* limited to sites with higher soil calcium
Vascular plant nomenclature follows Rhoads and Block (2007). Bryophyte nomenclature follows Crum and Anderson (1981).

International Vegetation Classification Associations:

USNVC Crosswalk:

None

Representative Community Types:

Northern Piedmont Rich Fen (CEGL006103)

NatureServe Ecological Systems:

North-Central Appalachian Seepage Fen (CES202.607)

NatureServe Group Level:

None

Origin of Concept

Fike, J. 1999. Terrestrial and palustrine plant communities of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Recreation, Bureau of Forestry, Harrisburg, PA. 86 pp.

Pennsylvania Community Code*

SP : Poison Sumac – Red-Cedar – Bayberry Fen

*(DCNR 1999, Stone 2006)

Similar Ecological Communities

This type is ecologically similar to and shares many species with the Alder-leaved Buckthorn – Inland Sedge – Golden Ragwort Shrub Fen type. The two differ in their distribution and species composition with the Posion Sumac – Red-cedar – Bayberry Fen occurring in the eastern portion of Pennsylvania and dominated by eastern red-cedar (Juniperus virginiana), bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica), poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix), and shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa).

Fike Crosswalk

Poison Sumac – Red-cedar – Bayberry Fen

Conservation Value

Poison Sumac – Red-cedar – Bayberry Fen occurs in calcareous wetlands, which are especially unusual in Pennsylvania, where the predominant geology in most regions is acidic. There are a number of plants, aquatic invertebrates, and lepidopterans adapted specifically to this high-pH wetland habitat. Plants of special concern in Pennsylvania that are found in this habitat include Atlantic sedge (Carex sterilis), yellow sedge (Carex flava), sedge (Carex tetanica), capillary beak-rush (Rhynchospora capillacea), brook lobelia (Lobelia kalmii), and grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia glauca).

Threats

The greatest threats to these communities are extraction of bedrock and glacial deposits or disruption to groundwater flow from activities such as drilling or mining in nearby areas and groundwater extraction, which can contaminate or alter the flow patterns of the groundwater that feeds the seepage. Groundwater pollution can also occur from improperly installed septic systems, from improperly lined underground waste disposal, and in agricultural areas, from infiltration of pesticides, fertilizer, and bacteria from animal wastes. Invasive plant species, such as common reed (Phragmites australis ssp. australis) and both native and invasive cat-tail species (Typha spp.) can threaten the biological integrity of the community. Wetland soils and vegetation are sensitive and will be damaged by foot traffic or recreational vehicles as they are easily compacted.

Management

Drilling, mining, or other disruptions to bedrock or glacial deposits should not be undertaken within a half mile of a seepage wetland without a thorough understanding of bedrock layers and groundwater flows. Groundwater flow patterns do not always mirror surface watersheds, and in some cases aquifers may be contiguous over large areas. Seepage wetlands are also sensitive to trampling and other physical disturbance from recreational activities; trails should be sited away from the wetland or elevated structures employed to prevent traffic in the wetland. 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. These wetlands may require periodic disturbance such as burning or grazing to maintain their open canopy which is indicative of this community and the rare species that occupy it.

Range Map

Pennsylvania Range

NE Pennsylvania

Global Distribution

New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). 1999. Inventory Manual of Procedure. For the Fourth State Forest Management Plan. Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, Division of Forest Advisory Service.  Harrisburg, PA. 51 ppg.

Stone, B., D. Gustafson, and B. Jones. 2006 (revised). Manual of Procedure for State Game Land Cover Typing.  Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Game Commission, Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management, Forest Inventory and Analysis Section, Forestry Division.  Harrisburg, PA. 79 ppg.