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Central Appalachian Rocky Pine-Oak Woodland

EVT 7557Central Appalachian Pine-Oak Rocky Woodland
CES202.600GNRTreeConifer-hardwood
View on NatureServe Explorer
Summary
This system encompasses open or patchily wooded hilltops and outcrops or rocky slopes in the Central Appalachians, High Allegheny Plateau, and Lower New England / Northern Piedmont. It occurs mostly at lower elevations, but occasionally up to 1220 m (4000 feet) in West Virginia. The substrate rock is generally granitic or of other acidic lithology, although near the northern limit of its range in New England, examples can also occur on intermediate, base-rich, or mafic bedrock including traprock. The vegetation is patchy, with woodland as well as open portions. Pinus rigida (and within its range Pinus virginiana) is diagnostic and often mixed with xerophytic Quercus spp. and sprouts of Castanea dentata. In New England, some examples lack pine and feature Juniperus virginiana or Ostrya virginiana as important codominants with oak. Some areas have a fairly well-developed heath shrub layer, others a graminoid layer, the latter particularly common under oaks or other deciduous trees. Conditions are dry and for the most part nutrient-poor, and at many, if not most, sites, a history of fire is evident. In the Central Appalachians ecoregion, this system is rarely found on sandy soils rather than rock.
Source: NatureServe Explorer
Vegetation
Short-statured Pinus pungens and Pinus rigida are usually the dominants forming an open overstory, often with codominant Quercus montana. Less important tree associates include Quercus coccinea, Pinus virginiana, and Sassafras albidum. Except in the Piedmont, Quercus ilicifolia is characteristically abundant in the shrub layer, along with various ericaceous species. Colonial shrubs usually preempt available microhabitats for most herbaceous species, but Pteridium aquilinum var. latiusculum and Xerophyllum asphodeloides are often competitive enough to achieve significant cover (VDNH 2007). The globally rare Carex polymorpha is locally associated with these woodlands (VDNH 2007).
Source: NatureServe Explorer
Environment
This system occurs mostly at lower elevations, but occasionally up to 1220 m (4000 feet) in West Virginia. The substrate rock is generally granitic or of other acidic lithology, although near the northern limit of its range in New England, examples can also occur on intermediate, base-rich, or mafic bedrock including traprock.

This system contains species-poor, fire-influenced, mixed woodlands of xeric, exposed montane habitats. They are typically located on convex, south to west facets of steep spur ridges, narrow rocky crests, and cliff tops. Pine - oak / heath woodlands are widespread throughout both the Ridge and Valley and Blue Ridge provinces in western Virginia. They occur at elevations from below 305 m (1000 feet) to more than 1220m (4000 feet) on various substrates, but most commonly on acidic, sedimentary and metasedimentary substrates, e.g., sandstone, quartzite, and shale. A few stands occur on Piedmont monadnocks and foothills. Soils are very infertile, shallow, and droughty (VDNH 2007).

The type is restricted to poor, dry sites which have been disturbed in the recent past by heavy cutting, fire, or both. It is found on thin, rocky soils in the mountainous areas. Soils are strongly acidic and devoid of nutrients. Precipitation is low in the shale barrens of eastern West Virginia and adjacent states (Eyre 1980).
Source: NatureServe Explorer
Dynamics
Periodic fire is an important ecological process that provides opportunities for regeneration of both pines and less competitive herbaceous species, while setting back successional encroachment of potential overstory oaks (especially chestnut oak). On cliffs and other very rocky sites, the vegetation is self-perpetuating due to extreme edaphic conditions. (VDNH 2007). Fire is the most common disturbance type, but frost pockets and late-spring frosts have been also documented. If disturbances occur very frequently (every 2-3 years), Quercus ilicifolia may be replaced by low shrubs, grasses, ferns, and other herbs. If disturbances are infrequent, canopy trees can outgrow the shade-intolerant Quercus ilicifolia. Suppression of white pine and increase in Virginia pine were accomplished through low-intensity fires in shortleaf pine - oak forests in Georgia (Hubbard et al. 2004).
Source: NatureServe Explorer
Distribution
This system occurs from central New England south to Virginia and West Virginia, with peripheral occurrences in southeastern Ohio and easternmost Kentucky.
Source: NatureServe Explorer
Ecologically Associated Plant Species

Plant species that characterize this ecosystem type, organized by vegetation stratum. These are species ecologically associated with the ecosystem, not confirmed present in any specific area.

