*Vascular plant nomenclature follows Rhoads and Block (2007). Bryophyte nomenclature follows Crum and Anderson (1981).

International Vegetation Classification Associations:

Red Maple - Black Ash Swamp (CEGL007441)

NatureServe Ecological Systems:

North-Central Interior and Appalachian Rich Swamp (CES202.605)

Origin of Concept

Fike, J. 1999. Terrestrial and palustrine plant communities of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory. Harrisburg, PA. 86 pp.

Pennsylvania Community Code*

*(DCNR 1999, Stone 2006)

Similar Ecological Communities

The much more common Red Maple – Blackgum Palustrine Forest is not generally influenced by calcareous waters, and lacks the black ash (Fraxinus nigra) and herbaceous calciphiles that characterize the Red Maple – Black Ash Palustrine Forest.

Red Maple – Black Ash Palustrine Forest may contain pin oak (Quercus palustris) and swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) which dominate the Oak - Mixed Hardwood Palustrine Forest but the Red Maple – Black Ash Palustrine Forest is clearly dominated by red maple (Acer rubrum) and black ash (Fraxinus nigra).

Fike Crosswalk

Red maple - black ash palustrine forest

Conservation Value

The community supports calciphilic and rare plant species including spreading globe-flower (Trollius laxus), yellow sedge (Carex flava), small yellow lady's-slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum var. parviflorum), showy lady's-slipper (Cypripedium reginae), and swamp red currant (Ribes triste). This community also serves as a buffer for sediment and pollution runoff from adjacent developed lands by slowing the flow of surficial water causing sediment to settle within this wetland.

Threats

Alteration to the current hydrological regime is a major threat to this community and can lead to habitat destruction and/or shifts in community function and dynamics. Clearing and development of adjacent land can lead to an accumulation of agricultural run-off and pollution, sedimentation, and insolation/thermal pollution. Invasive plant species such as purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) can be common in this community. Ash (Fraxinus spp.) mortality resulting from the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis)is a major concern.

Management

A natural buffer around the wetland should be maintained in order to minimize nutrient runoff, pollution, and sedimentation. The potential for soil erosion based on soil texture, condition of the adjacent vegetation (mature forests vs. clearcuts), and the topography of the surrounding area (i.e., degree of slope) should be considered when establishing buffers. The buffer size should be increased if soils are erodible, adjacent vegetation has been logged, and the topography is steep as such factors could contribute to increased sedimentation and nutrient pollution. Direct impacts and habitat alteration should be avoided (e.g., roads, trails, filling of wetlands) and low impact alternatives (e.g., elevated footpaths, boardwalks, bridges) should be utilized in situations where accessing the wetland can not be avoided. Care should also be taken to control and prevent the spread of invasive species within the wetland. Alterations to groundwater sources should be minimized.

Range Map

Pennsylvania Range

Glaciated Northeast, Glaciated Northwest, Piedmont, Ridge and Valley.

Global Distribution

Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

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