Betsy Purdum Needle Palm in Hardwood Hammock

Wetland Hardwood Hammocks and Hardwood Hammocks

Wetland hardwood hammocks occur on poorly drained soils subject to constant seepage or high water tables. They are subject to flooding but do not remain flooded for as long as hardwood swamps. This community has an evergreen appearance and supports luxurious vegetation and a diversity of plants and animals found in both drier and wetter sites. Characteristic components of this community include live oak, laurel oak, water oak, cabbage palm, southern magnolia, sweetbay, red maple, sweet gum, and red bay. The understory includes hawthorn, wax myrtle, witchhazel, saw palmetto, and yaupon.

Hardwood hammocks are typically associated with upland areas near streams and rivers. Dominant species include laurel oak or water oak, live oak, pignut hickory, and southern magnolia. The understory contains American holly, rusty lyonia, saw palmetto, sparkleberry, wax myrtle, and American beautyberry.

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