Home/Ecosystems/ Southern Appalachian Bog and Fen

Southern Appalachian Bog and Fen

EVT 9232Southern and Central Appalachian Bog and Fen

CES202.300GNRTreeRiparian

Summary

This system consists of wetlands associated with flat sites in the Southern Blue Ridge, Central Appalachians, Cumberland Mountains, and possibly upper Piedmont and adjacent Ridge and Valley. These sites occur at elevations below 1220 m (4000 feet) in poorly drained bottomlands on soils which are often saturated and mucky. Wetness results from a combination of groundwater input, seepage from adjacent slopes, rainfall and impeded drainage. The amount of seepage water input is variable among examples, and these wetlands are typically primarily depressional. Vegetation is at least partially open, with herbaceous-dominated areas as well as shrub thickets and often forested zones. Vegetation is a complex of zones or patches with a mix of physiognomies. The wettest areas have herbaceous vegetation dominated by Carex spp., usually with abundant Sphagnum. Scattered trees and shrubs may be present in the herbaceous zones. Most examples also have a dense shrub zone around the edges. Some examples have forested zones as well, around the edges or as a matrix in which numerous small herbaceous openings are embedded. Characteristic tree species are Tsuga canadensis, Acer rubrum, Nyssa sylvatica, and Pinus rigida. Characteristic shrubs include Rhododendron maximum, Alnus serrulata, Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides, and Toxicodendron vernix.

Source: NatureServe Explorer

Vegetation

Vegetation is a complex of zones or patches with a mix of physiognomies. The wettest areas have herbaceous vegetation dominated by Carex spp., usually with abundant Sphagnum. Scattered trees and shrubs may be present in the herbaceous zones. Most examples also have a dense shrub zone around the edges. Some examples have forest zones as well, around the edges or as a matrix in which numerous small herbaceous openings are embedded. Characteristic tree species are Tsuga canadensis, Acer rubrum, Nyssa sylvatica, and Pinus rigida. Characteristic shrubs include Rhododendron maximum, Alnus serrulata, Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides, and Toxicodendron vernix. A number of plant species are shared with northern bogs, including some that are disjunct long distances and occur in the south only in bogs. Other species are narrow endemics, such as Sarracenia rubra ssp. jonesii. In the more southern examples, some species are shared with bog communities in the Coastal Plain. The very rare richer fen examples have very distinctive vegetation, sharing a number of species with northern rich fens. Some characteristic bog/fen species include Carex atlantica, Carex echinata, Carex leptalea, Eriophorum virginicum, Chelone cuthbertii, and Solidago patula. In addition, Symplocarpus foetidus occurs in bogs, but it is rare south of Virginia. Other bog plants include Carex collinsii, Carex folliculata, Drosera rotundifolia, Eriocaulon decangulare, Juncus gymnocarpus, Picea rubens, Rosa palustris, Sarracenia purpurea var. montana, Symphyotrichum puniceum, Toxicodendron vernix, Vaccinium macrocarpon, and Sphagnum spp. When found in wetlands, Pinus rigida and Nyssa sylvatica seem to be characteristic of bogs and not seeps.

Source: NatureServe Explorer

Environment

This system occurs in patches in flat valley bottoms, usually on the outer edges of stream floodplains at elevations below 1220 m (4000 feet). The soil is saturated most or all of the year, at least in the wettest parts, and may be very mucky. Although sites rarely flood, wetness results from a combination of groundwater input, rainfall, seepage from adjacent slopes, and impeded drainage. The groundwater is usually highly acidic and low in dissolved bases, but one or a few examples have somewhat calcareous water input because groundwater flows through mafic rock substrates. Overland flow and stream flooding are presumably only rare events. The geologic substrate is usually alluvium. Often, but not always, there is an adjacent slope with a seep at its base or some visible microtopographic feature, such as a stream levee or ridge, that impedes water drainage out of the area. Some occurrences have substantial microtopography of abandoned stream channels or ridge-and-swale systems that pond water in low areas.