Tree canopy

Juniperus virginiana, Ostrya virginiana, Pinus echinata, Pinus resinosa, Pinus rigida, Pinus strobus, Pinus virginiana, Quercus ilicifolia, Quercus prinoides, Quercus prinus

Tree subcanopy

Prunus alleghaniensis, Prunus serotina var. alabamensis

Shrub/sapling (tall & short)

Castanea dentata, Gaylussacia brachycera, Ribes curvatum, Vaccinium hirsutum

Short shrub/sapling

Comptonia peregrina, Gaultheria procumbens, Vaccinium angustifolium, Vaccinium pallidum

Herb (field)

Agalinis plukenetii, Avenella flexuosa, Borodinia serotina, Bromus kalmii, Carex polymorpha, Cleistes bifaria, Coreopsis verticillata, Crotalaria purshii, Danthonia spicata, Hieracium scabrum, Liatris squarrulosa, Malaxis bayardii, Packera millefolium, Taenidia montana, Tephrosia spicata, Xerophyllum asphodeloides
Source: NatureServe Ecological System assessment
Ecologically Associated Animals (30)

Animal species ecologically associated with this ecosystem type based on NatureServe assessment. These are species whose habitat requirements overlap with this ecosystem, not confirmed present in any specific roadless area.

Mammals (5)

Common NameScientific NameG-Rank
Red WolfCanis rufusG1
Southern Flying SquirrelGlaucomys volansG5
Least WeaselMustela nivalisG5
Eastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensisG5
Eastern ChipmunkTamias striatusG5

Birds (3)

Common NameScientific NameG-Rank
Prairie WarblerSetophaga discolorG5
Yellow-throated WarblerSetophaga dominicaG5
Brown-headed NuthatchSitta pusillaG4

Reptiles (15)

Common NameScientific NameG-Rank
Eastern CopperheadAgkistrodon contortrixG5
Green AnoleAnolis carolinensisG5
Northern ScarletsnakeCemophora coccinea copeiG5T5
North American RacerColuber constrictorG5
Timber RattlesnakeCrotalus horridusG4
Eastern Hog-nosed SnakeHeterodon platirhinosG5
Scarlet KingsnakeLampropeltis elapsoidesG5
Red CornsnakePantherophis guttatusG5
Northern PinesnakePituophis melanoleucus melanoleucusG4T4
Common Five-lined SkinkPlestiodon fasciatusG5
Southeastern Five-lined SkinkPlestiodon inexpectatusG5
Eastern Fence LizardSceloporus undulatusG5
Southeastern Crowned SnakeTantilla coronataG5
Mountain EarthsnakeVirginia valeriae pulchraG5T3T4
Eastern Smooth EarthsnakeVirginia valeriae valeriaeG5T5

Butterflies & Moths (3)

Common NameScientific NameG-Rank
Hoary ElfinCallophrys poliosG5
Herodias or Pine Barrens UnderwingCatocala herodias gerhardiG3T3
Olympia MarbleEuchloe olympiaG5

Other (4)

Common NameScientific NameG-Rank
Eastern MilksnakeLampropeltis triangulum triangulumG5T5
Western RatsnakePantherophis obsoletusG5
Eastern CougarPuma concolor couguarG5TXQ
Appalachian Grizzled SkipperPyrgus wyandotG1G2Q
Source: NatureServe Ecological System assessment
At-Risk Species Associated with this Ecosystem (12)

Species with conservation concern that are ecologically associated with this ecosystem type. G-Rank indicates global conservation status: G1 (critically imperiled) through G5 (secure). ESA status indicates U.S. Endangered Species Act listing.

