View source for Appalachian mixed mesophytic forests

{{Short description|Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests ecoregion of the United States}}
{{Infobox ecoregion
| name                        = Appalachian mixed mesophytic forests
| image                       = Hansons Point.JPG
| image_size                  =    
| image_alt                   = 
| image_caption               = Hanson's Point in the [[Red River Gorge]], [[Kentucky]]
| country                     = [[United States]]
| state                       = [[Pennsylvania]]
| state1                      = [[Maryland]]
| state2                      = [[Ohio]]
| state3                      = [[West Virginia]]
| state4                      = [[Kentucky]]
| state5                      = [[Virginia]]
| state6                      = [[Tennessee]]
| state7                      = [[Alabama]]
| state8                      = [[Georgia (U.S. State)|Georgia]]
| border                      = [[Allegheny Highlands forests]]
| border1                     = [[Appalachian-Blue Ridge forests]]
| border2                     = [[Southeastern mixed forests]]
| border3                     = [[Central U.S. hardwood forests]]
| border4                     = [[Southern Great Lakes forests]]
| bird_species                = 200<ref name="Atlas">{{cite web|url=http://maps.tnc.org/globalmaps.html|title=The Atlas of Global Conservation|publisher=The Nature Conservancy|accessdate=2017-05-06|archive-date=2012-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305201312/http://maps.tnc.org/globalmaps.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| mammal_species              = 73<ref name = "Atlas"/>
| global200                   = Yes
| habitat_loss                = 14.8
| habitat_loss_ref = <ref name = "Atlas"/>
| protected                   = 8.37
| protected_ref = <ref name = "Atlas"/>
| area                        = 192200
| biogeographic_realm = [[Nearctic realm|Nearctic]]
| biome                       = [[Temperate broadleaf and mixed forest]]
| map                         = Appalachian mixed mesophytic forests map.svg
| map_size                    = 248
| map_alt                     = 
| map_caption                 = 
| climate                     = {{failed verification span|[[Warm-summer humid continental climate|Humid continental]] (''Dfb''), [[Humid subtropical climate|humid subtropical]] (''Cfa'') and [[oceanic climate]] (''Cfb'')|date=August 2024}}<ref>{{cite web | url=https://geodiode.com/climate/koppen-classification | title=The Koppen-Geiger Climate Classification System – Geodiode | date=30 August 2011 }}</ref>}}

The '''Appalachian mixed mesophytic forests''' is an [[ecoregion]] of the [[temperate broadleaf and mixed forests]] [[biome]], as defined by the [[World Wildlife Fund]]. It consists of [[mesophytic]] plants west of the [[Appalachian Mountains]] in the [[Southeastern United States]].

This ecoregion consists of the following [[List of ecoregions in the United States (EPA)|EPA level III ecoregions]]:
* Southwestern Appalachians (ecoregion)
* Central Appalachians (ecoregion)
* [[Western Allegheny Plateau (ecoregion)]]

==Setting==
This ecoregion is located in the plains and hill country west of the Appalachians in northwest [[Alabama]] and east central [[Tennessee]], eastern [[Kentucky]], western [[North Carolina]] and [[Virginia]], most of [[West Virginia]], western [[Maryland]], southeastern [[Ohio]] and western [[Pennsylvania]]. This ecoregion also occurs in scattered disjuncts in the [[Ozarks|Ozark]] and [[Ouachita Mountains|Ouachita]] Mountains of [[Arkansas]], [[Missouri]], and extreme eastern [[Oklahoma]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Encyclopedia of Arkansas|url=https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/boston-mountains-2389/|access-date=2021-02-11|website=Encyclopedia of Arkansas|language=en-US}}</ref> These forests are known for their rich diversity of plants and animals, which is due to several contributing factors, especially that the area was an unglaciated [[Refugium (population biology)|refugium]] for many species. It shares species with the high elevation [[Appalachian-Blue Ridge forests]] to the east, the [[Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests|hardwood forests]] to the west, and the mixed hardwood/[[conifer]] forests to the south.

