Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available

Floristics: The canopy is a mix of trees, with Quercus alba generally most abundant. Carya tomentosa (= Carya alba), Quercus velutina, Quercus rubra, Quercus nigra, Liquidambar styraciflua, Liriodendron tulipifera, and Pinus taeda are frequent. The understory is generally well-developed. It is dominated by varying combinations of Oxydendrum arboreum, Cornus florida, Ilex opaca, and Nyssa sylvatica, sometimes with Persea palustris or Magnolia virginiana, along with the canopy species. The shrub layer ranges from sparse to moderately dense and is variable in composition. Frequent species are Gaylussacia frondosa, Symplocos tinctoria, Vaccinium stamineum, Vaccinium tenellum, Hamamelis virginiana, and Styrax americanus. Other species include Morella cerifera, Callicarpa americana, and Vaccinium arboreum. Wetland species such as Ilex glabra or Clethra alnifolia are often present in small numbers. The herb layer is generally sparse. Chasmanthium laxum, Mitchella repens, and Hexastylis arifolia are the most frequent. Wetland herbs such as Osmunda regalis, Osmunda cinnamomea, or Woodwardia areolata are often present in small numbers.

Dynamics:  This community naturally exists predominantly as uneven-aged, old-growth forest. Stands are subject to small to moderate-sized patch disturbances by windthrow in hurricanes and possibly by fire. They occur in sites that are partially sheltered from fire, but some fires likely penetrate at low intensity.