Common NameScientific NameG-RankESA Status
Shale Barren RockcressBorodinia serotinaG2Endangered
Red WolfCanis rufusG1Endangered; Experimental population, non-essential
Variable SedgeCarex polymorphaG3--
American ChestnutCastanea dentataG3--
Herodias or Pine Barrens UnderwingCatocala herodias gerhardiG3T3--
Box HuckleberryGaylussacia brachyceraG3--
Bayard's MalaxisMalaxis bayardiiG1G2--
Blue Ridge RagwortPackera millefoliumG3--
Eastern CougarPuma concolor couguarG5TXQDelisted
Appalachian Grizzled SkipperPyrgus wyandotG1G2Q--
Mountain ParsleyTaenidia montanaG3--
Mountain EarthsnakeVirginia valeriae pulchraG5T3T4--
Source: NatureServe Ecological System assessment
Component Associations (20)

Plant community associations that occur within this ecological system. Associations are the finest level of the U.S. National Vegetation Classification (USNVC) and describe specific, repeating assemblages of plant species. Each association represents a distinct community type that may be found where this ecosystem occurs.

NameG-Rank
Aronia melanocarpa - Gaylussacia baccata / Carex pensylvanica ShrublandG1 NatureServe
Juniperus virginiana - Fraxinus americana / Danthonia spicata WoodlandG3 NatureServe
Kalmia latifolia - Gaylussacia baccata - Vaccinium (angustifolium, pallidum) - Menziesia pilosa ShrublandG2 NatureServe
Penstemon hirsutus Cliff & TalusGNR NatureServe
Pinus (pungens, rigida) - Quercus montana / (Quercus ilicifolia) / Gaylussacia baccata WoodlandG4 NatureServe
Pinus resinosa / Menziesia pilosa / Polypodium appalachianum ForestG1 NatureServe
Pinus rigida / Corema conradii WoodlandG2 NatureServe
Pinus rigida / Gaylussacia baccata ScrubG1 NatureServe
Pinus rigida - Quercus coccinea / Vaccinium angustifolium WoodlandG4 NatureServe
Pinus rigida / (Quercus ilicifolia) / Aronia melanocarpa / Deschampsia flexuosa WoodlandG4 NatureServe
Pinus virginiana - Pinus (rigida, echinata) - (Quercus montana) / Vaccinium pallidum ForestG3 NatureServe
Quercus ilicifolia - Prunus susquehanae ShrublandG4 NatureServe
Quercus montana - Pinus virginiana - (Pinus pungens) / Schizachyrium scoparium - Dichanthelium depauperatum WoodlandG3 NatureServe
Quercus montana / Quercus ilicifolia / Danthonia spicata WoodlandG3 NatureServe
Quercus montana / Rhus spp. / Deschampsia flexuosa WoodlandG3 NatureServe
Quercus rubra - Carya (glabra, ovata) / Ostrya virginiana / Carex lucorum ForestG4 NatureServe
Quercus rubra - (Quercus montana) / Vaccinium spp. / Deschampsia flexuosa WoodlandG4 NatureServe
Schizachyrium scoparium - Danthonia spicata - Carex pensylvanica / Cladonia spp. GrasslandG3 NatureServe
Vaccinium (angustifolium, myrtilloides, pallidum) Central Appalachian Dwarf-shrublandG3 NatureServe
Vaccinium angustifolium - Sorbus americana / Sibbaldiopsis tridentata Dwarf-shrublandGNR NatureServe
State Conservation Ranks (12)

Subnational conservation status ranks (S-ranks) assigned by Natural Heritage Programs in each state where this ecosystem occurs. S1 indicates critically imperiled at the state level, S2 imperiled, S3 vulnerable, S4 apparently secure, and S5 secure. An ecosystem may be globally secure but imperiled in specific states at the edge of its range.

StateS-Rank
CTSNR
KYSNR
MASNR
MESNR
NHSNR
NJSNR
NYSNR
OHSNR
PASNR
VASNR
VTSNR
WVSNR
Roadless Areas (46)

Inventoried Roadless Areas where this ecosystem is present, identified from LANDFIRE 2024 Existing Vegetation Type spatial analysis. Coverage indicates the proportion of each area occupied by this ecosystem type.

