Southern Coastal Plain Basin Swamp

EVT 9249Southern Coastal Plain Nonriverine Basin Swamp
CES203.384GNRTreeRiparian
Summary
This ecological system occupies large, seasonally inundated basins with peaty substrates in the southern and outermost portions of the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. These basins are nonriverine and do not receive overbank flooding. The southern limit of this system extends into central Florida, especially along the Atlantic Coast in Volusia and Brevard counties. Examples are generally forested; the vegetation is characterized by Taxodium distichum, Nyssa biflora, evergreen "bay" shrubs, and/or mixed hardwoods. Emergent Pinus elliottii may also be present. Some characteristic shrubs include Cliftonia monophylla, Cyrilla racemiflora, Lyonia lucida, and Smilax laurifolia.
Source: NatureServe Explorer
Vegetation
Examples are generally forested; the vegetation is characterized by Taxodium distichum, Nyssa biflora, evergreen "bay" shrubs, and/or mixed hardwoods (FNAI 2010a). Emergent Pinus elliottii may also be present. Some characteristic shrubs include Cliftonia monophylla, Cyrilla racemiflora, Lyonia lucida, and Smilax laurifolia. Some examples (e.g., Okefenokee Swamp) have extensive open herbaceous areas dominated by various combinations of Panicum hemitomon, Sagittaria spp., Dulichium arundinaceum, Sarracenia spp., Carex glaucescens, Carex striata, Orontium aquaticum, Woodwardia virginica, Eriophorum virginicum, Eriocaulon compressum, and Peltandra virginica. In addition, other floating and emergent aquatic plants are present including Nuphar orbiculata (= Nuphar lutea ssp. orbiculata), Nymphaea odorata ssp. odorata, Nymphoides aquatica, Habenaria repens, and Utricularia spp. (Wharton 1978). These herbaceous zones are called "prairies" or "sphagnum bogs" depending on their composition.
Source: NatureServe Explorer
Environment
This system occupies large, seasonally inundated basins with peaty substrates. These basins are nonriverine and do not receive overbank flooding. Even though the ecological system tends to occur in large basins, the basin may become full of water, and then there will be some flowout. This is due to high rainfall, and probably is more common in winter, when evapotranspiration is lower than summer. During periods of drought, the amount of water flowing out of a basin swamp may be quite low or none at all, and parts of the basin may become dry. The water tends to be nutrient-poor and acidic, and often it appears tea-colored from tannins in the water (called blackwater).
Source: NatureServe Explorer
Dynamics
The primary source of water in basin swamps is local rainfall, with additional input from runoff and seepage from the surrounding uplands (FNAI 2010a). Flooding is a regular dynamic process. These basins are prone to long periods of inundation with limited waterflow. The deep parts of basin swamps may go without fire for decades or even centuries, while the drier outer edges can be more susceptible to frequent fire. Basin swamps within mesic flatwoods will burn more frequently than basin swamps within a matrix of mesic or hydric hammock. Without fire, bay shrubs and hardwoods increase in density and peat accumulates more rapidly. Taxodium and Pinus trees are tolerant of light surface fires, but muck fires burning into the peat can kill the trees, lower the ground surface, and transform a swamp into a pond, lake, marsh, or shrub bog (FNAI 2010a).
Source: NatureServe Explorer
Threats
Drainage and invasive species such as Lygodium japonicum, Lygodium microphyllum, Triadica sebifera, and feral hogs (Sus scrofa) are threats. Logging, agricultural runoff, lack of fire, and hydrological modifications are threats (Fowlkes et al. 2003, FNAI 2010a). Conversion to intensively managed pine plantations has been a threat (FNAI 2010a).
Source: NatureServe Explorer
Distribution
This system is found in the southern portions of the Atlantic and East Gulf coastal plains, extending down the Florida peninsula. The southern limit of this system extends into central Florida along the Atlantic Coast in Volusia and Brevard counties (A. Johnson pers. comm.).
Source: NatureServe Explorer
Ecologically Associated Plant Species

Plant species that characterize this ecosystem type, organized by vegetation stratum. These are species ecologically associated with the ecosystem, not confirmed present in any specific area.

