dominant species composition. More than a few percentages of these species render the stand semi-natural. The introduction of Dutch elm disease and emerald ash borer have substantially reduced the importance of Ulmus americana and Fraxinus pennsylvanica. It is common to find snags associated with dead Ulmus and Fraxinus, as well has extensive down woody debris in stands where dominance of Fraxinus was more recent. Ulmus has been able to sexually reproduce and maintain itself decades after the initial disease introduction. The current flux of Fraxinus seedlings and saplings is apparently remnant reproduction from trees that managed to reach maturity prior to arrival of the invasive borer.State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
SWAPAEHSWAPAEHSWAPAEHSWAPAEHSWAPAEHStates 1 and 5 (additional transitions)
SWAPAEHSWAPAEHState 1 submodel, plant communities
SWAPAEHSWAPAEHSWAPAEHSWAPAEHSWAPAEHCommunities 2 and 5 (additional pathways)
SWAPAEHSWAPAEHState 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 5 submodel, plant communities
SWAPAEHState 1
Reference State
The Reference State consists of swamp forests, wet meadows, shrub swamps, and marshes
Dominant plant species
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silver maple (Acer saccharinum), tree
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green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), tree
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sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis), other herbaceous
Community 1.1
Swamp Forest
Figure 8. Swamp forest, Ottawa County, Michigan.
Dominant plant species
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silver maple (Acer saccharinum), tree
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green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), tree
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fowl mannagrass (Glyceria striata), grass
Table 5. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.5 – 0-1% 0% 0-4% >0.5 <= 1 0-1% 0-8% 2-30% 3-19% >1 <= 2 0-1% 0-7% 1-30% 2-13% >2 <= 4.5 – 0-1% – – >4.5 <= 13 0-12% 0-6% – – >13 <= 40 56-91% 0-2% – – >40 <= 80 66-91% – – – >80 <= 120 46-91% – – – >120 – – – – Community 1.2
Wet Meadow
Figure 9. Unspecified wet meadow showing representative structure.
Dominant plant species
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rice cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides), grass
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sweet woodreed (Cinna arundinacea), grass
Table 6. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.5 – 0-1% 32-75% 16-48% >0.5 <= 1 – 0-1% 32-75% 16-48% >1 <= 2 16-48% 1-4% – – >2 <= 4.5 18-53% 1-4% – – >4.5 <= 13 5-15% 0% – – >13 <= 40 5-15% – – – >40 <= 80 – – – – >80 <= 120 – – – – >120 – – – – Community 1.3
Shrub-Thicket
Figure 10. Unspecified shrub thicket showing representative structure.
Dominant plant species
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silky dogwood (Cornus obliqua), shrub
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willow (Salix), shrub
Community 1.4
Emergent Marsh
Figure 11. Unspecified emergent marsh showing representative structure.
Dominant plant species
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broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), grass
Community 1.5
Inundated Shrub Swamp
Figure 12. Unspecified inundated shrub swamp showing representative structure.
Dominant plant species
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common buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), shrub
Table 7. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.5 – – – 5-5% >0.5 <= 1 – – 2-2% 5-5% >1 <= 2 – – 2-2% – >2 <= 4.5 – 95-95% – – >4.5 <= 13 – 95-95% – – >13 <= 40 – – – – >40 <= 80 – – – – >80 <= 120 – – – – >120 – – – – Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Swamp Forest
Wet MeadowTemporary prolonged inundation.
Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.3
Swamp Forest
Shrub-ThicketClearcut/Blowdown.
Conservation practices
Early Successional Habitat Development/Management Forest Stand Improvement Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Wet Meadow
Swamp ForestSuccession.
Conservation practices
Tree/Shrub Site Preparation Tree/Shrub Establishment Pathway 1.2B
Community 1.2 to 1.3
Wet Meadow
Shrub-ThicketSuccession.
Conservation practices
Tree/Shrub Site Preparation Tree/Shrub Establishment Pathway 1.2D
Community 1.2 to 1.4
Wet Meadow
Emergent MarshPermanent inundation.
Pathway 1.2E
Community 1.2 to 1.5
Wet Meadow
Inundated Shrub SwampShrub establishment; permanent inundation.
Conservation practices
Tree/Shrub Establishment Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1
Shrub-Thicket
Swamp ForestSuccession.
Conservation practices
Tree/Shrub Site Preparation Tree/Shrub Establishment Pathway 1.3B
Community 1.3 to 1.2
Shrub-Thicket
Wet MeadowTemporary prolonged inundation.
Pathway 1.3C
Community 1.3 to 1.4
Shrub-Thicket
Emergent MarshPermanent inundation.
Pathway 1.3C
Community 1.3 to 1.5
Shrub-Thicket
Inundated Shrub SwampPermanent inundation.
Pathway 1.4A
Community 1.4 to 1.2
Emergent Marsh
Wet MeadowDrop water table.
Pathway 1.4C
Community 1.4 to 1.5
Emergent Marsh
Inundated Shrub SwampTemporary drop water table; shrub establishment.
Pathway 1.5A
Community 1.5 to 1.2
Inundated Shrub Swamp
Wet MeadowDrop water table; shrub mortality.
Conservation practices
Brush Management Pathway 1.5C
Community 1.5 to 1.4
Inundated Shrub Swamp
Emergent MarshTemporary drought; shrub mortality.
State 2
Cultural State
[Alternative States to be developed; refer to component communities.]
Community 2.1
Sustainable Crop, Pasture, or PlantationCommunity 2.2
Unsustainable Cultural PhaseDominant plant species
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corn (Zea mays), grass
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soybean (Glycine max), grass
Community 2.3
Conservation FeatureCan be a grassed waterway, conservation reserve, a small patch pollinator garden, or other land taken out of its primary cultural production to mitigate or reduce impacts of adjacent land use, and is not by itself a permanent restoration of a complete native biological community and associated ecosystem services.
Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2Revert to unsustainable cultural practices.
Pathway 2.1B
Community 2.1 to 2.3Establish conservation feature.
Conservation practices
Conservation Cover Grassed Waterway Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1Implement sustainable cultural practices.
Conservation practices
Conservation Crop Rotation Cover Crop Nutrient Management Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Pathway 2.2B
Community 2.2 to 2.3Establish conservation feature.