Source: NatureServe Explorer

Dynamics

The natural dynamics of this system are not well known and are subject to debate. The factors that created and naturally maintain this system are unclear. Most examples show a strong tendency at present for shrubs and trees to increase in density in the open areas, threatening to eliminate the characteristic herb species. This suggests that an important process has been altered or lost. One hypothesis is that bogs are an ephemeral feature developing from abandoned beaver ponds. Another hypothesis is that they result from a narrow combination of moisture and nutrient conditions, which have been widely altered in an obscure way that has changed ecosystem stability. The cattle grazing that was nearly universal in examples of this system in the past appears to have delayed woody succession but may also have altered the natural characteristics. Fire is sometimes considered as a factor, but most examples do not appear flammable enough to burn. Besides woody encroachment, bogs may be altered by changes in adjacent drainage, such as entrenchment by streams.

Source: NatureServe Explorer

Distribution

This system ranges from the southern Appalachians of northern Georgia and South Carolina north to Virginia. It is also found in the Cumberland Mountains of Kentucky.

Source: NatureServe Explorer

Ecologically Associated Plant Species

Plant species that characterize this ecosystem type, organized by vegetation stratum. These are species ecologically associated with the ecosystem, not confirmed present in any specific area.

Tree canopy

Acer rubrum, Nyssa sylvatica, Pinus rigida, Tsuga canadensis

Shrub/sapling (tall & short)

Alnus incana ssp. rugosa, Alnus serrulata, Amelanchier bartramiana, Cornus sericea, Ilex collina, Kalmia carolina, Leucothoe racemosa, Lonicera canadensis, Rhamnus alnifolia, Rhododendron maximum, Rhododendron vaseyi, Ribes americanum, Spiraea tomentosa, Taxus canadensis, Toxicodendron vernix, Viburnum lentago, Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides

Short shrub/sapling

Linnaea borealis, Vaccinium macrocarpon

Herb (field)

Arisaema triphyllum ssp. stewardsonii, Bartonia virginica, Botrychium oneidense, Calamagrostis stricta, Calopogon tuberosus, Caltha palustris, Carex atlantica, Carex bromoides ssp. montana, Carex buxbaumii, Carex conoidea, Carex flava, Carex interior, Carex oligosperma, Carex projecta, Carex ruthii, Carex scabrata, Carex schweinitzii, Carex sp. 3, Carex stricta, Carex trichocarpa, Carex trisperma, Carex verrucosa, Carex vesicaria, Chelone cuthbertii, Cladium mariscoides, Coryphopteris simulata, Cypripedium reginae, Danthonia epilis, Desmodium canadense, Dryopteris carthusiana, Eleocharis intermedia, Epilobium leptophyllum, Equisetum sylvaticum, Eriophorum virginicum, Euphorbia purpurea, Eurybia radula, Eutrochium maculatum, Filipendula rubra, Galium asprellum, Helenium brevifolium, Helonias bullata, Hydrocotyle americana, Isotria verticillata, Juncus brachycephalus, Juncus caesariensis, Juncus filiformis, Juncus gymnocarpus, Juncus subcaudatus, Liatris aspera, Lilium grayi, Listera cordata, Listera smallii, Lorinseria areolata, Lysimachia terrestris, Lythrum alatum, Maianthemum stellatum, Menyanthes trifoliata, Micranthes pensylvanica, Minuartia godfreyi, Muhlenbergia glomerata, Narthecium americanum, Packera paupercula, Palustricodon aparinoides, Parnassia asarifolia, Parnassia grandifolia, Pedicularis lanceolata, Persicaria arifolia, Platanthera flava var. herbiola, Platanthera integrilabia, Platanthera psycodes, Poa paludigena, Polemonium vanbruntiae, Rhynchospora alba, Rubus repens, Rudbeckia laciniata var. digitata, Sabatia campanulata, Sagittaria fasciculata, Sanguisorba canadensis, Sarracenia jonesii, Sarracenia oreophila, Sarracenia purpurea var. montana, Sarracenia rubra, Solidago uliginosa, Spiranthes lucida, Stellaria longifolia, Triantha glutinosa, Trillidium undulatum, Trillium pusillum var. virginianum, Veronica scutellata