Tree canopy

Nyssa biflora, Pinus elliottii, Taxodium distichum

Tree subcanopy

Magnolia ashei

Shrub/sapling (tall & short)

Cliftonia monophylla, Cyrilla racemiflora, Kalmia cuneata, Lindera melissifolia, Litsea aestivalis, Lyonia lucida, Pieris phillyreifolia, Rhododendron chapmanii, Sideroxylon thornei

Short shrub/sapling

Hypericum lissophloeus

Herb (field)

Agalinis linifolia, Anchistea virginica, Asclepias viridula, Balduina atropurpurea, Calydorea coelestina, Carex decomposita, Carex glaucescens, Carex joorii, Carex striata, Coreopsis nudata, Ctenium floridanum, Cuphea aspera, Dulichium arundinaceum, Eleocharis tricostata, Eriocaulon compressum, Eriocaulon ravenelii, Eriophorum virginicum, Habenaria repens, Harperocallis flava, Hartwrightia floridana, Hasteola robertiorum, Hymenocallis henryae, Liatris gholsonii, Liatris provincialis, Listera australis, Lobelia boykinii, Lophiola aurea, Ludwigia spathulata, Lythrum curtissii, Macbridea alba, Panicum hemitomon, Peltandra sagittifolia, Peltandra virginica, Phyllanthus liebmannianus ssp. platylepis, Pinguicula ionantha, Pinguicula planifolia, Rhexia parviflora, Silene polypetala, Smilax laurifolia, Spiranthes brevilabris, Sporobolus teretifolius, Thalictrum cooleyi, Tiedemannia canbyi, Triphora trianthophora, Verbesina heterophylla, Xyris serotina

Nonvascular

Sphaerocarpos donnellii

Floating aquatic

Nuphar lutea ssp. orbiculata, Nymphaea odorata ssp. odorata, Nymphoides aquatica

Submerged aquatic

Myriophyllum laxum, Orontium aquaticum
Source: NatureServe Ecological System assessment
Ecologically Associated Animals (20)

Animal species ecologically associated with this ecosystem type based on NatureServe assessment. These are species whose habitat requirements overlap with this ecosystem, not confirmed present in any specific roadless area.

Mammals (2)

Common NameScientific NameG-Rank
Florida PantherPuma concolor coryiG5T1
Florida Black BearUrsus americanus floridanusG5T4

Birds (3)

Common NameScientific NameG-Rank
Florida Sandhill CraneAntigone canadensis pratensisG5T2
Florida Scrub JayAphelocoma coerulescensG2
Wood StorkMycteria americanaG4

Reptiles (1)

Common NameScientific NameG-Rank
Glossy SwampsnakeLiodytes rigidaG5

Amphibians (8)

Common NameScientific NameG-Rank
Reticulated Flatwoods SalamanderAmbystoma bishopiG1
Frosted Flatwoods SalamanderAmbystoma cingulatumG1
Pig FrogLithobates grylioG5
Carpenter FrogLithobates virgatipesG4
Striped NewtNotophthalmus perstriatusG2
Northern Dwarf SirenPseudobranchus striatusG5
Broad-striped Dwarf SirenPseudobranchus striatus striatusG5T1T3
Greater SirenSiren lacertinaG5

Butterflies & Moths (2)

Common NameScientific NameG-Rank
Dukes' SkipperEuphyes dukesiG3G4
Okefenokee Zale MothZale percultaG2?

