Summary

Did you know?

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is aptly named - the resin from the tree was used as a chewing gum by several Native American tribes. The Cherokee, Choctaw, Koasati, and Rappahannock would knock a piece of bark from the sweetgum tree, causing resin to flow from the tree. The sap hardened after a week and was collected for chewing gum.

State Ranking Justification

There are an estimated 10 to 30 extant occurrences statewide. A few documented occurrences have good viability, but none of these are in excellent condition. A few are protected on public land or private conservation land. This community has a very limited statewide distribution that is primarily concentrated on Staten Island where there are several small, good quality examples. The current trend of this community is probably stable for occurrences on public land and private conservation land, or declining slightly elsewhere due to moderate threats that include alteration of the natural hydrology, development, and invasive species.

Short-term Trends

The number and acreage of red maple-sweetgum swamps in New York have probably declined slightly, or remained stable, in recent decades as a result of wetland protection regulations. Since World War II, urbanization has emerged as the predominant force impacting wetlands in most parts of the region (Golet et al. 1993).

Long-term Trends

The number and acreage of red maple-sweetgum swamps in New York have probably declined substantially from historical numbers likely correlated with agricultural and other development. The principal causes of wetland loss in the Northeast prior to mid-1800s include conversion of wetlands to agriculture, the construction of impoundments for hydropower and water supply, and the cutting of swamp timber for lumber, fence posts, and fuel wood (Golet et al. 1993). Extensive historical extirpation of red maple-sweetgum swamps has been cited by Stevens (1992). More wetlands are being drained and filled for development as undeveloped uplands in the metropolitan New York City area have become very scarce. Reportedly, no old-growth examples remain north of Richmond County (Stevens 1992).

Conservation and Management

Threats

Red maple-sweetgum swamps are threatened by development in the surrounding landscape and its assocaited run-off (e.g., residential, commercial, roads, utility ROWs, golf courses, etc.), habitat alteration (e.g., excessive logging, ditching, pollution), and recreational overuse (e.g., hiking trails, ATVs, trash dumping, illegal fires). Alteration to the natural hydrological regime is also a threat to this community (e.g., impoundments, blocked culverts). Several red maple-sweetgum swamps are threatened by invasive species, such as tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), barberry (Berberis thunbergii), Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), and reedgrass (Phragmites australis).Conversion of wetlands for agriculture was a major cause of inland wetland loss in many areas of the Northeast historically, and it is still an important factor today, most notably in New York (Golet et al. 1993).

Conservation Strategies and Management Practices

Where practical, establish and maintain a natural wetland buffer to reduce storm-water, pollution, and nutrient run-off, while simultaneously capturing sediments before they reach the wetland. Buffer width should take into account the erodibility of the surrounding soils, slope steepness, and current land use. Wetlands protected under Article 24 are known as New York State "regulated" wetlands. The regulated area includes the wetlands themselves, as well as a protective buffer or "adjacent area" extending 100 feet landward of the wetland boundary (NYS DEC 1995). If possible, minimize the number and size of impervious surfaces in the surrounding landscape. Avoid habitat alteration within the wetland and surrounding landscape. For example, roads and trails should be routed around wetlands, and should not pass through the buffer area. If the wetland must be crossed, then bridges and boardwalks are preferred over filling. Restore past impacts, such as removing obsolete impoundments and ditches in order to restore the natural hydrology. Prevent the spread of invasive exotic species into the wetland through appropriate direct management, and by minimizing potential dispersal corridors, such as roads.

Development and Mitigation Considerations

When considering road construction and other development activities minimize actions that will change what water carries and how water travels to this community, both on the surface and underground. Water traveling over-the-ground as run-off usually carries an abundance of silt, clay, and other particulates during (and often after) a construction project. While still suspended in the water, these particulates make it difficult for aquatic animals to find food; after settling to the bottom of the wetland, these particulates bury small plants and animals and alter the natural functions of the community in many other ways. Thus, road construction and development activities near this community type should strive to minimize particulate-laden run-off into this community. Water traveling on the ground or seeping through the ground also carries dissolved minerals and chemicals. Road salt, for example, is becoming an increasing problem both to natural communities and as a contaminant in household wells. Fertilizers, detergents, and other chemicals that increase the nutrient levels in wetlands cause algae blooms and eventually an oxygen-depleted environment where few animals can live. Herbicides and pesticides often travel far from where they are applied and have lasting effects on the quality of the natural community. So, road construction and other development activities should strive to consider: 1. how water moves through the ground, 2. the types of dissolved substances these development activities may release, and 3. how to minimize the potential for these dissolved substances to reach this natural community.

Inventory Needs

Continue searching for large sites in good condition (A- to AB-ranked).

