The Central and southern Appalachian montane oak forest is a forest system found in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

These forests occur on exposed sites such as ridgecrests and south- to west-facing slopes, typically from about 3,000 to 4,500 feet (910 to 1,370 m) elevation, but sometimes extending to 5,500 feet (1,700 m). Soils are thin, weathered, nutrient-poor, low in organic matter, and acidic. Trees are often stunted and wind-flagged.

Flora

The Central and southern Appalachian montane oak forest commonly includes: the Northern red oak (Quercus rubra) and white oak (Quercus alba), and sprouts of American chestnut (Castanea dentata).

Common shrubs include: Winterberry (Ilex montana), flame azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum), catawba rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense), and great rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum).[1][2][3][4]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Central and Southern Appalachian Montane Oak Forest". NatureServe Explorer. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  2. ^ "Natural Communities of Virginia - Terrestrial System - Low-Elevation Dry and Dry - Mesic Forests and Woodlands: Montane Mixed Oak and Oak - Hickory Forests". Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Archived from the original on 1 May 2007. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  3. ^ George Washington National Forest 1993 Revised Forest Plan. United States Forest Service. 1993.
  4. ^ Jefferson National Forest 2004 Revised Forest Plan. United States Forest Service. 2004.
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