The Vegetation of the Low-Shrub Bogs of Northern New Jersey and Adjacent New York: Ecosystems at their Southern Limit

Abstract

LYNN, L. M. AND E. F. KARLIN (Div. Nat. Sci. and Math., Bergen Comm. Coll., Paramus, N.J. 07652 and Sch. of Theor. and Applied Science, Ramapo Coll. of NJ., Mahwah, N.J. 07430). The Vegetation of the northern low-shrub bogs of NewJersey and southeastern New York: Ecosystems at their southern limit. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 112:436-444. 1985.-The vegetation of six lowshrub bogs located near the glacial boundary was quantified using phytosociological methods. Based on pH and Ca ion concentrations, these peatlands were all weakly minerotrophic to ombrotrophic systems. The dominant vascular species were Chamaedaphne calyculata, Decodon verticillatus, Kalmia angustifolia and Vaccinium corymbosum. A number of plant species which are characteristic of northern peatlands and which reach their southern distributional limit in the study region were absent from the low-shrub bogs studied, although Andromeda glaucophylla and Kalmia polifolia were present. Several species were also present in all of the study sites which are not usually found in low-shrub bogs located further north.