This vegetation type includes a number of plant communities that occur along rivers and streams. Forests may be dominated by shumard oak (Q. shumardii), sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), cottonwood (Populus deltoides), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), elms (Ulnus spp.), and hickories. Tree canopy is generally closed, except along river channels where recent scouring has occurred. Understories may be well developed, with vines common. Ground cover may be dense in spring due to the flush of ephemeral forbs. Where canopy is partially open near waterways, a dense groundcover may occur. Elsewhere ground cover is sparse most of the year due to the closed canopy.

 

Nested Elements

• Oklahoma salamander, Eurycea tynerensis (G3) endemic
• Cerulean warbler, Dendroica cerulea (G4) declining, habitat restricted
• Louisiana waterthrush, Seiurus motacilla (G5) area sensitive
• Acadian flycatcher, Empidonax virescens (G5) declining

Nature picture credits: Photo © Chris Wilson/TNC (Ozark Stream)