Conservation practices
Conservation Cover Grassed Waterway Pathway 2.3A
Community 2.3 to 2.1Implement sustainable cultural practices.
Conservation practices
Conservation Crop Rotation Cover Crop Nutrient Management Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Pathway 2.3B
Community 2.3 to 2.2Revert to unsustainable cultural practices.
State 3
Seminatural Drained State
[Alternative States to be developed; refer to component communities.]
Community 3.1
Ruderal Drained Meadow & ShrubDominant plant species
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timothy (Phleum pratense), grass
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tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), grass
Table 8. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.5 – – 0% 0% >0.5 <= 1 0% – 69-96% 24-73% >1 <= 2 0% – 69-96% 24-73% >2 <= 4.5 0-1% – – – >4.5 <= 13 0-1% – – – >13 <= 40 – – – – >40 <= 80 – – – – >80 <= 120 – – – – >120 – – – – Community 3.2
Exotic Ruderal Drained ForestDominant plant species
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silver maple (Acer saccharinum), tree
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multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), shrub
Table 9. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.5 – 0-3% – 0-6% >0.5 <= 1 0-1% 0-14% 4-42% 1-29% >1 <= 2 0-1% 0-5% 4-42% 1-20% >2 <= 4.5 – 0-8% – – >4.5 <= 13 0-17% 11-49% – – >13 <= 40 70-84% 11-22% – – >40 <= 80 60-75% – – – >80 <= 120 0-21% – – – >120 – – – – Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2Succession
Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1Blowdown/clearcut.
Conservation practices
Early Successional Habitat Development/Management Forest Stand Improvement State 4
Seminatural State
[Alternative States to be developed; refer to component communities.]
Community 4.1
Ruderal Wet Meadow & Shrub Swamp
Figure 13. Representative reed canary grass wet meadow.
Dominant plant species
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reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), grass
Table 10. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.5 – 0-1% – – >0.5 <= 1 0% 0-2% 2-91% 2-48% >1 <= 2 0% 0-1% 77-97% 12-65% >2 <= 4.5 – 0-1% 0-15% 0-5% >4.5 <= 13 0-4% 0-13% – – >13 <= 40 0-10% 0-1% – – >40 <= 80 – – – – >80 <= 120 – – – – >120 – – – – Community 4.2
Exotic Ruderal Swamp ForestTable 11. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.5 – 13-13% – 1-1% >0.5 <= 1 25-25% 34-34% – 60-60% >1 <= 2 25-25% 24-24% – 60-60% >2 <= 4.5 – 16-16% – – >4.5 <= 13 13-13% 20-20% – – >13 <= 40 96-96% 4-4% – – >40 <= 80 96-96% – – – >80 <= 120 – – – – >120 – – – – Pathway 4.1A
Community 4.1 to 4.2Succession.
Pathway 4.2A
Community 4.2 to 4.1Blowdown/clearcut.
Conservation practices
Early Successional Habitat Development/Management Forest Stand Improvement State 5
Native Drained State
Community 5.1
Native Drained Forest
Dominant plant species
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sugar maple (Acer saccharum), tree
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American beech (Fagus grandifolia), tree
Table 12. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.5 – 0-2% 0-2% 0-5% >0.5 <= 1 0-1% 0-6% 0-3% 2-17% >1 <= 2 0-1% 0-5% 0-2% 1-12% >2 <= 4.5 – 0-5% – – >4.5 <= 13 2-18% 0-10% – – >13 <= 40 39-95% 0-2% – – >40 <= 80 73-95% – – – >80 <= 120 56-81% – – – >120 – – – – Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
Reference State
Cultural StateDrain; clear vegetation; cultivate domesticated species.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3
Reference State
Seminatural Drained StateDrain; clear vegetation, invasive species introduced.
Transition T1C
State 1 to 4
Reference State
Seminatural StateClear vegetation, invasive species introduced.
Transition T1D
State 1 to 5
Reference State
Native Drained StateDrain.
Restoration pathway R2
State 2 to 1
Cultural State
Reference StateRestore hydrology; remove domesticated species; restore native species.
Conservation practices
Brush Management Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management Wetland Restoration Herbaceous Weed Control Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
Cultural State
Seminatural Drained StateAbandon, succession.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 4
Cultural State
Seminatural StateRestore hydrology; abandon; succession.
Conservation practices
Wetland Restoration Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1
Seminatural Drained State
Reference StateRestore hydrology; control invasive species; restore native species
Conservation practices
Brush Management Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management Wetland Restoration Herbaceous Weed Control Transition T3A
State 3 to 2
Seminatural Drained State
Cultural StateClear vegetation; cultivate domesticated species.
Restoration pathway R3B
State 3 to 4
Seminatural Drained State
Seminatural StateRestore hydrology; remove invasive species.
Conservation practices
Wetland Restoration Restoration pathway R4
State 4 to 1
Seminatural State
Reference StateControl invasive species; restore native species.
Conservation practices
Brush Management Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management Herbaceous Weed Control Transition T4A
State 4 to 2
Seminatural State
Cultural StateDrain; clear vegetation; cultivate domesticated species.
Transition T4B
State 4 to 3
Seminatural State
Seminatural Drained StateDrain.
