Florida's Native Plant Communities

Hydric hammocks are found in central and northern Florida, typically on low, flat, poorly drained sites maintained by rainfall. While flooding is usually brief, soils often remain moist for extended periods. In some areas, limestone lies near the surface, and hydric conditions may also be influenced by river flooding, seepage, or spring discharge. Soils are variable—ranging from somewhat acidic to slightly alkaline with little organic matter—but alkaline materials are always present in the substrate. These conditions favor calcium-loving species such as red cedar ( Juniperus virginiana ) and rattan vine ( Berchemia scandens ). Fire is rare to occasional, depending on surrounding community fire frequency and hammock size (FNAI, 2010).

Vegetation

Characteristic canopy and subcanopy species include water oak ( Quercus nigra ), cabbage palm ( Sabal palmetto ), red cedar ( Juniperus virginiana ), red maple ( Acer rubrum ), several bay species ( Persea spp. ), hackberry ( Celtis laevigata ), American hornbeam ( Carpinus caroliniana ), blackgum ( Nyssa sylvatica ), needle palm ( Rhapidophyllum hystrix ), and other hardwoods.

Notable rare species associated with hydric hammocks include:

• Auricled spleenwort ( Asplenium erosum )
• Chapman’s sedge ( Carex chapmanii )
• Hay-scented fern ( Dennstaedtia bipinnata )
• Florida hasteola ( Hasteola robertiorum )
• Star anise (I llicium parviflorum )
• Hand fern ( Ophioglossum palmatum )
• Plume polypody ( Pecluma plumula )
• Terrestrial peperomia ( Peperomia humilis )
• Pinewoods dainties ( Phyllanthus liebmannianus ssp. platylepis )
• Pinkroot ( Spigelia loganioides )

Good examples of hydric hammock occur at:

• Bulow Creek State Park
• Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park
• Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area
• Lower Hillsborough River Flood Detention Area
• St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
• Triple N Ranch Wildlife Management Area
• Richloam Unit, Withlacoochee State Forest