Shrub swamp

[1][2] They are often considered transitional ("mid-successional") between wet meadows or fens and conifer or hardwood swamps.

specify large shrubs with small trees less than 35 feet (11 m) in height.

As a wet meadow matures it begins to fill in with vegetation and as this decomposes the soil thickens creating high spots (hummocks) above the water.

Consequently, they tend to be drier than wet meadows or forested swamps and permit water intolerant plant species to grow on the hummocks.

Common plants found in the shrub swamps of North America include alders, willows, elderberry and highbush blueberry.