Nonvascular

Dicranum undulatum, Fuscocephaloziopsis pleniceps var. pleniceps, Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum fimbriatum, Sphagnum fuscum, Sphagnum subsecundum, Sphagnum warnstorfii, Splachnum pensylvanicum

Submerged aquatic

Elodea canadensis, Myriophyllum pinnatum, Orontium aquaticum

Source: NatureServe Ecological System assessment

Ecologically Associated Animals (28)

Animal species ecologically associated with this ecosystem type based on NatureServe assessment. These are species whose habitat requirements overlap with this ecosystem, not confirmed present in any specific roadless area.

Mammals (5)

Common Name	Scientific Name	G-Rank
Red Wolf	Canis rufus	G1
Star-nosed Mole	Condylura cristata	G5
Southeastern Myotis	Myotis austroriparius	G4
Southeastern Shrew	Sorex longirostris	G5
Southern Bog Lemming	Synaptomys cooperi	G5

Birds (2)

Common Name	Scientific Name	G-Rank
Sedge Wren	Cistothorus stellaris	G5
Alder Flycatcher	Empidonax alnorum	G5

Reptiles (1)

Common Name	Scientific Name	G-Rank
Common Ribbonsnake	Thamnophis saurita saurita	G5T5

Amphibians (9)

Common Name	Scientific Name	G-Rank
Eastern Tiger Salamander	Ambystoma tigrinum	G5
Seepage Salamander	Desmognathus aeneus	G4
Carolina Mountain Dusky Salamander	Desmognathus carolinensis	G4
Imitator Salamander	Desmognathus imitator	G3G4
Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander	Desmognathus ochrophaeus	G5
Santeetlah Dusky Salamander	Desmognathus santeetlah	G3G4Q
Longtail Salamander	Eurycea longicauda	G5
Mountain Chorus Frog	Pseudacris brachyphona	G5
Mud Salamander	Pseudotriton montanus	G5

Butterflies & Moths (4)

Common Name	Scientific Name	G-Rank
Two-spotted Skipper	Euphyes bimacula	G4
Mitchell's Satyr	Neonympha mitchellii	G2
Northern Crescent	Phyciodes cocyta	G5
Gray Comma	Polygonia progne	G5

Other Invertebrates (3)

Common Name	Scientific Name	G-Rank
Northern Spiny Softshell Turtle	Apalone spinifera spinifera	G5T5
Spotted Turtle	Clemmys guttata	G5
Bog Turtle	Glyptemys muhlenbergii	G2G3

Other (4)

Common Name	Scientific Name	G-Rank
Silver-bordered Fritillary	Boloria selene	G5
Northern Zigzag Salamander	Plethodon dorsalis	G5
Eastern Cougar	Puma concolor couguar	G5TXQ
Loggerhead Musk Turtle	Sternotherus minor	G5

Source: NatureServe Ecological System assessment

At-Risk Species Associated with this Ecosystem (28)

Species with conservation concern that are ecologically associated with this ecosystem type. G-Rank indicates global conservation status: G1 (critically imperiled) through G5 (secure). ESA status indicates U.S. Endangered Species Act listing.

