Habitats of North Carolina

Members of Upland Hardwood Forests:

Upland Hardwood Forests
General Montane Mesic Forests

Habitat Overview

The cove forests of the Southern Appalachians are some of the most biodiverse habitats in the Temperate Zone. Their cool, moist climates favor the growth of complex, multi-story plant communities; thick, rich litter layers; deeply-shaded rock faces and crevices; and multitudes of perennial springs and cool, clear-flowing streams. These habitats, moreover, have persisted in place for hundreds of millions of years. They survived unglaciated through the Ice Age and their steep slopes have largely protected them from permanent conversion to human uses. They provide refuges for many relicts of otherwise long-vanished floras and faunas. They are also centers of endemism in their own right, with new species being discovered on a regular basis.

Although there are few areas that still support virgin forests, these habitats continue to serve these functions during the Age of Man largely due to their steep slopes, which have resisted cultivation and large-scale development. In North Carolina, in particular, the lack of coal and other extensive mineral deposits have spared these communities from the massive strip mining and mountain-top removals that have taken place in other parts of the Appalachians. Today, these habitats are the most extensive of our remaining natural areas and retain the greatest amount of their pre-Colonial species diversity.

The habitat described here includes species that are associated with the most generalized features of the cove forests, particularly their deeply-shaded, cool, moist microclimates. It is similar, in this regard, to the General Mesic Hardwood Forests habitat, but comprises species that are restricted to the Mountains in North Carolina. Within the Mountains, however, these species occupy a wide altitudinal range, extending from the foothills of the Blue Ridge up into the areas covered with stands of Northern Hardwoods. Although the majority of these habitats occur within the steep, montane "coves" proper, higher ridgetops are also included where they are regularly swept by clouds and rain and support populations of the same mesophilic species that are more confined to ravines at lower elevations. The Determining Species of this habitat occur in both rich and acidic coves; those that are more tightly associated with either of these types are treated in other, more specifically-defined habitats.

The plant species that are restricted to this habitat are relatively few in number, with more species found only in either the rich or acidic varieties of cove forests or more widely in mesic habitats outside the mountains. They include some of the most characteristic tree species of cove forests per se, Yellow Birch and Fraser Magnolia, as well as Red Ramps, the herbaceous species made famous in the Southern Appalachians by Ramp festivals. American Ginseng -- another species famously exploited in the cove forests -- is, on the other hand, more typical of the species that may show a concentration in the mountains but that also occur more generally in mesic habitats all the way across to the eastern edge of the Coastal Plain.

Specialized herbivores are likewise few in number, consisting primarily of species associated with Sugar Maples or montane birches. Much more numerous are more generalized herbivores that feed on a variety of plant species -- most not confined to cove forests -- but which themselves have requirements for cool, moist, forests that restrict them to these habitats. Virtually all of these generalized herbivores have their center of geographic distribution located in the northern states or in Canada. The same is true for some of the predatory species of animals belonging to this habitat, particularly the birds and mammals, all of which are much more common farther north.

For the least vagile species associated with the forest floor, on the other hand, the cove forests of the Southern Appalachians are major centers of their diversity. These species are so highly dependent on specific temperature, moisture, and forest floor conditions that many of them are not only confined to the Southern Appalachians but are endemic to particular mountain massifs within this region. Although their ancestors were able to occupy much wider areas under colder, wetter climate conditions -- as prevailed in the Pleistocene -- their descendants became isolated in much smaller areas when warmer, drier habitats developed in the lowlands between these massifs (in some cases, the rivers in these valleys also act as effective barriers).

The best known of these species are the Plethodontid Salamanders, of which only the most terrestrial species -- members of the genus Plethodon -- are included in this habitat. Currently (and likely to increase), there are sixteen Determining Species for this habitat, out of the twenty that have been recorded in North Carolina. Members of this group in particular have evolved in close association with the cool, wet forest floor conditions that have allowed them to free themselves from the aquatic habitats needed by other amphibians for breeding and larval development: all members of this genus lay their eggs in underground burrows where the high soil moisture keeps them from drying out. This allows them to range freely across the forest floor, independent of surface waters, unlike most of the other members of this family (e.g., Eurycea and Desmognathus species) that are treated in habitats that contain surface waters as important features.

As described by Thomas and Hedin (2008), a number of invertebrate groups associated with the forest floors of mountain coves show similar centers of diversity in Southern Appalachian coves. These include the Xystodesmid Millipedes (Shelley and Whitehead, 1986; Marek and Bond, 2006), Phalangodid Opilionids (Thomas, 2007), Hypochilus and Nesticus spiders (Catley 1994; Hedin, 1997). Certain groups of land snails and ground beetles could also be added, along with probably many other groups of understudied invertebrates. Species that are associated with the forest floor itself are considered Determining Species of this habitat but those that are tightly associated with mesic rock faces are treated separately.