Research Needs

Research the hydrologic regime of red maple-sweetgum swamps and determine what unique soil characteristics support this community. Assess examples (e.g., Arshamonaque) that are dominated by swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor), swamp cottonwood (Populus heterophylla), and pin oak (Quercus palustris) that have little or no red maple or sweetgum and determine if this is a new community type.

Rare Species

• Carex abscondita (Thicket Sedge) (guide)
• Carex collinsii (Collins' Sedge) (guide)
• Carex styloflexa (Bent Sedge) (guide)
• Euonymus americanus (American Strawberry Bush) (guide)
• Gentiana saponaria (Soapwort Gentian) (guide)
• Libellula flavida (Yellow-sided Skimmer) (guide)
• Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay Magnolia) (guide)
• Pinus echinata (Short-leaved Pine) (guide)
• Populus heterophylla (Swamp Cottonwood) (guide)
• Protonotaria citrea (Prothonotary Warbler) (guide)
• Pycnanthemum muticum (Blunt Mountain Mint) (guide)
• Smilax pulverulenta (Powdery Carrion Flower) (guide)
• Viburnum nudum var. nudum (Southern Wild Raisin) (guide)

Range

New York State Distribution

This community is apparently concentrated in the western half of Staten Island (Richmond County) with a few examples extending north to the Hudson Highlands in Westchester and Rockland counties. Red maple-sweetgum swamps were probably historically present in very small patches farther east in Queens, Kings, and Nassau Counties. It was also likely to have been present historically in Bronx and New York Counties.

Global Distribution

The community range is centered in the Mid-Atlantic Coast Ecoregion, but extends into the North Atlantic Coast Ecoregion, and includes New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and possibly North Carolina. It may extend farther north along the coast of Connecticut (Bray 1915).

Best Places to See

• Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve (Richmond County)
• Tallman Mountain State Park (Rockland County)

Identification Comments

General Description

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is often the dominant tree or may be codominant with red maple (Acer rubrum). The shrub layer is usually fairly well-developed. Characteristic shrubs are sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), swamp azalea (Rhododendron viscosum), arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum var. lucidum), spicebush (Lindera benzoin), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) and possibly fetterbush (Leucothoe racemosa). The herbaceous layer is often dominated by ferns, including netted chain fern (Woodwardia areolata), cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), and sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis). Characteristic herbs include lizard's-tail (Saururus cernuus), Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), jumpseed (Persicaria virginiana), skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) and jewelweed (Impatiens capensis).

Characters Most Useful for Identification

Red maple-sweetgum swamps occur on somewhat poorly drained seasonally wet flats, usually on somewhat acidic gleyed to mottled clay loam or sandy loam. Red maple-sweetgum swamps often occur as a mosaic with upland forest communities. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is often the dominant tree or may be codominant with red maple (Acer rubrum).

Elevation Range

Known examples of this community have been found at elevations between 8 feet and 190 feet.

Best Time to See

The community vegetation is at its peak during midsummer; at this time ferns, sedges, and herbs can be readily observed and identified. Striking seasonal leaf color can be enjoyed in the fall.

Red Maple-Sweetgum Swamp Images

Classification

International Vegetation Classification Associations

This New York natural community encompasses all or part of the concept of the following International Vegetation Classification (IVC) natural community associations. These are often described at finer resolution than New York's natural communities. The IVC is developed and maintained by NatureServe.

• Sweetgum - Red Maple - Willow Oak / Swamp Doghobble Swamp Forest (CEGL006110)

NatureServe Ecological Systems

This New York natural community falls into the following ecological system(s). Ecological systems are often described at a coarser resolution than New York's natural communities and tend to represent clusters of associations found in similar environments. The ecological systems project is developed and maintained by NatureServe.

• Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain Basin Swamp and Wet Hardwood Forest (CES203.520)
• Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain Pond (CES203.518)

Characteristic Species

• Trees > 5m

  • Acer rubrum
  • Liquidambar styraciflua (sweet-gum)
  • Nyssa sylvatica (black-gum, sour-gum)
  • Populus heterophylla (swamp cottonwood)
  • Quercus bicolor (swamp white oak)
  • Quercus palustris (pin oak)

• Shrubs 2 - 5m

  • Clethra alnifolia (coastal sweet-pepperbush)
  • Ilex verticillata (common winterberry)
  • Lindera benzoin (spicebush)
  • Photinia melanocarpa
  • Ulmus americana (American elm)
  • Viburnum dentatum

• Shrubs < 2m

  • Rhododendron viscosum (swamp azalea)

• Vines

  • Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia-creeper)
  • Smilax rotundifolia (common greenbrier)
  • Toxicodendron radicans

• Herbs

  • Impatiens capensis (spotted jewelweed, spotted touch-me-not)
  • Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern)
  • Osmunda cinnamomea
  • Polygonatum biflorum
  • Saururus cernuus (lizard's-tail)
  • Symplocarpus foetidus (skunk-cabbage)
  • Woodwardia areolata

