An oak–heath forest is a plant community association and type of forest ecology. It is a deciduous forest type of well-drained, acidic soils, characterized by oaks (Quercus) and plants of the heath family (Ericaceae).[1] It is commonly found in the high elevations of the eastern United States. Such forest areas typically have a dense fibrous root layer at the surface of the soil, and in many areas predominate on south-facing or southwest-facing slopes. Many of the existing oak–heath forests once featured American chestnut as an important canopy species.[2]

Oaks

Oaks (Quercus) characteristic of oak–heath associations include white oak (Quercus alba), black oak (Quercus velutina), scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea), chestnut oak (Quercus prinus), and red oak (Quercus rubra).[2][3]

Heaths

Heath plants common to this ecology include mountain-laurel (Kalmia latifolia), various blueberries (genus Vaccinium), huckleberries (genus Gaylussacia), sourwood or sorrel-tree (Oxydendrum arboreum), and azaleas and rhododendrons (genus Rhododendron). These are all usually shrubs, except for Oxydendrum, which is usually a small tree. There are also heaths that are sub-shrubs, usually trailing on the ground, including wintergreens (genus Chimaphila and Gaultheria) and trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens).[2][3]

References

  1. ↑ "Coastal Buffer Zone Planting Guide" (PDF). Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council. August 2008. p. 8. Retrieved 2011-02-27.
  2. 1 2 3 The Natural Communities of Virginia Classification of Ecological Community Groups (Version 2.3), Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, 2010 Archived January 15, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  3. 1 2 Schafale, M. P. and A. S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the natural communities of North Carolina: third approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation.


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