Restoration pathway R5
State 5 to 1
Native Drained State
Reference StateRestore hydrology
Conservation practices
Wetland Restoration Additional community tables
Table 13. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 14. Community 1.1 forest overstory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height ft Canopy cover (%) Diameter in Basal area (square ft/acre) Treesilver maple ACSA2 Acer saccharinum Native 38.4-81 33.7-70.2 9.4-20.9 0 green ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica Native 42.3-87.3 0-21.7 – 0 American elm ULAM Ulmus americana Native 22.3-44.6 0-8.8 2.8-7.9 0 swamp white oak QUBI Quercus bicolor Native 41-89.6 0-6.6 17.7-31.5 0 bur oak QUMA2 Quercus macrocarpa Native 38.1-82 0-6 15-26.8 0 eastern cottonwood PODE3 Populus deltoides Native 58.7-92.2 0-6 18.5-28.7 0 American beech FAGR Fagus grandifolia Native 39.4-82 0-4.8 – 0 American elm ULAM Ulmus americana Native 38.4-80.7 0-4.6 8.3 0 red maple ACRU Acer rubrum Native 39.4-82 0-4.3 – 0 red maple ACRU Acer rubrum Native 24.6-49.2 0-3.5 – 0 American basswood TIAM Tilia americana Native 39-81.4 0-3.5 – 0 black cherry PRSE2 Prunus serotina Native 39.4-82 0-2.1 – 0 bitternut hickory CACO15 Carya cordiformis Native 39.4-82 0-1.9 – 0 black maple ACNI5 Acer nigrum Native 24.6-49.2 0-1.9 – 0 American sycamore PLOC Platanus occidentalis Native 39.4-82 0-1.8 – 0 silver maple ACSA2 Acer saccharinum Native 24.6-49.2 0-1.6 – 0 American basswood TIAM Tilia americana Native 23.3-45.3 0-1.5 – 0 shagbark hickory CAOV2 Carya ovata Native 39.7-82 0-1.5 – 0 northern red oak QURU Quercus rubra Native 42.3-90.6 0-1.5 20.5 0 sugar maple ACSA3 Acer saccharum Native 35.4-74.8 0-1.4 – 0 American beech FAGR Fagus grandifolia Native 22.6-48.6 0-1.4 – 0 green ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica Native 19.7-39.4 0-1.4 – 0 American hornbeam CACA18 Carpinus caroliniana Native 24.3-48.9 0-1.2 – 0 shagbark hickory CAOV2 Carya ovata Native 22.6-45.3 0-0.8 – 0 sugar maple ACSA3 Acer saccharum Native 24.6-48.9 0-0.7 – 0 bur oak QUMA2 Quercus macrocarpa Native 24.6-49.2 0-0.6 – 0 hophornbeam OSVI Ostrya virginiana Native 6.6-30.2 0-0.2 – 0 bitternut hickory CACO15 Carya cordiformis Native 24.6-49.2 0-0.1 – 0 black cherry PRSE2 Prunus serotina Native 9.8-19.7 0-0.1 – 0 Vine/Lianaeastern poison ivy TORA2 Toxicodendron radicans Native 16.4-32.8 0-0.3 – 0 Table 15. Community 1.1 forest understory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height (ft) Canopy cover (%) Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)fowl mannagrass GLST Glyceria striata Native 0.7–1.6 0–10.7 sedge CAREX Carex Native 0.7–1.6 0–7.9 sweet woodreed CIAR2 Cinna arundinacea Native 0.7–2 0–7 Gray's sedge CAGR5 Carex grayi Native 0.7–1.6 0–6.6 reed canarygrass PHAR3 Phalaris arundinacea Native 0.7–1.6 0–5.7 whitegrass LEVI2 Leersia virginica Native 0.7–1.6 0–5.7 brome-like sedge CABR14 Carex bromoides Native 0.3–1 0–2.7 Virginia wildrye ELVI3 Elymus virginicus Native 0.7–1.6 0–1.7 hop sedge CALU4 Carex lupulina Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.8 false hop sedge CALU3 Carex lupuliformis Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 Tuckerman's sedge CATU2 Carex tuckermanii Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 eastern bottlebrush grass ELHY Elymus hystrix Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.4 greater bladder sedge CAIN12 Carex intumescens Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.3 fox sedge CAVU2 Carex vulpinoidea Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 eastern woodland sedge CABL Carex blanda Native 0.3–0.7 0–0.1 Forb/Herbsmallspike false nettle BOCY Boehmeria cylindrica Native 0.7–1.6 0–6.4 jumpseed POVI2 Polygonum virginianum Native 0.7–1.6 0–5.4 Canadian woodnettle LACA3 Laportea canadensis Native 0.7–1.6 0–4.3 Canadian clearweed PIPU2 Pilea pumila Native 0.3–1 0–3.5 American pokeweed PHAM4 Phytolacca americana Native 0.7–1.6 0–2 devil's beggartick BIFR Bidens frondosa Native 0.7–1.6 0–1.9 giant goldenrod SOGI Solidago gigantea Native 0.7–1.6 0–1.4 bottomland aster SYON2 Symphyotrichum ontarionis Native 0.7–1.6 0–1.1 threelobe beggarticks BITR Bidens tripartita Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.6 white panicle aster SYLA6 Symphyotrichum lanceolatum Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 white avens GECA7 Geum canadense Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.4 Virginia iris IRVI Iris virginica Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.4 common threeseed mercury ACRH Acalypha rhomboidea Native 0–0.3 0–0.4 jewelweed IMCA Impatiens capensis Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.3 enchanter's nightshade CIIN4 Circaea ×intermedia Native 0.3–1 0–0.3 blue skullcap SCLA2 Scutellaria lateriflora Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 common blue violet VISO Viola sororia Native 0–0.3 0–0.2 Jack in the pulpit ARTR Arisaema triphyllum Native 0.3–1 0–0.2 yellow marsh marigold CAPA5 Caltha palustris Native 0.7–1.3 0–0.1 Canada mayflower MACA4 Maianthemum canadense Native 0–0.3 0–0.1 fringed loosestrife LYCI Lysimachia ciliata Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 Fern/fern allyspinulose woodfern DRCA11 Dryopteris carthusiana Native 0.7–1.6 0–1.1 sensitive fern ONSE Onoclea sensibilis Native 0.7–1.3 0–0.5 intermediate woodfern DRIN5 Dryopteris intermedia Native 0.3–1 0–0.2 Shrub/Subshrubcommon buttonbush CEOC2 Cephalanthus occidentalis Native 8.2–16.4 0–11.9 northern spicebush LIBE3 Lindera benzoin Native 5.9–11.8 0–9.9 common pricklyash ZAAM Zanthoxylum americanum Native 7.5–15.1 0–2.5 Allegheny blackberry RUAL Rubus allegheniensis Native 1.6–3 0–0.9 black raspberry RUOC Rubus occidentalis Native 1.6–3 0–0.8 black raspberry RUOC Rubus occidentalis Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 common winterberry ILVE Ilex verticillata Native 5.9–11.5 0–0.3 Allegheny blackberry RUAL Rubus allegheniensis Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 currant RIBES Ribes Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 northern spicebush LIBE3 Lindera benzoin Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 gray dogwood CORA6 Cornus racemosa Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 Treegreen ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica Native 8.2–16.4 0–4.4 American elm ULAM Ulmus americana Native 8.2–16.4 0–2.6 American hornbeam CACA18 Carpinus caroliniana Native 8.2–16.4 0–2.2 silver maple ACSA2 Acer saccharinum Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.6 green ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.6 bitternut hickory CACO15 Carya cordiformis Native 8.2–16.4 0–0.6 American beech FAGR Fagus grandifolia Native 8.2–16.4 0–0.4 shagbark hickory CAOV2 Carya ovata Native 8.2–16.4 0–0.3 sugar maple ACSA3 Acer saccharum Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.3 shagbark hickory CAOV2 Carya ovata Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 hawthorn CRATA Crataegus Native 8.2–16.4 0–0.2 American elm ULAM Ulmus americana Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 bur oak QUMA2 Quercus macrocarpa Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 American beech FAGR Fagus grandifolia Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 Vine/Lianaeastern poison ivy TORA2 Toxicodendron radicans Native 0.7–1.6 0–6.1 American hogpeanut AMBR2 Amphicarpaea bracteata Native 0.7–1.6 0–3.5 riverbank grape VIRI Vitis riparia Native 8.2–16.4 0–1.2 Virginia creeper PAQU2 Parthenocissus quinquefolia Native 0.3–1 0–0.9 eastern poison ivy TORA2 Toxicodendron radicans Native 8.2–16.4 0–0.8 riverbank grape VIRI Vitis riparia Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.7 Virginia creeper PAQU2 Parthenocissus quinquefolia Native 1.6–3 0–0.1 NonvascularMoss 2MOSS Moss Native – 0–1.9 Table 16. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 17. Community 1.2 forest overstory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height ft Canopy cover (%) Diameter in Basal area (square ft/acre) Treeeastern cottonwood PODE3 Populus deltoides Native 39.4-82 10 – 0 Vine/Lianariverbank grape VIRI Vitis riparia Native 24.6-49.2 0.1 – 0 Table 18. Community 1.2 forest understory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height (ft) Canopy cover (%) Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)rice cutgrass LEOR Leersia oryzoides Native 0.7–1.6 46.5 sweet woodreed CIAR2 Cinna arundinacea Native 0.7–1.6 24.5 reed canarygrass PHAR3 Phalaris arundinacea Native 0.7–1.6 7 fowl mannagrass GLST Glyceria striata Native 0.7–1.6 5.5 hairy sedge CALA16 Carex lacustris Native 0.7–1.6 2.5 sedge CAREX Carex Native 0.7–1.6 1.5 hop sedge CALU4 Carex lupulina Native 0.7–1.6 1.5 Forb/Herbjewelweed IMCA Impatiens capensis Native 0.7–1.6 13 bottomland aster SYON2 Symphyotrichum ontarionis Native 0.7–1.6 13 devil's beggartick BIFR Bidens frondosa Native 0.7–1.6 7 smallspike false nettle BOCY Boehmeria cylindrica Native 0.7–1.6 3 purpleleaf willowherb EPCO Epilobium coloratum Native 0.7–1.6 3 giant goldenrod SOGI Solidago gigantea Native 0.7–1.6 3 ditch stonecrop PESE6 Penthorum sedoides Native 0.7–1.6 1.5 white vervain VEUR Verbena urticifolia Native 0.7–1.6 1.5 jumpseed POVI2 Polygonum virginianum Native 0.7–1.6 0.1 white avens GECA7 Geum canadense Native 0.7–1.6 0.1 Shrub/Subshrubcommon pricklyash ZAAM Zanthoxylum americanum Native 8.2–16.4 2.5 Treegreen ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica Native 8.2–16.4 32 Vine/Lianariverbank grape VIRI Vitis riparia Native 0.7–1.6 0.5 eastern poison ivy TORA2 Toxicodendron radicans Native 0.7–1.6 0.1 Table 19. Community 1.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 20. Community 1.4 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 21. Community 1.5 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 22. Community 1.5 forest understory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height (ft) Canopy cover (%) Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)fowl mannagrass GLST Glyceria striata Native 0.7–1.6 1 whitegrass LEVI2 Leersia virginica Native 0.7–1.6 1 Forb/HerbCanadian clearweed PIPU2 Pilea pumila Native 0.3–1 5 Shrub/Subshrubcommon buttonbush CEOC2 Cephalanthus occidentalis Native 8.2–16.4 95 Table 23. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 24. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 25. Community 2.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 26. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 27. Community 3.1 forest understory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height (ft) Canopy cover (%) Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)timothy PHPR3 Phleum pratense Introduced 0.7–1.6 6–64 tall fescue SCAR7 Schedonorus arundinaceus Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–48.9 fowl bluegrass POPA2 Poa palustris Native 0.7–1.6 0–38.7 reed canarygrass PHAR3 Phalaris arundinacea Native 0.7–1.6 0–21.1 quackgrass ELRE4 Elymus repens Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–12 smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–1.7 barnyardgrass ECCR Echinochloa crus-galli Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 perennial ryegrass LOPE Lolium perenne Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 yellow nutsedge CYES Cyperus esculentus Native 0.3–0.7 0–0.5 Forb/HerbCanada thistle CIAR4 Cirsium arvense Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–37.9 Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum Native 0.7–1.6 0–16.8 Canada goldenrod SOAL6 Solidago altissima Native 0.7–1.6 0–16.8 Queen Anne's lace DACA6 Daucus carota Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–11.5 Pennsylvania smartweed POPE2 Polygonum pensylvanicum Native 0.7–1.6 0–5.3 redroot amaranth AMRE Amaranthus retroflexus Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–2.6 bladder campion SILA21 Silene latifolia Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–2.6 annual ragweed AMAR2 Ambrosia artemisiifolia Native 0.7–1.6 2.6 garden yellowrocket BAVU Barbarea vulgaris Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–1.1 prairie fleabane ERST3 Erigeron strigosus Native 0.7–1.6 0–1.1 marshpepper knotweed POHY Polygonum hydropiper Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–1.1 curly dock RUCR Rumex crispus Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–1.1 Canada goldenrod SOCA6 Solidago canadensis Native 0.7–1.6 0–1.1 Fuller's teasel DIFU2 Dipsacus fullonum Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–0.8 hairy