Central and southern Appalachian montane oak forest

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 ridge crests 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

• Appalachian temperate rainforest
• Southern Appalachian spruce–fir forest

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.