Anoka Ecosystems:
Maple Basswood Forest
Maple-basswood forests, called the "Big Woods" to early Minnesotans, have not been as prevalent in Anoka County as neighboring counties, though these ecosystems have historically existed in larger protected stands in the northwestern and southeastern parts of the county. Currently stands are rare in the region and exist in small patches less than 40 acres.
This forest type consists of dense, continuous canopies of sugar maples, basswood and American elm. Maple-basswood forests often have an open or sparsely layered understory with tall straight trees forming a dense canopy. These forests have a beautiful layer of perennial spring flowers, called spring ephemerals, that bloom before the dense canopy fills out on the trees above. These include species such as Dutchman's breeches, white trout lily, and false rue-anemone. Maple-basswood forest will often succeed mesic oak forests and maintain their form without fire.
These forests, if left undisturbed, can achieve "old-growth" status due to the life span of the species, which can be in excess of 250 years. If left untouched, these forests can also evolve into pure stands of sugar maple. These pure stands are exceptionally rare, though, as stands have historically been cleared to farm the nutrient rich soils. Many stands were initially altered by selective harvesting during European settlement. Further, Minnesotans have also historically utilized these forests for maple syrup production. However, other factors have been involved in the disturbance of these stands, including the spread of Dutch elm disease.
Sources:
"Minnesota's Native Vegetation: A Key to Natural Communities"
Version 1.5 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage
Program, 1993.
Wovcha, D, Delaney, B, Nordquist, G. Minnesota's St. Croix River Valley and Anoka Sandplain: A Guide to Native Habitats Minneapolis: University of Minnesota, 1995.