white oldfield aster SYPI2 Symphyotrichum pilosum Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.8 velvetleaf ABTH Abutilon theophrasti Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 chicory CIIN Cichorium intybus Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 bull thistle CIVU Cirsium vulgare Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 flat-top goldentop EUGR5 Euthamia graminifolia Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 field pepperweed LECA5 Lepidium campestre Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 Norwegian cinquefoil PONO3 Potentilla norvegica Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 spiny sowthistle SOAS Sonchus asper Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 lambsquarters CHAL7 Chenopodium album Native 0.3–1 0–0.5 lesser burdock ARMI2 Arctium minus Introduced 0.7–1.6 0.5 Treegreen ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica Native 8.2–16.4 0–1.7 eastern cottonwood PODE3 Populus deltoides Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 Table 28. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 29. Community 3.2 forest overstory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height ft Canopy cover (%) Diameter in Basal area (square ft/acre) Treesilver maple ACSA2 Acer saccharinum Native 32.8-65.9 42.5-52.5 7.1-21.3 0 green ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica Native 23.6-47.2 0-36 – 0 American elm ULAM Ulmus americana Native 24.6-49.2 0-3.6 – 0 eastern cottonwood PODE3 Populus deltoides Native 24.6-49.2 0-3.2 – 0 Vine/Lianaeastern poison ivy TORA2 Toxicodendron radicans Native 16.4-32.8 0-0.2 – 0 Table 30. Community 3.2 forest understory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height (ft) Canopy cover (%) Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)fowl mannagrass GLST Glyceria striata Native 0.7–1.6 0–41.4 whitegrass LEVI2 Leersia virginica Native 0.7–1.6 0–41.4 tall fescue SCAR7 Schedonorus arundinaceus Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–10.7 graceful sedge CAGR2 Carex gracillima Native 0.7–1.6 0–8 rough bluegrass POTR2 Poa trivialis Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–8 reed canarygrass PHAR3 Phalaris arundinacea Native 0.7–1.6 0–3.6 green bulrush SCAT2 Scirpus atrovirens Native 0.7–1.6 0–1.4 fox sedge CAVU2 Carex vulpinoidea Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 Forb/Herbbeggarticks BIDEN Bidens Native 0.7–1.6 0–10.7 Canadian clearweed PIPU2 Pilea pumila Native 0.3–1 0–10.7 avens GEUM Geum Native 0.7–1.6 0–3.2 Canada goldenrod SOAL6 Solidago altissima Native 0.7–1.6 0–3.2 agrimony AGRIM Agrimonia Native 0.7–1.6 0–1.6 jumpseed POVI2 Polygonum virginianum Native 0.7–1.6 0–1.6 Philadelphia fleabane ERPH Erigeron philadelphicus Native 0.7–1.6 0–1.6 white panicle aster SYLA6 Symphyotrichum lanceolatum Native 0.7–1.6 0–1.6 Virginia strawberry FRVI Fragaria virginiana Native 0.3–0.7 0–1.6 spotted ladysthumb POPE3 Polygonum persicaria Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–1.4 common milkweed ASSY Asclepias syriaca Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 jewelweed IMCA Impatiens capensis Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 stinging nettle URDI Urtica dioica Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 Fern/fern allysensitive fern ONSE Onoclea sensibilis Native 0.7–1.3 0–3.2 Shrub/Subshrubmultiflora rose ROMU Rosa multiflora Introduced 4.6–9.5 0–15.5 common buttonbush CEOC2 Cephalanthus occidentalis Native 8.2–16.4 0–10.7 silky dogwood COOB9 Cornus obliqua Native 5.9–11.5 0–8 Treegreen ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica Native 8.2–16.4 0–30 green ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 American elm ULAM Ulmus americana Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 silver maple ACSA2 Acer saccharinum Native 0.7–1.6 0.1–0.2 northern catalpa CASP8 Catalpa speciosa Native 8.2–16.4 0–0.1 Vine/Lianaeastern poison ivy TORA2 Toxicodendron radicans Native 0.7–1.6 0–8.1 riverbank grape VIRI Vitis riparia Native 8.2–16.4 0–8 Table 31. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 32. Community 4.1 forest overstory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height ft Canopy cover (%) Diameter in Basal area (square ft/acre) Treegreen ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica Native 19.7-39.4 0-2.4 – 0 silver maple ACSA2 Acer saccharinum Native 32.8-65.6 0-2.4 – 0 northern red oak QURU Quercus rubra Native 39.4-82 0-1.5 – 0 tuliptree LITU Liriodendron tulipifera Native 39.4-82 0-0.4 – 0 shagbark hickory CAOV2 Carya ovata Native 24.6-49.2 0-0.4 – 0 American elm ULAM Ulmus americana Native 24.6-49.2 0-0.4 – 0 American hornbeam CACA18 Carpinus caroliniana Native 24.6-49.2 0-0.1 – 0 Table 33. Community 4.1 forest understory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height (ft) Canopy cover (%) Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)reed canarygrass PHAR3 Phalaris arundinacea Native 1–2.3 68.7–77.7 redtop AGGI2 Agrostis gigantea Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–13.1 fox sedge CAVU2 Carex vulpinoidea Native 0.7–1.6 0–7.9 Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis Native 0.7–1.6 0–7.6 tall fescue SCAR7 Schedonorus arundinaceus Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–5.9 hop sedge CALU4 Carex lupulina Native 0.7–1.6 0–4.3 whitegrass LEVI2 Leersia virginica Native 0.7–1.6 0–4.2 fowl mannagrass GLST Glyceria striata Native 0.7–1.6 0–2.4 timothy PHPR3 Phleum pratense Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–2.1 fowl bluegrass POPA2 Poa palustris Native 0.7–1.6 0–1.6 Crawford's sedge CACR4 Carex crawfordii Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.9 squarrose sedge CASQ2 Carex squarrosa Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.9 sweet woodreed CIAR2 Cinna arundinacea Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.9 green bulrush SCAT2 Scirpus atrovirens Native 2.3–4.6 0–0.5 crested sedge CACR7 Carex cristatella Native 0.7–2 0–0.3 smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–0.3 awlfruit sedge CAST5 Carex stipata Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.3 fall panicgrass PADI Panicum dichotomiflorum Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.3 