THE EFFECTS OF FLOODING ON BOTTOMLAND HARDWOOD SEEDLINGS PLANTED ON LIGNITE MINE SPOIL IN EAST TEXAS

Seedlings of five bottomland hardwood wetland species were planted in experimental wetlands constructed on lignite mine spoil in east Texas. First-year survival and timing of mortality were related to the flood tolerance of a given species. The order of survival regardless of flo od treatments was: baldcypress (Taxodium distichum), overcup oak (Quer cus lyrata), Nuttall oak (Quercus nuttalli), willow oak (Quercus phell os), and Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii). Hardwood species exhibited l ittle growth, possibly because of nutrient limitations and flood stres s. The low growth rates of bottomland hardwood seedlings planted on li gnite mine spoil, the complexity of bottomland hardwood systems, the t ime required for bottomland hardwoods to reach maturity, and the long- term success of creation or restoration projects are also reviewed.