Common Name	Scientific Name	G-Rank	ESA Status
Red Wolf	Canis rufus	G1	Endangered; Experimental population, non-essential
Brome-like Sedge	Carex bromoides ssp. montana	G5T3?	--
Ruth's Sedge	Carex ruthii	G3G4	--
Schweinitz's Sedge	Carex schweinitzii	G3G4	--
Fen Sedge	Carex sp. 3	G1	--
Cuthbert's Turtlehead	Chelone cuthbertii	G3	--
Imitator Salamander	Desmognathus imitator	G3G4	--
Santeetlah Dusky Salamander	Desmognathus santeetlah	G3G4Q	--
Glade Spurge	Euphorbia purpurea	G3	--
Bog Turtle	Glyptemys muhlenbergii	G2G3	Threatened; Threatened due to similarity of appearance
Swamp-pink	Helonias bullata	G3	Threatened
Long-stalk Holly	Ilex collina	G3	--
New Jersey Rush	Juncus caesariensis	G2G3	--
Gray's Lily	Lilium grayi	G1G2	--
Godfrey's Stitchwort	Minuartia godfreyi	G1	Under Review
Bog Asphodel	Narthecium americanum	G2	--
Mitchell's Satyr	Neonympha mitchellii	G2	--
Largeleaf Grass-of-Parnassus	Parnassia grandifolia	G3G4	--
White Fringeless Orchid	Platanthera integrilabia	G2	Threatened
Bog Bluegrass	Poa paludigena	G3G4	--
Bog Jacob's-ladder	Polemonium vanbruntiae	G3	--
Eastern Cougar	Puma concolor couguar	G5TXQ	Delisted
Pink-shell Azalea	Rhododendron vaseyi	G3	--
Bunched Arrowhead	Sagittaria fasciculata	G2	Endangered
Mountain Sweet Pitcherplant	Sarracenia jonesii	G2	Endangered
Green Pitcherplant	Sarracenia oreophila	G2	Endangered
Purple Pitcherplant	Sarracenia purpurea var. montana	G5T1T2	Under Review
Virginia Least Trillium	Trillium pusillum var. virginianum	G3T2	--

Source: NatureServe Ecological System assessment

Component Associations (29)

Plant community associations that occur within this ecological system. Associations are the finest level of the U.S. National Vegetation Classification (USNVC) and describe specific, repeating assemblages of plant species. Each association represents a distinct community type that may be found where this ecosystem occurs.