Arguably the most spectacular, if also the most obscure and solitary, is the species that Thomas and Hedin highlight in their paper, Fumontana deprehendor. This tiny, highly weird-looking Harvestman is found only in the cove forests of the Southern Appalachians, is the sole member of its genus, and appears to be most closely related to species that are now restricted to South Africa and South America. It thus appears to be a relict of a Gondwanan fauna that was once widespread in the Paleozoic, with the implication that it has been an inhabitant of the Southern Appalachian region for hundreds of millions of years. As such it would provide a striking confirmation of the stability of the ecosystems of this region, particularly its mesic forests.

Related NHP Natural Communities

High elevation NHP Natural Communities that contribute units to this habitat type include: Red Spruce–Fraser Fir Forest (Birch Transition Herb Subtype), Red Spruce–Fraser Fir Forest (Birch Transition Shrub Subtype), Northern Hardwood Forest (Typic Subtype), Northern Hardwood Forest (Rich Subtype), Northern Hardwood Forest (Beech Gap Subtype), High Elevation Birch Boulderfield Forest, High Elevation Red Oak Forest (Typic Herb Subtype), High Elevation Red Oak Forest (Rich Subtype). Cove Forest communities include: Rich Cove Forest (Montane Intermediate Subtype), Rich Cove Forest (Montane Rich Subtype), Rich Cove Forest (Foothills Intermediate Subtype), Rich Cove Forest (Foothills Rich Subtype), Rich Cove Forest (Red Oak Subtype), Rich Cove Forest (Boulderfield Subtype), Acidic Cove Forest (Typic Subtype), Acidic Cove Forest (High Elevation Subtype), Acidic Cove Forest (Silverbell Subtype) Canada Hemlock Forest (Typic Subtype), Canada Hemlock Forest (White Pine Subtype).