Virginia wildrye ELVI3 Elymus virginicus Native 1.3–2.3 0–0.2 Greene's rush JUGR Juncus greenei Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 sedge CAREX Carex Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 barnyardgrass ECCR Echinochloa crus-galli Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 Forb/Herbjewelweed IMCA Impatiens capensis Native 0.7–1.6 0–44 giant goldenrod SOGI Solidago gigantea Native 1.6–3.3 0–19.9 Canada goldenrod SOCA6 Solidago canadensis Native 1.6–3.3 0–6.6 annual ragweed AMAR2 Ambrosia artemisiifolia Native 0.7–1.6 0–4.9 Canada goldenrod SOAL6 Solidago altissima Native 0.7–1.6 0–4.2 Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum Native 0.7–1.6 0–3.1 white panicle aster SYLA6 Symphyotrichum lanceolatum Native 1.3–2.6 0–2.6 Queen Anne's lace DACA6 Daucus carota Introduced 1.6–3.3 0–2.2 common boneset EUPE3 Eupatorium perfoliatum Native 0.7–1.6 0–2.2 Canada thistle CIAR4 Cirsium arvense Introduced 1.3–3 0–1.8 great ragweed AMTR Ambrosia trifida Native 1.6–3.3 0–1.2 bottomland aster SYON2 Symphyotrichum ontarionis Native 1.3–2.6 0–0.9 big devils beggartick BIVU Bidens vulgata Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.9 purpleleaf willowherb EPCO Epilobium coloratum Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.9 Canadian clearweed PIPU2 Pilea pumila Native 0.3–1 0–0.9 stinging nettle URDI Urtica dioica Native 3.3–6.6 0–0.7 Pennsylvania smartweed POPE2 Polygonum pensylvanicum Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 curly dock RUCR Rumex crispus Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 swamp verbena VEHA2 Verbena hastata Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 jumpseed POVI2 Polygonum virginianum Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.4 giant sunflower HEGI Helianthus giganteus Native 1.6–3.3 0–0.3 purplestem aster SYPU Symphyotrichum puniceum Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.3 red clover TRPR2 Trifolium pratense Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–0.3 flat-top goldentop EUGR5 Euthamia graminifolia Native 1–2.3 0–0.2 harvestlice AGPA6 Agrimonia parviflora Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 smallspike false nettle BOCY Boehmeria cylindrica Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 white avens GECA7 Geum canadense Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 cardinalflower LOCA2 Lobelia cardinalis Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 Indian-tobacco LOIN Lobelia inflata Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 ditch stonecrop PESE6 Penthorum sedoides Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 American pokeweed PHAM4 Phytolacca americana Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 blue skullcap SCLA2 Scutellaria lateriflora Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 calico aster SYLA4 Symphyotrichum lateriflorum Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 Virginia strawberry FRVI Fragaria virginiana Native 0.3–1 0–0.1 violet VIOLA Viola Native 0.3–0.7 0–0.1 bull thistle CIVU Cirsium vulgare Introduced 2–3.9 0–0.1 Shrub/Subshrubsandbar willow SAIN3 Salix interior Native 8.2–16.4 0–13.9 black raspberry RUOC Rubus occidentalis Native 0.7–1.6 0–4.9 gray dogwood CORA6 Cornus racemosa Native 4.9–9.8 0–4 multiflora rose ROMU Rosa multiflora Introduced 4.6–9.5 0–1.8 Missouri River willow SAER Salix eriocephala Native 8.2–16.4 0–0.6 black raspberry RUOC Rubus occidentalis Native 1.6–3.3 0–0.4 multiflora rose ROMU Rosa multiflora Introduced 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 red elderberry SARA2 Sambucus racemosa Native 8.2–16.4 0–0.1 Treegreen ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica Native 7.9–15.7 0–3.4 black maple ACNI5 Acer nigrum Native 8.2–16.4 0–0.9 black ash FRNI Fraxinus nigra Native 8.2–16.4 0–0.9 bur oak QUMA2 Quercus macrocarpa Native 3.3–6.6 0–0.4 peachleaf willow SAAM2 Salix amygdaloides Native 3.3–6.6 0–0.3 black cherry PRSE2 Prunus serotina Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 sugar maple ACSA3 Acer saccharum Native 8.2–16.4 0–0.1 northern red oak QURU Quercus rubra Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 tuliptree LITU Liriodendron tulipifera Native 8.2–16.4 0–0.1 tuliptree LITU Liriodendron tulipifera Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 Vine/LianaVirginia creeper PAQU2 Parthenocissus quinquefolia Native 0.3–1 0–1.2 riverbank grape VIRI Vitis riparia Native 8.2–16.4 0–0.5 Virginia creeper PAQU2 Parthenocissus quinquefolia Native 1.6–3 0–0.5 eastern poison ivy TORA2 Toxicodendron radicans Native 0.7–1.3 0–0.4 Table 34. Community 4.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 35. Community 4.2 forest overstory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height ft Canopy cover (%) Diameter in Basal area (square ft/acre) Treesugar maple ACSA3 Acer saccharum Native 32.8-65.6 95 – 0 sugar maple ACSA3 Acer saccharum Native 19.7-39.4 10 – 0 Vine/Lianaeastern poison ivy TORA2 Toxicodendron radicans Native 16.4-32.8 0.2 – 0 Virginia creeper PAQU2 Parthenocissus quinquefolia Native 9.5-18 0.2 – 0 Table 36. Community 4.2 forest understory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height (ft) Canopy cover (%) Forb/Herbwhite avens GECA7 Geum canadense Native 0.7–1.6 38 jumpseed POVI2 Polygonum virginianum Native 0.7–1.6 25 giant goldenrod SOGI Solidago gigantea Native 0.7–1.6 13 white panicle aster SYLA6 Symphyotrichum lanceolatum Native 0.7–1.6 0.5 Virginia strawberry FRVI Fragaria virginiana Native 0.3–0.7 0.5 Shrub/Subshrubmultiflora rose ROMU Rosa multiflora Introduced 4.6–9.5 16 multiflora rose ROMU Rosa multiflora Introduced 0.7–1.6 13 common pricklyash ZAAM Zanthoxylum americanum Native 8.2–16.4 4 Morrow's honeysuckle LOMO2 Lonicera morrowii Introduced 4.9–9.8 0.8 Treegreen ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica Native 0.7–1.6 25 green ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica Native 8.2–16.4 8 American elm ULAM Ulmus americana Native 8.2–16.4 4 hawthorn CRATA Crataegus Native 8.2–16.4 0.8 bur oak QUMA2 Quercus macrocarpa Native 8.2–16.4 0.2 Vine/Lianaeastern poison ivy TORA2 Toxicodendron radicans Native 0.7–1.6 13 Virginia creeper PAQU2 Parthenocissus quinquefolia Native 0.3–1 13 NonvascularMoss 2MOSS Moss Native – 40 climacium moss CLIMA2 Climacium Native – 0.2 Table 37. Community 5.