Tennessee (1)

AreaForestCoverageHectares
London Bridge BranchCherokee National Forest2.0%27.63

Virginia (36)

AreaForestCoverageHectares
Brush Mountain EastJefferson National Forest14.8%295.2
Kelley MountainGeorge Washington National Forest14.5%445.68
Beards MountainGeorge Washington National Forest11.9%362.7
Hoop HoleJefferson National Forest10.9%204.48
Rough Mountian AdditionGeorge Washington National Forest10.7%49.59
Kimberling Creek Addition BJefferson National Forest9.8%7.74
Patterson MountainJefferson National Forest9.7%191.07
Saint Marys AdditionGeorge Washington National Forest9.1%53.73
Broad RunJefferson National Forest9.1%403.65
Southern MassanuttenGeorge Washington National Forest9.1%440.55
Price MountainJefferson National Forest8.7%319.41
Brush MountainJefferson National Forest8.5%206.01
Oliver MountainGeorge Washington National Forest8.2%431.64
JerkemtightGeorge Washington National Forest7.8%523.44
Ramseys Draft AdditionGeorge Washington National Forest7.6%393.93
Mill MountainGeorge Washington National Forest7.0%308.97
Adams PeakGeorge Washington National Forest6.0%172.17
Little Walker MountainJefferson National Forest5.7%225.27
Crawford MountainGeorge Washington National Forest4.4%177.21
Northern MassanuttenGeorge Washington National Forest3.8%145.98
Little AlleghanyGeorge Washington National Forest3.6%150.03
Little RiverGeorge Washington National Forest3.5%383.22
North MountainJefferson National Forest3.4%116.91
Three SistersGeorge Washington National Forest3.3%109.26
Oak KnobGeorge Washington National Forest3.1%138.24
Elliott KnobGeorge Washington National Forest3.1%116.46
New London Bridge BranchJefferson National Forest3.0%10.35
Big Schloss (VA)George Washington National Forest2.8%141.39
SkidmoreGeorge Washington National Forest2.7%61.47
Brushy MountainJefferson National Forest2.7%45.18
Mountain Lake Addition AJefferson National Forest2.4%14.22
Gum RunGeorge Washington National Forest2.1%106.92
Long SpurJefferson National Forest2.0%51.12
Shawvers Run AdditionJefferson National Forest1.9%14.94
Dolly AnnGeorge Washington National Forest1.0%32.22
Bear CreekJefferson National Forest1.0%73.17

West Virginia (9)

AreaForestCoverageHectares
Dry River (WV)George Washington National Forest9.0%267.3
North Mountain HopevilleMonongahela National Forest4.2%111.78
Marlin MountainMonongahela National Forest3.7%138.96
Middle MountainMonongahela National Forest3.6%278.28
Little Allegheny MountainMonongahela National Forest3.2%136.62
Mottesheard (WV)Jefferson National Forest2.1%33.66
Spice RunMonongahela National Forest1.1%28.89
Big Schloss (WV)George Washington National Forest1.1%37.17
Dolly Sods Roaring PlainMonongahela National Forest0.8%43.83
Methodology and Data Sources

Ecosystem classification: Ecosystems are classified using the LANDFIRE 2024 Existing Vegetation Type (EVT) layer, mapped to NatureServe Terrestrial Ecological Systems via a curated crosswalk. Each EVT is linked to the USNVC (U.S. National Vegetation Classification) hierarchy through pixel-level co-occurrence analysis of LANDFIRE EVT and NatureServe IVC Group rasters across all roadless areas.

Vegetation coverage: Coverage percentages and hectares are derived from zonal statistics of the LANDFIRE 2024 EVT raster intersected with roadless area boundaries.

Ecosystem narratives and community species: Sourced from the NatureServe Explorer API, representing professional ecological assessments of vegetation composition, environmental setting, dynamics, threats, and characteristic species assemblages.

IVC hierarchy: The International Vegetation Classification hierarchy is sourced from the USNVC v3.0 Catalog, providing the full classification from Biome through Association levels.

Component associations: Plant community associations listed as components of each NatureServe Ecological System. Association data from the NatureServe Explorer API.

State ranks: Conservation status ranks assigned by NatureServe member programs in each state where the ecosystem occurs.