WOODY VEGETATION OF AN OLD-GROWTH CREEKBOTTOM FOREST IN NORTH-CENTRAL TEXAS

Slope, creekbottom, and creekside forest stands were analyzed along Spring Creek just north of Garland, Texas. Important overstory species were Fraxinus sp., Ulmus sp., Carya illinoensis, Celtis laevigata, Quercus shumardii, and Q. muhlenbergii. The most prevalent shrubs and small trees were Cornus drummondii, Viburnum rufidulum, and Rhamnus caroliniana. Common vines were Vitis riparia, Toxicodendron radicans, and Parthenocissus quinquefolia. A vegetational continuum existed from creekside to creekbottom to slope. Total density was greatest in the slope community, whereas basal area was greatest in the creekside community. Species diversity increased along the continuum from creekside to slope.