Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available

Floristics: This forest has a closed canopy dominated by Quercus stellata with a significant component of Quercus falcata. Quercus alba tends be absent or of minor importance (found more frequently locally on more mesic locations, typically downslope). Ostrya virginiana is common in the subcanopy, as it occurs in nearly all upland forests on Crowley''s Ridge. Cornus florida appears to be lacking from these forests for unknown reasons, but Carya pallida and Sassafras albidum are diagnostic. Quercus velutina may be present but is also common in more mesic stands on Crowley''s Ridge (NatureServe Ecology unpubl. data). Woody species diversity is quite low; Ulmus alata is one of the few other species recorded in these stands, along with some Pinus taeda (which appears to have encroached from nearby planted, non-native stands). The herbaceous component of this forest is only poorly documented, but a number of species can be present (NatureServe Ecology unpubl. data).

Dynamics:  The landscape in which this community occurs is highly dissected and surrounded by ravines and bottomlands. These factors suggest that naturally occurring fire events could have been rare. However, the western edges of Crowley''s Ridge were probably burning at a high frequency (T. Foti pers. comm.), and it is not clear how stable this oak-dominated forest would be given continued invasion of more mesic species from the surrounding areas. Some form of fire management may be necessary to maintain oak dominance and regeneration. Indeed, sampled stands are being managed with fire. The effect of these fires on species composition and structure is unknown. However, with increased fire frequency the stand density and canopy cover would decrease and fire-tolerant species would be favored. There would be decreases in woody stems and increases in herbaceous-layer density and cover, especially the grass component.