Wetlands recently have been afforded increased protection through various changes in Federal regulations. These changes have resulted in significant part from an increased realization of the many unique values and functions of wetland ecosystems. The purpose of this study was to determine the relation between hydric and nonhydric soils and wetland vegetation: Do hydric soils support hydrophytic vegetation? Are hydrophytes (or 'wetland' species) generally restricted to hydric soils? The Osceola National Forest, Florida, was the principal test area for this study.