Determining Species

Taxa	Global Rank	State Rank	Probability of Extirpation (PE)
HARDWOODS
Acer pensylvanicum - Striped Maple	G5	S4	0.0007
Betula alleghaniensis - Yellow Birch	G5	S5	0.00
Betula lenta - Sweet Birch	G5	S5	0.00
Magnolia fraseri - Fraser Magnolia	G5	S5	0.00
MOTHS
Acronicta fragilis - Fragile Dagger	G5	S4S5	0.0002
Acronicta funeralis - Funerary Dagger	G5	S3S4	0.0020
Acronicta innotata - Unmarked Dagger	G5	S4S5	0.0002
Acronicta spinigera - Nondescript Dagger	G4	S3S4	0.0020
Aethalura intertexta - Four-Barred Gray Moth	G5	S4S5	0.0002
Ancylis discigerana - Yellow Birch Leaffolder Moth	GNR	S2S4	0.0058
Aspilanta hydrangaeella	GNR	SU	0.0020
Bucculatrix canadensisella - Birch Skeletonizer Moth	GNR	SU	0.0020
Cameraria betulivora - Birch-leaf Blotchminer Moth	GNR	SU	0.0020
Cepphis armataria - Scallop Moth	G5	S4	0.0007
Cladara atroliturata - Scribbler Moth	G5	S4	0.0007
Eosphoropteryx thyatyroides - Pink-patched Looper	G4	S3S4	0.0020
Epirrhoe alternata - White-banded Toothed Carpet Moth	GNR	S2S4	0.0058
Eugonobapta nivosaria - Snowy Geometer Moth	G5	S3S4	0.0020
Euphyia intermediata - Sharp-angled Carpet Moth	G5	S4S5	0.0002
Fishia illocata - Wandering Brocade Moth	G5	S3S4	0.0020
Heterophleps refusaria - Three-patched Bigwing Moth	G4	S4	0.0007
Hydrelia albifera - Fragile White Carpet Moth	G5	S3S4	0.0020
Hydrelia inornata - Unadorned Carpet Moth	G5	S4S5	0.0002
Hyppa contrasta	G3G4	S3S4	0.0020
Hyppa xylinoides - Common Hyppa Moth	G5	SU	0.0020
Idia laurentii	GNR	S3S4	0.0020
Leuconycta lepidula - Marbled-green Leuconycta Moth	G5	S3S4	0.0020
Macaria notata - Birch Angle	G4G5	S3S4	0.0020
Olethreutes ferriferana - Hydrangea Leaftier Moth	GNR	S3S4	0.0020
Operophtera bruceata - Bruce Spanworm Moth	GNR	SU	0.0020
Oreana unicolorella	GNR	SU	0.0020
Packardia elegans - Elegant Tailed Slug Moth	GNR	SU	0.0020
Parornix vicinella	GNR	SU	0.0020
Peridea ferruginea - Chocolate Prominent	G5	S4S5	0.0002
Phlogophora iris - Olive Angle Shades Moth	G5	S3S4	0.0020
Phyllonorycter martiella	GNR	S1S2	0.1284
Plagodis serinaria - Lemon Plagodis Moth	G5	S4	0.0007
Platypolia mactata - Adorable Brocade Moth	G5	S2S3	0.0164
Pseudeva purpurigera - Straight-lined Looper	G5	S1S2	0.1284
Stamnodes gibbicostata - Shiny Gray Carpet Moth	G4	S2S3	0.0164
Symmerista leucitys - Orange-humped Mapleworm Moth	G5	S4	0.0007
Synanthedon fulvipes	GNR	S1S3	0.0460
Trichodezia albovittata - White-striped Black Moth	G5	S3S4	0.0020
Venusia comptaria - Brown-shaded Carpet Moth	G5	S2S4	0.0058
FORBS
Allium tricoccum - Red Ramps	G5	S4	0.0007
Arnoglossum reniforme - Great Indian-plantain	G4	S3	0.0058
Chelone lyonii - Pink Turtlehead	G4	S3	0.0058
Claytonia caroliniana - Carolina Spring-beauty	G5	S4	0.0007
Euonymus obovatus - Running Strawberry-bush	G5	S3	0.0058
Eutrochium steelei - Appalachian Joe-pye-weed	G4	S3	0.0058
Impatiens pallida - Pale Jewelweed	G5	S5	0.00
Stachys clingmanii - Clingman's Hedge-nettle	G2	S2	0.0460
Stellaria corei - Tennessee Starwort	G4	S3	0.0058
Viola blanda - Sweet White Violet	G5	S4	0.0007
ORTHOPTERANS
Amblycorypha alexanderi - Clicker Round-Winged Katydid	GNR	SU	0.0020
Scudderia septentrionalis - Northern Bush Katydid	G3	S2S3	0.0164
BIRDS
Bonasa umbellus - Ruffed Grouse	G5	S4	0.0007
Catharus fuscescens - Veery	G5	S4	0.0007
Coccyzus erythropthalmus - Black-billed Cuckoo	G5	S2	0.0460
Junco hyemalis - Dark-eyed Junco	G5	S5	0.00
Pheucticus ludovicianus - Rose-breasted Grosbeak	G5	S3S4	0.0020
Setophaga caerulescens - Black-throated Blue Warbler	G5	S4	0.0007
Setophaga fusca - Blackburnian Warbler	G5	S4	0.0007
GRAMINOIDS
Brachyelytrum aristosum - Northern Shorthusk	G5	S3	0.0058
Carex roanensis - Roan Mountain Sedge	G2G3	S2	0.0460
HARVESTMEN
Caddo agilis	GNR	SH	0.00
Crosbycus dasycnemus
Fumontana deprehendor	G2G3	S2S3	0.0164
Hesperonemastoma kepharti	GNR	S1S2	0.1284
Leiobunum calcar	GNR	S3S4	0.0020
Leiobunum hoffmani	GNR	S2S3	0.0164
Sabacon cavicolens	GNR	S3S4	0.0020
MILLIPEDES
Deltotaria brimleii brimleii	GNRTNR	S3S4
Deltotaria brimleii philia	GNRTNR	SHS2
Dixioria coronata	GNR	S2S3
Dixioria dactylifera	GNR	S1
Dixioria pela	G2	SHS2
Dixioria watauga	GNR	S2S3
Dixioria wrighti	GNR	S2S3
Falloria translineata	GNR	SHS2
Falloria tuberosa	GNR	SH	0.00
Prionogonus stibarophallus	GNR	SHS3
Sigmoria austrimontis	GNR	S1S2
Sigmoria nigrimontis angulosa	GNRTNR	SHS2
Sigmoria nigrimontis nigrimontis	GNR	SHS3
Sigmoria sigirioides	GNR	SHS1
Sigmoria simplex	GNR	SHS3
Sigmoria stenogon	GNR	S1S3
BUTTERFLIES
Erora laeta - Early Hairstreak	G2G3	S2S3	0.0164
Polygonia faunus - Green Comma	G5	S1S2	0.1284
MAMMALS
Myodes gapperi - Southern Red-backed Vole	G5	S5	0.00
Napaeozapus insignis - Woodland Jumping Mouse	G5	S4	0.0007
Peromyscus maniculatus - North American Deermouse	G5	S5	0.00
Sorex fumeus - Smoky Shrew	G5	S4S5	0.0002
Tamiasciurus hudsonicus - Red Squirrel	G5	S4	0.0007
HEMIPTERAN HOPPERS
Oncopsis abietis
Oncopsis citra
Oncopsis deluda
Oncopsis infumata
Oncopsis minor
LIZARDS
Plestiodon anthracinus - Coal Skink	G5	S2	0.0460
SALAMANDERS
Plethodon amplus - Blue Ridge Gray-cheeked Salamander	G2	S2	0.0460
Plethodon aureolus - Tellico Salamander	G2	S2	0.0460
Plethodon chattahoochee - Chattahoochee Slimy Salamander	G3	S1	0.3584
Plethodon cheoah - Cheoah Bald Salamander	G1	S1	0.3584
Plethodon glutinosus - Northern Slimy Salamander	G5	SU	0.0020
Plethodon jacksoni - Blacksburg Salamander	G1G2	S1	0.3584
Plethodon jordani - Red-cheeked Salamander	G4	S3	0.0058
Plethodon meridianus - South Mountain Gray-cheeked Salamander	G2	S2	0.0460
Plethodon metcalfi - Southern Gray-cheeked Salamander	G4	S5	0.00
Plethodon montanus - Northern Gray-cheeked Salamander	G4	S5	0.00
Plethodon richmondi - Southern Ravine Salamander	G5	S3	0.0058
Plethodon serratus - Southern Red-backed Salamander	G5	S4	0.0007
Plethodon shermani - Red-legged Salamander	G3	S3	0.0058
Plethodon teyahalee - Southern Appalachian Salamander	G4	S4	0.0007
Plethodon ventralis - Southern Zigzag Salamander	G4	S1	0.3584
Plethodon yonahlossee - Yonahlossee Salamander	G4	S4	0.0007
BEETLES
Trechus luculentus luculentus -	GHTH G23T23	S1S2	0.1284
Trechus rivulis -	GNR	S1	0.3584
Trechus schwarzi saludae -	GNRTNR	SHS1
Trechus unicoi -	GNR	S1S2	0.1284
Expected Number of Extirpations with a PE value (Sum of PE) = 3.0360
N = Number of Extant Species with a PE value = 87
Average PE = ENE/N = 0.0349
Number of S5 species = 9
Proportion of Secure Species = Number of S5 Species/N = 0.1034
Habitat Risk Index = ENE x (1 – PSS) = 2.7221