Insects (3)

Common NameScientific NameG-Rank
Logan's Agarodes CaddisflyAgarodes loganiG1
Sykora's Hydroptila CaddisflyHydroptila sykoraiG1
Setose Cream and Brown Mottled MicrocaddisflyOxyethira setosaG2G3

Other Invertebrates (1)

Common NameScientific NameG-Rank
Florida Sminthurus SpringtailSminthurus floridanusG1
Source: NatureServe Ecological System assessment
At-Risk Species Associated with this Ecosystem (53)

Species with conservation concern that are ecologically associated with this ecosystem type. G-Rank indicates global conservation status: G1 (critically imperiled) through G5 (secure). ESA status indicates U.S. Endangered Species Act listing.

Common NameScientific NameG-RankESA Status
Logan's Agarodes CaddisflyAgarodes loganiG1Under Review
Reticulated Flatwoods SalamanderAmbystoma bishopiG1Endangered
Frosted Flatwoods SalamanderAmbystoma cingulatumG1Threatened
Florida Sandhill CraneAntigone canadensis pratensisG5T2--
Florida Scrub JayAphelocoma coerulescensG2Threatened
Southern MilkweedAsclepias viridulaG2--
Purple BalduinaBalduina atropurpureaG2--
Bartram's IxiaCalydorea coelestinaG2G3--
Cypress-knee SedgeCarex decompositaG3G4--
Georgia TickseedCoreopsis nudataG3?--
Florida Orange-grassCtenium floridanumG2--
Tropical WaxweedCuphea asperaG2--
Ravenel's PipewortEriocaulon raveneliiG3G4--
Dukes' SkipperEuphyes dukesiG3G4--
Harper's BeautyHarperocallis flavaG2Endangered
Florida HartwrightiaHartwrightia floridanaG2G3Under Review
HammockherbHasteola robertiorumG1--
Sykora's Hydroptila CaddisflyHydroptila sykoraiG1Under Review
Henry's Spider-lilyHymenocallis henryaeG2Under Review
Smooth-barked St. John's-wortHypericum lissophloeusG2Under Review
White-wickyKalmia cuneataG3--
Gholson's BlazingstarLiatris gholsoniiG1--
Godfrey's BlazingstarLiatris provincialisG1G2--
PondberryLindera melissifoliaG3Endangered
PondspiceLitsea aestivalisG3--
Boykin's LobeliaLobelia boykiniiG2?Under Review
Spathulate SeedboxLudwigia spathulataG2--
Curtiss' LoosestrifeLythrum curtissiiG2Under Review
White Birds-in-a-nestMacbridea albaG2Threatened
Ashe's MagnoliaMagnolia asheiG3--
Loose Water-milfoilMyriophyllum laxumG3--
Striped NewtNotophthalmus perstriatusG2--
Yellow Pond-lilyNuphar lutea ssp. orbiculataG5T3--
Setose Cream and Brown Mottled MicrocaddisflyOxyethira setosaG2G3--
Spoon-flowerPeltandra sagittifoliaG3G4--
Florida Leaf-flowerPhyllanthus liebmannianus ssp. platylepisG4T2--
Violet-flowered ButterwortPinguicula ionanthaG2Threatened
Chapman's ButterwortPinguicula planifoliaG3?--
Broad-striped Dwarf SirenPseudobranchus striatus striatusG5T1T3--
Florida PantherPuma concolor coryiG5T1Endangered
Small-flower MeadowbeautyRhexia parvifloraG2G3Under Review
Chapman's RhododendronRhododendron chapmaniiG1Endangered
Swamp BuckthornSideroxylon thorneiG3--
Fringed CampionSilene polypetalaG2Endangered
Florida Sminthurus SpringtailSminthurus floridanusG1--
a liverwortSphaerocarpos donnelliiG2G3--
Texas Ladies'-tressesSpiranthes brevilabrisG1G2--
Wireleaf DropseedSporobolus teretifoliusG2Under Review
Cooley's MeadowrueThalictrum cooleyiG1Endangered
Canby's DropwortTiedemannia canbyiG2Endangered
Diverseleaf CrownbeardVerbesina heterophyllaG2--
Acid-swamp Yellow-eyed-grassXyris serotinaG3G4--
Okefenokee Zale MothZale percultaG2?--
Source: NatureServe Ecological System assessment
Component Associations (13)

Plant community associations that occur within this ecological system. Associations are the finest level of the U.S. National Vegetation Classification (USNVC) and describe specific, repeating assemblages of plant species. Each association represents a distinct community type that may be found where this ecosystem occurs.