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 38. Community 5.1 forest overstory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height ft Canopy cover (%) Diameter in Basal area (square ft/acre) TreeAmerican beech FAGR Fagus grandifolia Native 47.6-94.5 0-33.9 – 0 shagbark hickory CAOV2 Carya ovata Native 34.4-68.9 0-19.8 16.5-22 0 sugar maple ACSA3 Acer saccharum Native 24.6-49.2 0-19.7 – 0 sugar maple ACSA3 Acer saccharum Native 39-81 0-17.9 7.1 0 bur oak QUMA2 Quercus macrocarpa Native 47.2-86.3 0-17.7 16.1-22.4 0 red maple ACRU Acer rubrum Native 45.9-88.6 0-17.5 7.5-18.5 0 American basswood TIAM Tilia americana Native 34.1-68.6 0-15.2 10.6-26 0 black cherry PRSE2 Prunus serotina Native 39.7-82.7 0-11.5 – 0 bitternut hickory CACO15 Carya cordiformis Native 48.6-95.1 0-11.3 13.4 0 eastern hemlock TSCA Tsuga canadensis Native 39.4-82 0-11.2 – 0 northern red oak QURU Quercus rubra Native 53.5-104.7 0-9.1 12.6-20.5 0 American elm ULAM Ulmus americana Native 34.1-68.6 0-7.9 – 0 swamp white oak QUBI Quercus bicolor Native 39.4-82 0-7.7 – 0 black cherry PRSE2 Prunus serotina Native 24.6-49.2 0-7.7 – 0 bigtooth aspen POGR4 Populus grandidentata Native 39.4-82 0-6.7 – 0 green ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica Native 49.2-98.4 0-3.3 32.7 0 red maple ACRU Acer rubrum Native 24.6-49.2 0-2.7 – 0 black maple ACNI5 Acer nigrum Native 24.6-49.2 0-2 – 0 American elm ULAM Ulmus americana Native 24.3-48.2 0-1.9 5.5 0 American sycamore PLOC Platanus occidentalis Native 40.7-84 0-1.5 – 0 hophornbeam OSVI Ostrya virginiana Native 26.6-53.1 0-1.4 – 0 American hornbeam CACA18 Carpinus caroliniana Native 24.6-49.2 0-1.4 – 0 pin oak QUPA2 Quercus palustris Native 39.7-82.7 0-1.3 – 0 quaking aspen POTR5 Populus tremuloides Native 39.4-82 0-1.1 – 0 black maple ACNI5 Acer nigrum Native 45.6-92.5 0-0.4 – 0 American beech FAGR Fagus grandifolia Native 13.1-26.2 0-0.3 – 0 slippery elm ULRU Ulmus rubra Native 49.2-98.4 0-0.2 – 0 American hornbeam CACA18 Carpinus caroliniana Native 36.1-68.9 0-0.2 – 0 white ash FRAM2 Fraxinus americana Native 55.8-108.3 0-0.2 – 0 silver maple ACSA2 Acer saccharinum Native 39.4-82 0.1 23.6 0 American basswood TIAM Tilia americana Native 23-49.2 0-0.1 – 0 slippery elm ULRU Ulmus rubra Native 19.7-39.4 0.1 – 0 Vine/LianaVirginia creeper PAQU2 Parthenocissus quinquefolia Native 26.2-52.5 0-0.1 – 0 Table 39. Community 5.1 forest understory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height (ft) Canopy cover (%) Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)longstalk sedge CAPE4 Carex pedunculata Native 0.3–0.7 0–1.1 graceful sedge CAGR2 Carex gracillima Native 0.7–1.3 0–0.9 fowl mannagrass GLST Glyceria striata Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.6 sedge CAREX Carex Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 sweet woodreed CIAR2 Cinna arundinacea Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 eastern bottlebrush grass ELHY Elymus hystrix Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.4 pubescent sedge CAHI5 Carex hirtifolia Native 0.3–0.7 0–0.3 nerveless woodland sedge CALE11 Carex leptonervia Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 Swan's sedge CASW Carex swanii Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 Forb/HerbCanadian wildginger ASCA Asarum canadense Native 0.3–0.7 0–6.7 jumpseed POVI2 Polygonum virginianum Native 0.7–1.6 0–2.7 enchanter's nightshade CIIN4 Circaea ×intermedia Native 0.3–1 0–2.2 mayapple POPE Podophyllum peltatum Native 0.7–1.3 0–1.6 spotted geranium GEMA Geranium maculatum Native 0.3–1 0–1.2 smallspike false nettle BOCY Boehmeria cylindrica Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.8 Jack in the pulpit ARTR Arisaema triphyllum Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.6 jewelweed IMCA Impatiens capensis Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.4 buttercup RANUN Ranunculus Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.4 Canadian woodnettle LACA3 Laportea canadensis Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.3 feathery false lily of the valley MARA7 Maianthemum racemosum Native 0.3–0.7 0–0.3 hairy Solomon's seal POPU4 Polygonatum pubescens Native 0.3–0.7 0–0.2 flat-top goldentop EUGR5 Euthamia graminifolia Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 Robert geranium GERO Geranium robertianum Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 avens GEUM Geum Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 tall hairy agrimony AGGR2 Agrimonia gryposepala Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 threelobe beggarticks BITR Bidens tripartita Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 white avens GECA7 Geum canadense Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 Canadian clearweed PIPU2 Pilea pumila Native 0.3–1 0–0.1 Fern/fern allycinnamon fern OSCI Osmunda cinnamomea Native 1.6–3.3 0–1.3 subarctic ladyfern ATFIA Athyrium filix-femina ssp. angustum Native 0.7–1.3 0–0.5 Christmas fern POAC4 Polystichum acrostichoides Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.5 spinulose woodfern DRCA11 Dryopteris carthusiana Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.4 New York fern THNO Thelypteris noveboracensis Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 northern maidenhair ADPE Adiantum pedatum Native 1–2 0–0.1 sensitive fern ONSE Onoclea sensibilis Native 0.7–1.3 0–0.1 Shrub/Subshrubnorthern spicebush LIBE3 Lindera benzoin Native 6.2–12.1 0–5.6 common pricklyash ZAAM Zanthoxylum americanum Native 7.5–15.1 0–0.5 gray dogwood CORA6 Cornus racemosa Native 4.9–9.8 0–0.4 red elderberry SARA2 Sambucus racemosa Native 8.2–16.4 0–0.1 northern spicebush LIBE3 Lindera benzoin Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 TreeAmerican hornbeam CACA18 Carpinus caroliniana Native 8.2–16.4 0–10.2 sugar maple ACSA3 Acer saccharum Native 8.2–16.4 0–5.6 green ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica Native 8.2–16.4 0–4.2 pawpaw ASTR Asimina triloba Native 8.2–16.4 0–3.3 American beech FAGR Fagus grandifolia Native 8.2–16.4 0–2.2 hophornbeam OSVI Ostrya virginiana Native 8.2–16.4 0–1.2 American witchhazel HAVI4 Hamamelis virginiana