FNAI COMMUNITY:

Scrub

STAGE DESCRIPTION

• Overstory: Mostly closed canopy cover of over 65% consisting of mature oaks (live and/or sand live) (Breininger et al., 1999; Myers, 1990).  Scrub hickory may be present (Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 1990).
• Mid Story: Within an area the size of a Scrub-jay territory (about 20 acres of scrub), almost the entire area is composed of shrubs that are taller than 6 feet in height.  Shrub layer consists of very little to no oaks.  Saw palmetto and rusty lyonia make up the greatest majority of shrub layer cover.  Florida rosemary and other shrubs are scattered throughout (Breininger et al., 1999).
• Ground Cover: Few to no exposed white sandy patches with most ground continuously covered with shrubs.  Shrub layer is taller and more dense than tall mixture stage and includes gopher apple, beak rush, and milk peas (Breininger et al., 1999).
• Duff/Litter Layer: Oak and pine litter cover most ground and may be dense in areas. Duff present and may be dense in areas (Myers, 1990).