NameG-Rank
Chamaecyparis thyoides - Pinus elliottii / Nyssa biflora - Acer rubrum var. trilobum / Serenoa repens Swamp NatureServe
Cliftonia monophylla / Lyonia lucida - Smilax laurifolia Swamp NatureServe
Nuphar orbiculata Aquatic Vegetation NatureServe
Nymphoides aquatica Aquatic Vegetation NatureServe
Nyssa biflora / Ilex myrtifolia / Carex glaucescens - Eriocaulon compressum SwampG2 NatureServe
Nyssa biflora - Magnolia virginiana - (Pinus elliottii) / Morella (caroliniensis, inodora) Swamp NatureServe
Panicum hemitomon - Pontederia cordata MarshG3 NatureServe
Pinus elliottii / Cliftonia monophylla - Cyrilla racemiflora Swamp Woodland NatureServe
Pinus elliottii / Lyonia lucida / Sarracenia minor var. okefenokeensis - Nymphaea odorata - Sphagnum spp. Wooded Wet Meadow NatureServe
Pinus elliottii - Taxodium ascendens / Lyonia lucida / Woodwardia virginica - Sphagnum spp. Swamp Woodland NatureServe
Pinus serotina / Lyonia lucida - Ilex glabra - (Cyrilla racemiflora) Wet ShrublandG3 NatureServe
Pinus serotina - Pinus elliottii / Cliftonia monophylla - Cyrilla racemiflora Swamp Woodland NatureServe
Taxodium distichum - Nyssa biflora - Acer rubrum - Magnolia virginiana Swamp NatureServe
State Conservation Ranks (5)

Subnational conservation status ranks (S-ranks) assigned by Natural Heritage Programs in each state where this ecosystem occurs. S1 indicates critically imperiled at the state level, S2 imperiled, S3 vulnerable, S4 apparently secure, and S5 secure. An ecosystem may be globally secure but imperiled in specific states at the edge of its range.

StateS-Rank
ALSNR
FLSNR
GASNR
MSSNR
SCSNR
Roadless Areas (3)

Inventoried Roadless Areas where this ecosystem is present, identified from LANDFIRE 2024 Existing Vegetation Type spatial analysis. Coverage indicates the proportion of each area occupied by this ecosystem type.

Florida (3)

AreaForestCoverageHectares
PinhookOsceola National Forest94.4%5,884.83
Natural Area WsaOsceola National Forest33.4%343.44
Impassable BayOsceola National Forest21.8%246.06
Methodology and Data Sources

Ecosystem classification: Ecosystems are classified using the LANDFIRE 2024 Existing Vegetation Type (EVT) layer, mapped to NatureServe Terrestrial Ecological Systems via a curated crosswalk. Each EVT is linked to the USNVC (U.S. National Vegetation Classification) hierarchy through pixel-level co-occurrence analysis of LANDFIRE EVT and NatureServe IVC Group rasters across all roadless areas.

Vegetation coverage: Coverage percentages and hectares are derived from zonal statistics of the LANDFIRE 2024 EVT raster intersected with roadless area boundaries.

Ecosystem narratives and community species: Sourced from the NatureServe Explorer API, representing professional ecological assessments of vegetation composition, environmental setting, dynamics, threats, and characteristic species assemblages.

IVC hierarchy: The International Vegetation Classification hierarchy is sourced from the USNVC v3.0 Catalog, providing the full classification from Biome through Association levels.

Component associations: Plant community associations listed as components of each NatureServe Ecological System. Association data from the NatureServe Explorer API.

State ranks: Conservation status ranks assigned by NatureServe member programs in each state where the ecosystem occurs.