Native 7.5–14.8 0–0.8 bitternut hickory CACO15 Carya cordiformis Native 8.2–16.4 0–0.5 hawthorn CRATA Crataegus Native 8.2–16.4 0–0.3 silver maple ACSA2 Acer saccharinum Native 8.2–16.4 0–0.2 white ash FRAM2 Fraxinus americana Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 northern red oak QURU Quercus rubra Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 black cherry PRSE2 Prunus serotina Native 8.2–16.4 0–0.2 American basswood TIAM Tilia americana Native 8.2–16.4 0–0.1 American beech FAGR Fagus grandifolia Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 shagbark hickory CAOV2 Carya ovata Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 green ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 Vine/LianaVirginia creeper PAQU2 Parthenocissus quinquefolia Native 0.3–1 0–13.1 eastern poison ivy TORA2 Toxicodendron radicans Native 8.2–16.4 0–11.2 Virginia creeper PAQU2 Parthenocissus quinquefolia Native 1.6–3 0–11.2 eastern poison ivy TORA2 Toxicodendron radicans Native 0.7–1.6 0–1.9 running strawberry bush EUOB8 Euonymus obovatus Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.2 American hogpeanut AMBR2 Amphicarpaea bracteata Native 0.7–1.6 0–0.1 NonvascularMoss 2MOSS Moss Native – 0–0.1 Interpretations
Supporting information
Inventory data references
In the years 2011-2023, 74 vegetation observations were made on hydric loamy sites within MLRAs 97, 98, and 99 for various purposes such as wetland reconsiderations. Among these, 28 observations were made in MLRA 97. However, these three MLRAs generally overlap in flora for the dominant species, and are expected to respond similarly in community composition to soil and disturbance regimes. Therefore, the data from these MLRAs were pooled to retain adequate samples of each community type. Where available, the data were weighted to emphasize MLRA 97 composition and deemphasize the more remote MLRA 99 plots. The distribution of plots by community type is as follows: 1.1 Swamp Forest, 41; 1.2 Wet Meadow, 2; 1.5 Inundated Shrub Swamp, 1; 3.1 Exotic Drained Meadow & Shrub, 4; 3.2 Exotic Drained Forest 4; 4.1 Exotic Wet Meadow & Shrub, 9; 4.2 Exotic Swamp Forest, 1; 5.1 Native Drained Forest, 12.
Other references
Albert, D. A. et al., 1995. Vegetation circa 1800 of Michigan. Michigan's native landscape as interpreted from the General Land Office Surveys 1816-1856 (digital map), Lansing: Michigan Natural Features Inventory.
Barnes, B. V. and Wagner, W. H., 2004. Michigan trees: a guide to the trees of the Great Lakes region. Ann Arbor (Michigan): University of Michigan Press.
Burger, T. L. and Kotar, J., 2003. A Guide to Forest Communities and Habitat Types of Michigan. Madison, Wisconsin: Department of Forest Ecology and Management, University of Wisconsin.
Cleland, D. T. et al., 1994. Field guide: Ecological classification and inventory system of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, s.l.: USDA Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station.
Cleland, D.T., J.A. Freeouf, J.E. Keys, G.J. Nowacki, C. Carpenter, and W.H. McNab. 2007. Ecological Subregions: Sections and Subsections of the Coterminous United States. USDA Forest Service, General Technical Report WO-76. Washington, DC. 1–92.
Jacquart, E., Homoya, M. and Casebere, L., 2002. Natural Communities of Indiana (Working Draft), Indianapolis: Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Nature Preserves.
Kost, M. A. et al., 2010. Natural Communities of Michigan: Classification and Description, Lansing, MI: Michigan Natural Features Inventory.
Moran, R. C., 1981. Prairie fens in northeastern Illinois: floristic composition and disturbance. Ohio Biol Surv Biol Notes, 15, 164-168.
Omernik, J.M. and G.E. Griffith. 2014. Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States: Evolution of a Hierarchical Spatial Framework. Environmental Management 54:1249–1266.
Swink, F. and Wilhelm, G., 1994. Plants of the Chicago Region. Indianapolis(Indiana): Indiana Academy of Science.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, 2008. LANDFIRE: LANDFIRE 1.1.0 Vegetation Dynamics Models. Accessed August 28, 2012 http://landfire.cr.usgs.gov/viewer/.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, 2011. LANDFIRE: LANDFIRE 1.1.0 Existing Vegetation Type layer. http://landfire.cr.usgs.gov/viewer/Contributors
Greg J. Schmidt
Approval
Nels Barrett, 1/16/2024
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s) Contact for lead author Date 06/18/2026 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
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Presence of water flow patterns:
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Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
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Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
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Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
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Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
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Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
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Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
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Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
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Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
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Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
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Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
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Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
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Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
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Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
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Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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PrintThe Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
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