Limestone/Dolomite Protected Cliff

Description

The reference plant community is characterized by rock shelves, vertical rock cliffs and by stress tolerant trees, shrubs, ferns, lichens and mosses. These sites have large expanses of bare rock, with a variety of plants occupying cracks and minor ledges across the cliff face. When present, trees are stunted and the herbaceous vegetation is generally sparse.

Dominant plant species

1. sugar maple (Acer saccharum), tree

2. blue ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata), tree

3. wild hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), shrub

4. American bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia), shrub

5. red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), grass

6. walking fern (Asplenium rhizophyllum), grass

Submodel

Description

This state has experienced significant exotic plant invasion, such as Japanese honeysuckle. Repeated trampling by human rock climbing and rappelling activities destroy the structure and composition of the reference plant communities. In addition, woody encroachment through these disturbances is also occurring.

Dominant plant species

1. chinquapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii), tree

2. eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), tree

3. Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), grass

Submodel