==Climate==
The climate varies from [[humid continental climate|humid continental]] in the north to [[humid subtropical climate|humid subtropical]] in the south.

==Flora==
They are one of the most biologically diverse [[temperate forest]] regions on earth. It has an unusually diverse tree [[flora]], with as many as 30 tree species at a single site including many relics of the ancient forest that once covered [[North America]] more widely. Along with the forest there is a rich undergrowth of [[fern]]s, [[fungi]], [[herbaceous plant]]s, [[shrub]]s and small trees as well as areas of [[glade (geography)|glade]], [[Heath (habitat)|heath]], [[shale]], [[peat bog]] and [[cranberry]] bog.

===Mesophytic forests===
Mesophytic forests are found on deep and enriched soils in sheltered topography such as coves and low-elevation slopes. They are often found near small streams. The [[Herbaceous plant|herb]] layer is very rich and, in undisturbed areas, the trees can grow very large. 
Typical trees include sugar maple (''[[Acer saccharum]]''), beech (''[[Fagus grandifolia]]''), tuliptree (''[[Liriodendron tulipifera]]''), basswood (''[[Tilia americana]]''), northern red oak (''[[Quercus rubra]]''), cucumber tree (''[[Magnolia acuminata]]''), and black walnut (''[[Juglans nigra]]''). Other trees found here are eastern hemlock (''[[Tsuga canadensis]]''), white ash (''[[Fraxinus americana]]''), sweetgum (''[[Liquidambar styraciflua]]''), and yellow buckeye (''[[Aesculus flava]]'').<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchSystemUid=ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.722791 |title = South-Central Interior Mesophytic Forest |publisher = NatureServe Explorer |accessdate= 8 October 2012}}</ref>

===Dry calcareous forests===
The [[southern Ridge and Valley/Cumberland dry calcareous forest]]s occur on dry to dry-[[Mesic habitat|mesic]] [[calcareous]] habitats on low [[escarpment]]s of the [[Cumberland Plateau]]. They are often found on deep soils in a variety landscapes within their range. Trees are mainly oaks and hickories, with other species less abundant. Oaks include white oak (''[[Quercus alba]]''), northern red oak (''[[Quercus rubra]]''), post oak (''[[Quercus stellata]]''), chinkapin oak (''[[Quercus muehlenbergii]]''), and Shumard oak (''[[Quercus shumardii]]''). Hickories include shagbark hickory (''[[Carya ovata]]''). Other trees can be sugar maple (''[[Acer saccharum]]''), eastern red-cedar (''[[Juniperus virginiana]]''), or pines.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchSystemUid=ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.723128 |title =  Southern Ridge and Valley / Cumberland Dry Calcareous Forest |publisher = NatureServe Explorer |accessdate= 2 November 2012}}</ref>

===Appalachian cove forests===
[[Cove (Appalachian Mountains)|Appalachian cove forests]] are found in sheltered concave slopes with a moist environment. Characteristic tree include yellow buckeye (''[[Aesculus flava]]''), sugar maple (''[[Acer saccharum]]''), white ash (''[[Fraxinus americana]]''), basswood (''[[Tilia americana]]''), tuliptree (''[[Liriodendron tulipifera]]''), Carolina silverbell (''[[Halesia tetraptera]]''), eastern hemlock (''[[Tsuga canadensis]]''), beech (''[[Fagus grandifolia]]''), cucumber tree (''[[Magnolia acuminata]]''), and Fraser magnolia (''[[Magnolia fraseri]]'').<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchSystemUid=ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.723143 |title = Southern and Central Appalachian Cove Forest |publisher = NatureServe Explorer |accessdate= 8 October 2012}}</ref>

