Pond Swamps MRSP MAP Scrubby High Pine

Scrubby Flatwoods

Scrubby flatwoods is floristically and functionally intermediate between pine flatwoods and scrub, and sometimes (but not necessarily) occurs as an ecotone between them (Abrahamson and Hartnett 1990). Scrubby flatwoods differs from scrub by the presence of scattered wiregrass and a preponderance of flatwoods species such as fetterbush (Lyonia lucida), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), and gallberry (Ilex glabra). Shrubby oaks, including sand live oak, Chapman's oak, and myrtle oak or scrub oak, are often dominant and slash pine, sand pine or longleaf pine may be present. Plant species typical of scrubby flatwoods that may be considered indicators of the community include tarflower (Befaria racemosa), scrub St. John's wort (Hypericum reductum), and pennyroyal (Piloblephis rigida). Scrubby flatwoods is more mesic than scrub, has a higher water table (Abrahamson et al. 1984) and the vegetation is more dense. Scrubby flatwoods is drier that flatwoods and almost never has standing water (Abrahamson et al. 1984). It has been suggested that scrubby flatwoods sometimes captures pine flatwoods sites that have been logged and protected from fire (see Myers 1990).

Taken from: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1999. South Florida Multi-Species Recovery Plan. Atlanta, Georgia. Pp. 3:34.

Listed Species Occurring in Scrubby Flatwood Habitat
Florida Panther
Florida Scrub-Jay
Kirtland's Warber
Eastern Indigo Snake
Blue-tailed Mole Skink
Sand Skink
Four Petal Paw-paw
Florida Bonamia
Fragrant Prickly Apple
Pygmy Fringe Tree
Florida Golden Aster
Florida Perforate Cladonia
Pigeon Wings
Short-leave Rosemary
Avon Park Harebells
Garrett's Mint
Scrub Mint
Lakela's Mint
Scrub Buckwheat
Snakeroot
Highlands Crub Hypericum
Scrub Blazing Star
Scrub Lupine
Britton's Beargrass
Papery Whitlow-wort
Lewton's Polygala
Wireweed
Sandlace
Scrub Plum
Carter's Mustard
Florida Ziziphus