Abstract
Pitcher plant bogs of the Little River Canyon National Preserve in northern Alabama contain the federally endangered green pitcher plant [
Sarracenia oreophila (Kearney) Wherry]. Multivariate analysis of the bog vegetation and environmental variables revealed three communities with unique species compositions and soil characteristics. The significant soil characteristics were percent A-horizon sand and A-horizon depth. A blackgum (
Nyssa sylvatica Marsh.)-yellow poplar (
Liriodendron tulipifera L.)-azalea [
Rhododendron canescens (Michx.) Sweet] type was found on sites bisected by ephemeral streams with a closed canopy. A scarlet oak (
Quercus coccinea Muenchh.) -flowering dogwood (
Cornus florida L.) -sweet goldenrod [
Solidago speciosa Nutt. var.
erecta (Pursh) MacM.] type was found on upland sites close to the canyon rim and along perennial streams sites. A smooth yellow false foxglove [
Aureolaria flava (L.) Farw.]-pale-spike lobelia (Lobelia spicata Lam.)- violet lespedeza [
Lespedeza violacea (L.) Pers.] type was found on relatively flat sites away from the canyon rim.
Parent Publication
Citation
Carter, Robert; Boyer, Terry; McCoy, Heather; Londo, Andrew J. 2006. Community analysis of pitcher plant bogs of the Little River Canyon National Preserve, Alabama. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-92. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 486-489