Physiognomy and Structure: This group primarily naturally contains stable, uneven-aged forests, with canopy dynamics dominated by gap-phase regeneration on a fine scale. Occasional extreme wind or ice events may disturb larger patches. Natural fire dynamics are not well-known and fire probably only occurred in years that were extremely dry. Fires may have occurred at moderate frequency but were probably usually low enough in intensity to have only limited effects. Most of the component species are among the less fire-tolerant in the region. Stands are dominated by broad-leaved deciduous trees forming a closed canopy, and are diverse and productive. Understory trees are common, and the shrub layer is of variable structure. The herbaceous layer is generally lush, composed of leafy forbs.

Floristics: Stands are dominated by a variable mixture of Acer saccharum (or in some cases Acer floridanum (= Acer barbatum) or Acer nigrum), Aesculus glabra, Carya cordiformis, Carya ovata, Celtis spp., Fraxinus americana, Juglans nigra, Quercus alba, Quercus muehlenbergii, Quercus rubra, Tilia americana, and Ulmus rubra. The subcanopy may include Acer floridanum or Acer saccharum, Aesculus glabra, Asimina triloba, Euonymus americanus, Euonymus atropurpureus, Frangula caroliniana, Hydrangea arborescens, Ilex decidua, Lindera benzoin, Menispermum canadense, and Ostrya virginiana. Shrubs and woody vines vary greatly with location but may include Asimina triloba, Frangula caroliniana, Hamamelis virginiana, Hydrangea arborescens, Lindera benzoin, Symphoricarpos orbiculatus, Viburnum rufidulum, and Vitis aestivalis. Characteristic herbs include Actaea racemosa (= Cimicifuga racemosa), Amphicarpaea bracteata, Aplectrum hyemale, Aralia racemosa, Aristolochia serpentaria, Asarum canadense, Brachyelytrum erectum, Cardamine concatenata, Chasmanthium latifolium, Circaea lutetiana ssp. canadensis, Collinsonia canadensis, Cynoglossum virginianum, Desmodium nudiflorum, Dioscorea quaternata, Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa, Hybanthus concolor, Hydrastis canadensis, Iris cristata, Panax quinquefolius, Phryma leptostachya, Podophyllum peltatum, Polygonum virginianum, Sanguinaria canadensis, Solidago flexicaulis, Stylophorum diphyllum, and Uvularia grandiflora. Numerous ferns may be found as well, including Adiantum pedatum, Asplenium platyneuron, Dennstaedtia punctilobula, Deparia acrostichoides (= Athyrium thelypterioides), Diplazium pycnocarpon (= Athyrium pycnocarpon), Phegopteris hexagonoptera, and Polystichum acrostichoides. Examples of this group are found in areas where Liriodendron tulipifera is absent and Fagus grandifolia is rare.

Dynamics:  This group primarily naturally contains stable, uneven-aged forests, with canopy dynamics dominated by gap-phase regeneration on a fine scale. Occasional extreme wind or ice events may disturb larger patches. Natural fire dynamics are not well-known and fire probably only occurred in years that were extremely dry. Fires may have occurred at moderate frequency but were probably usually low enough in intensity to have only limited effects. Most of the component species are among the less fire-tolerant in the region.