Phagic and Competitory Symbioses: (Montane Betula species/Ancylis discigerana-Bucculatrix canadensisella-Cameraria betulivora-Hydrelia inornata-Peridea ferruginea-Polygonia faunus) // (Betula alleghaniensis/Parornix vicinella) // (Betula lenta/Phyllonorycter martiella) // (Hydrangea arborescens/Aspilanta hydrangaeella

Candidates for Inclusion

Terrestrial snails, snail-eating ground beetles, and several other invertebrate taxa will undoubtedly be added as Determining Species once websites have been developed for them

Habitat Sub-sets

Distribution Map

Distribution

Almost all of the records for the species associated with this habitat come from the Mountains or nearby areas in the western Piedmont. Records from further east mainly represent rare, sporadic records of Black-billed Cuckoos from the breeding season. Records for both Red Squirrels and Unmarked Dagger Moths from Wake County are highly unlikely to represent resident, reproducing populations.

Survey Coverage Map

Survey Coverage

Survey Priorities

Average Imperilment of Habitat Members

Habitat Conservation Status

High Quality Habitat Occurrence Table

High Quality Habitat Occurrences

Protected Habitat Occurrences

Threats and Trends

Status Summary

Stewardship Recommendations

References

Thomas, S.M. and Hedin, M., 2008. Multigenic phylogeographic divergence in the paleoendemic southern Appalachian opilionid Fumontana deprehendor Shear (Opiliones, Laniatores, Triaenonychidae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 46(2):645-658. Available online at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1055790307003521?casa_token=r1KZfWySwYQAAAAA:geMEAJBIss8ImV1KPTaPvYvqTs6Su9c-_hjDPqZ9AOIUWLDAWHkMPfsxbMwiwvAS4JmWBCL_Dw

Updated on

2021-01-05 15:36:17