SUCCESSIONAL MIXED HARDWOODS
Succession is a natural process that occurs on the landscape after a major disturbance such
farming, logging, fire or flood. This never-ending process is shaped by the environment of the
site and the species available in the natural seed bank or by seed dispersal. A successional
mixed hardwood forest is dominated by pioneer tree species such as poplars, birches, maples,
and cherries. These wind-dispersed, sun-loving species grow fast and will colonize a disturbed
area. As the canopy closes, more shade tolerant species will move into the understory and tree
seedlings of the climax forest, such as oak or hickory, may appear.
Examples Include: Seton Falls (BX), Prospect Park (BK), Central Park (MN), Kissena Park (QU),
Heyerdale Hill (SI).
Recommended Plants:
Ferns
Dennstaedtia punctilobula Hay-scented fern
Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive fern
Osmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon fern
Graminoids
Carex blanda Eastern woodland sedge
Carex rosea Rosy sedge
Cinna arundinacea Stout woodreed
Dichanthelium clandestinum Deertongue
Luzula multiflora Common wood-rush
Panicum virgatum Switchgrass
Schizachyrium scoparium Little bluesstem
Sorghastrum nutans Indian grass
Forbs
Ageratina altissima White snakeroot
Cryptotaenia canadensis Canada honewort
Desmodium paniculatum Panicled tick-trefoil
Eurtrochium purpureum Sweet Joe-pye weed
Helianthus decapetalus Thin-leaved sunflower
Impatiens capensis Jewelweed
Smilacina racemosa False Solomon‟s seal
Penthorum sedodies Ditch stonecrrop
Vines
Lonicera sempervirens Trumpet honeysuckle
Vitis aestivalis Summer grape
Vitis vulpina Frost grape