Atlantic white cedar - giant rhododendron swamp (S1)
The globally rare Atlantic white cedar - giant rhododendron swamp occurs at fewer than ten locations in New England, and the only one north of
This community type is similar to Atlantic white cedar - yellow birch - pepperbush swamp, and scattered plants characteristic of that type are also found in this type, but it differs for at least two reasons. First, giant rhododendron constitutes a majority of the understory cover and is a substantial contributor to total site biomass. Therefore it probably has a substantial influence on litter and soil quality. Second, the dense shading by giant rhododendron appears to exert a significant influence on other vegetation. This community is relatively species-poor compared to other types. Tall shrubs other than giant rhododendron are generally sparse. The herbaceous layer is also sparse.
A good example of this community (and the only one in NH) occurs at the Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve (Manchester).
Atlantic white cedar - giant rhododendron swamp occurs as part of a coastal conifer peat swamp system.
Atlantic white cedar - giant rhododendron swamp at Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve
(photo by Ben Kimball)
Atlantic white cedar - giant rhododendron swamp at The Nature Conservancy's
Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve in Manchester, NH (photo by Ben Kimball)
Sphagnum moss pool in an Atlantic white cedar - giant rhododendron swamp
in Manchester (photo by Ben Kimball)