Physiognomy and Structure: Stands are generally mixed evergreen-deciduous woodlands.

Floristics: Stands are dominated by some combination of Juniperus virginiana var. virginiana, Pinus virginiana, and Quercus montana (= Quercus prinus). Hardwood associates include Carya glabra, Carya ovalis, Carya ovata, Fraxinus americana, Quercus rubra, Quercus stellata, and Quercus velutina. The shrub layer includes Amelanchier arborea, Gaylussacia baccata, Quercus ilicifolia, Vaccinium pallidum, and Vaccinium stamineum. The herbaceous layer is generally sparse; grass and other graminoid species include Carex pensylvanica, Danthonia spicata, Deschampsia flexuosa, Dichanthelium linearifolium, and Schizachyrium scoparium. Forbs include Cunila origanoides, Heuchera americana, Hieracium venosum, Penstemon hirsutus, Phlox subulata, Symphyotrichum cordifolium, and Viola pedata. Lichens such as Cladonia spp. are abundant in some areas (Fike 1999, Zimmerman et al. 2012). Distinctive endemic herbs which may be present in some examples include Eriogonum allenii, Hieracium greenii, Packera antennariifolia, and Solidago arguta var. harrisii. These distinctive endemic herbs are not as diverse or abundant as in shale woodlands on more circumneutral substrates (Fike 1999, Zimmerman et al. 2012).

Dynamics:  The rocky substrates supporting examples of this alliance may effectively limit the normal establishment and development of trees. Although periodic drought stress limits some weeds, the shrub Symphoricarpos orbiculatus has become invasive in one occurrence. Ruderal weeds such as Veronica arvensis, Barbarea vulgaris, and Verbascum thapsus can also become problematic, especially in wet years.