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Successional Hardwoods

Description

Woodlands that have been cleared gradually return to woodland in a series of orderly stages called succession. First herbs, then shrubs, then fast-growing trees, and finally forest trees appear and grow, one species being replaced by another. The fast-growing trees often form dense stands of straight, narrow-trunked trees. These stands are called successional hardwoods.

Selected Plants

Young black birch growing at the site of the Mount Rascal fire.

Young black birch growing at the site of the Mount Rascal fire.

Trees

Shrubs

Herbs

Occurrence

Many small patches of successional hardwoods occur throughout the forest, on sites that have been cut or burned. The best place to see the contrast between successional hardwoods and oak forest is along Tamarack Pond Road, where patches of each occur side by side.

Ecology

Successional hardwoods at an old clearcut

Successional hardwoods at an old clearcut

Tree species found in successional hardwood stands are wind-dispersed and fast-growing. Their seeds require light to germinate, which makes it impossible for them to reproduce under a canopy. They are replaced by slower-growing forest species, whose seeds and seedlings can tolerate shade.

History

Successional growth always indicates past disturbance. Additional clues on the site can help determine the type of disturbance. Look for stumps and multiple-stemmed sprouts as an indication of logging. Fire scars at the base of trees, or a black layer in the soil can indicate fire. Stone walls or pieces of wire stapled to trunks indicate farmland or pasture.

Also Called

Selected References

For general references see the reference page.

Photos: Paul Harwood, Kerry Barringer