Name	G-Rank
Acer rubrum - Fraxinus pennsylvanica / Lindera benzoin / Osmunda regalis - Pedicularis lanceolata Seep Forest		NatureServe
Acer rubrum var. trilobum - Nyssa sylvatica / Osmunda cinnamomea - Carex intumescens / Sphagnum lescurii Seep Forest		NatureServe
Alnus serrulata - Kalmia carolina - Rhododendron catawbiense / Carex folliculata - Lilium grayi Seepage Shrubland		NatureServe
Alnus serrulata - Lindera benzoin / Scutellaria lateriflora - Thelypteris noveboracensis Seepage Shrubland		NatureServe
Alnus serrulata - Rhododendron arborescens / Sarracenia oreophila - Rhynchospora rariflora Seepage Shrubland		NatureServe
Alnus serrulata - Rhododendron viscosum - Rhododendron maximum / Juncus gymnocarpus - Chelone cuthbertii Seepage Shrubland		NatureServe
Alnus serrulata / Sanguisorba canadensis - Calamagrostis canadensis Seepage Shrubland		NatureServe
Alnus serrulata / Sanguisorba canadensis - Parnassia grandifolia - Helenium brevifolium Seepage Shrubland		NatureServe
Alnus serrulata - Viburnum nudum var. nudum - Chamaedaphne calyculata / Woodwardia areolata - Sarracenia rubra ssp. jonesii Seepage Shrubland		NatureServe
Carex (atlantica, echinata, leptalea, lurida) - Solidago patula Herbaceous Seep		NatureServe
Carex atlantica - Rhynchospora alba - Parnassia asarifolia / Sphagnum warnstorfii Herbaceous Seep		NatureServe
Carex atlantica - Solidago patula var. patula - Lilium grayi / Sphagnum bartlettianum Herbaceous Seep		NatureServe
Carex canescens - Eriophorum virginicum / Sphagnum spp. Fen		NatureServe
Carex echinata - Solidago uliginosa / Sphagnum spp. Seepage Meadow		NatureServe
Carex gynandra - Platanthera clavellata - Drosera rotundifolia - Carex ruthii / Sphagnum spp. Herbaceous Seep		NatureServe
Carex gynandra - Scirpus cyperinus - Eriophorum virginicum - Osmunda cinnamomea Herbaceous Seep		NatureServe
Carex stricta - Caltha palustris - Oxypolis rigidior - Symphyotrichum puniceum Herbaceous Seep		NatureServe
Cladium mariscoides - Sanguisorba canadensis / Sphagnum subsecundum Herbaceous Seep		NatureServe
Dulichium arundinaceum - Carex folliculata - Juncus spp. Seepage Meadow		NatureServe
Juncus effusus Marsh		NatureServe
Physocarpus opulifolius - Alnus serrulata / Osmunda regalis - Parnassia grandifolia - Eryngium integrifolium Seepage Shrubland		NatureServe
Picea rubens - (Tsuga canadensis) / Rhododendron maximum Swamp		NatureServe
Pinus rigida / Osmunda cinnamomea - Carex stricta - Eriophorum virginicum / Sphagnum spp. Swamp Woodland		NatureServe
Pinus rigida / Toxicodendron vernix / Gaylussacia baccata / Symplocarpus foetidus Seep Woodland		NatureServe
Pinus strobus - Acer rubrum / Spiraea alba var. latifolia / Sanguisorba canadensis Woodland		NatureServe
Rhododendron (maximum, catawbiense) - Ilex collina - Salix sericea / Eriophorum virginicum Seepage Shrubland		NatureServe
Rhododendron maximum / Sphagnum spp. Seepage Shrubland		NatureServe
Spiraea alba var. latifolia - Cornus racemosa / Calamagrostis canadensis - Sanguisorba canadensis - Carex scoparia Seepage Shrubland		NatureServe
Tsuga canadensis - Acer rubrum - (Nyssa sylvatica) / Rhododendron maximum / Sphagnum spp. Seep Forest		NatureServe

State Conservation Ranks (6)

Subnational conservation status ranks (S-ranks) assigned by Natural Heritage Programs in each state where this ecosystem occurs. S1 indicates critically imperiled at the state level, S2 imperiled, S3 vulnerable, S4 apparently secure, and S5 secure. An ecosystem may be globally secure but imperiled in specific states at the edge of its range.

State	S-Rank
GA	SNR
KY	SNR
NC	SNR
SC	SNR
TN	S2
VA	SNR

Methodology and Data Sources

Ecosystem classification: Ecosystems are classified using the LANDFIRE 2024 Existing Vegetation Type (EVT) layer, mapped to NatureServe Terrestrial Ecological Systems via a curated crosswalk. Each EVT is linked to the USNVC (U.S. National Vegetation Classification) hierarchy through pixel-level co-occurrence analysis of LANDFIRE EVT and NatureServe IVC Group rasters across all roadless areas.

Vegetation coverage: Coverage percentages and hectares are derived from zonal statistics of the LANDFIRE 2024 EVT raster intersected with roadless area boundaries.

Ecosystem narratives and community species: Sourced from the NatureServe Explorer API, representing professional ecological assessments of vegetation composition, environmental setting, dynamics, threats, and characteristic species assemblages.

IVC hierarchy: The International Vegetation Classification hierarchy is sourced from the USNVC v3.0 Catalog, providing the full classification from Biome through Association levels.

Component associations: Plant community associations listed as components of each NatureServe Ecological System. Association data from the NatureServe Explorer API.

State ranks: Conservation status ranks assigned by NatureServe member programs in each state where the ecosystem occurs.