Similar Ecological Communities

• Hemlock-hardwood swamp (guide)
  Hemlock-hardwood swamps occur in poorly-drained basins, and have a high density of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) in the canopy. Sweetgum is not characteristic of hemlock-hardwood swamps.
• Perched swamp white oak swamp (guide)
  Perched swamp white oak swamps occur on hillsides in shallow depressions where the local water table is perched above the surrounding groundwater level. Swamp white oak is a canopy dominant in this community, whereas it is present in relatively low densities in red maple-sweetgum swamps.
• Red maple-blackgum swamp (guide)
  Red maple-blackgum swamps occur in poorly-drained basins, and have red maple and blackgum as canopy codominants; sweetgum, if present, is low in density.
• Red maple-hardwood swamp (guide)
  Red maple-hardwood swamps occur in poorly-drained basins, and have ash, elm, and birch are the characteristic codominants in red maple-hardwood swamps; sweetgum, if present, is low in density.
• Red maple-swamp white oak swamp (guide)
  While both swamps draw down in most years, swamp white oak is codominant in red maple-swamp white oak swamps and only a minor component in red maple-sweetgum swamps.
• Silver maple-ash swamp (guide)
  Silver maple-ash swamps are dominated by silver maple (Acer saccharinum) and green ash (Acer pennsylvanica); sweetgum is usually absent in this community.

Vegetation

Additional Resources

References

Bray, W.L. 1915. The development of the vegetation of New York State. New York State College of Forestry, Tech. Publ. No. 3, Syracuse, NY.

Breden, T.F., Y. Alger, K. Strakosch Walz, and A.G. Windisch. 2001. Classification of Vegetation Communities of New Jersey: Second Iteration. Association for Biodiversity Information and New Jersey Natural Heritage Program, Office of Natural Lands Management, Division of Parks and Forestry, NJ Department of Environmental Protection. Trenton, NJ.

Edinger, G. J., D. J. Evans, S. Gebauer, T. G. Howard, D. M. Hunt, and A. M. Olivero (editors). 2014. Ecological Communities of New York State. Second Edition. A revised and expanded edition of Carol Reschke’s Ecological Communities of New York State. New York Natural Heritage Program, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, NY. https://www.nynhp.org/ecological-communities/

Edinger, Gregory J., D.J. Evans, Shane Gebauer, Timothy G. Howard, David M. Hunt, and Adele M. Olivero (editors). 2002. Ecological Communities of New York State. Second Edition. A revised and expanded edition of Carol Reschke's Ecological Communities of New York State. (Draft for review). New York Natural Heritage Program, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Albany, NY. 136 pp.

Greller, A.M. 2000. Mixed hardwood swamp forest on rolling uplands near Lake Success on Long Island. The Quarterly Newsletter of the Long Island Botanical Society. 10(2):18-20.

Greller, Andrew M. 1977. A classification of mature forests on Long Island, New York. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 140 (4):376-382.

Grossman, D. H., K. Lemon Goodin, and C. L. Reuss, editors. 1994. Rare plant communities of the conterminous United States: An initial survey. The Nature Conservancy. Arlington, VA. 620 pp.

New York Natural Heritage Program. 2023. New York Natural Heritage Program Databases. Albany, NY.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 1995. Freshwater Wetlands: Delineation Manual. July 1995. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Division of Fish, Wildlife, and Marine Resources. Bureau of Habitat. Albany, NY.

Rheinhardt, R., D. Whigham, H. Khan, and M. Brinson. 2000. Vegetation of headwater wetlands in the Inner Coastal Plain of Virginia and Maryland. Castanea 65(1):21-35.

Robichaud, B. and M.F. Buell. 1973. Vegetation of New Jersey: A study of landscape diversity. Rutgers Univ. Press. New Brunswick, NJ. 340 pp.

Sneddon, L., M. Anderson and K. Metzler. 1996. Community alliances and elements of the eastern region. Second draft. Unpublished report. The Nature Conservancy, Eastern Region Conservation Science, Boston, MA. April 11. 234 pp.

Stevens, G. 1992. Assessment of wetland delineation on the Great Sweet-gum Swamp Site, Village of Scarsdale, NY. Unpublished report. Hudsonia Ltd. Annandale, NY. June 30. 12 pp.

Links

• Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve
• Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) - USDA Plants
• Tallman Mountain State Park

About This Guide

This guide was authored by: Jennifer Garrett

Information for this guide was last updated on: March 23, 2017

Please cite this page as:
New York Natural Heritage Program. 2023. Online Conservation Guide for Red maple-sweetgum swamp. Available from: https://guides.nynhp.org/red-maple-sweetgum-swamp/. Accessed September 24, 2023.