===Dry-mesic oak forests===
Dry-mesic oak forests cover large areas at lower and middle elevations on flat to gently rolling terrain. Mature stands have a variety of oak and hickory species adapted to dry-[[Mesic habitat|mesic]] conditions. Oaks include northern red oak (''[[Quercus rubra]]''), white oak (''[[Quercus alba]]''), black oak (''[[Quercus velutina]]''), and scarlet oak (''[[Quercus coccinea]]''); hickories include mockernut hickory (''[[Carya tomentosa]]''), shagbark hickory (''[[Carya ovata]]''), red hickory (''[[Carya ovalis]]''), and pignut hickory (''[[Carya glabra]]''). In addition, red maple (''[[Acer rubrum]]''), sweet birch (''[[Betula lenta]]''), and yellow birch (''[[Betula alleghaniensis]]'') are common; sugar maple (''[[Acer saccharum]]'') is occasional. In areas that have been recently disturbed, white pine (''[[Pinus strobus]]''), Virginia pine (''[[Pinus virginiana]]''), or tulip tree (''[[Liriodendron tulipifera]]'') can be abundant. Areas of impeded drainage sometimes harbor small wetlands, including non-forested [[seep]]s or forested wetlands with red maple (''[[Acer rubrum]]''), swamp white oak (''[[Quercus bicolor]]''), or black tupelo (''[[Nyssa sylvatica]]'').<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchSystemUid=ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.723014 |title = Northeastern Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest |publisher = NatureServe Explorer |accessdate= 8 October 2012}}</ref>

===Dry oak forests and woodlands===
The [[Allegheny-Cumberland dry oak forest and woodland]] forest system is found on acidic soils on the [[Allegheny Plateau|Allegheny]] and [[Cumberland Plateau|Cumberland]] plateaus, and ridges in the southern [[Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians|Ridge and Valley]]. The forests are typically dominated by white oak (''[[Quercus alba]]''), southern red oak (''[[Quercus falcata]]''), chestnut oak (''[[Quercus prinus]]''), scarlet oak (''[[Quercus coccinea]]''), with lesser amounts of red maple (''[[Acer rubrum]]''), pignut hickory (''[[Carya glabra]]''), and mockernut hickory (''[[Carya tomentosa]]''). A few shortleaf pines (''[[Pinus echinata]]'') or Virginia pines (''[[Pinus virginiana]]'') may occur, particularly adjacent to [[escarpment]]s or following fire. Sprouts of chestnut (''[[Castanea dentata]]'') can often be found where it was formerly a common tree.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchSystemUid=ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.723154 |title =  Allegheny-Cumberland Dry Oak Forest and Woodland |publisher = NatureServe Explorer |accessdate= 11 October 2012}}</ref>

===Low-elevation pine forests===
[[Southern Appalachian low-elevation pine forest]]s occur on a variety of topographic and landscape positions, including ridgetops, upper- and mid-slopes, and in lower elevations (generally below {{convert|2300|ft|m}}) such as mountain valleys. These forests dominated by shortleaf pine (''[[Pinus echinata]]'') and Virginia pine (''[[Pinus virginiana]]''). Pitch pine (''[[Pinus rigida]]'') may sometimes be present. Hardwoods are sometimes abundant, especially dry-site oaks such as southern red oak (''[[Quercus falcata]]''), chestnut oak (''[[Quercus prinus]]''), and scarlet oak (''[[Quercus coccinea]]''), but also pignut hickory (''[[Carya glabra]]''), red maple (''[[Acer rubrum]]''), and others. The [[shrub layer]] may be well-developed, with hillside blueberry (''[[Vaccinium pallidum]]''), black huckleberry (''[[Gaylussacia baccata]]''), or other acid-tolerant species most characteristic. Herbs are usually sparse but may include narrowleaf silkgrass (''[[Pityopsis graminifolia]]'') and Goat-rue (''[[Tephrosia virginiana]]'').<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchSystemUid=ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.723171 |title = Southern Appalachian Low-Elevation Pine Forest |publisher = NatureServe Explorer |accessdate= 11 October 2012}}</ref>

===Montane oak forests===
[[Central and southern Appalachian montane oak forest|Montane oak forests]] occur on exposed ridges and on south- to west-facing slopes at middle elevations. Soils are thin and nutrient-poor and trees are often stunted and wind-flagged. Northern red oak (''[[Quercus rubra]]'') and white oak (''[[Quercus alba]]'') are common, as are sprouts of American chestnut (''[[Castanea dentata]]''). Winterberry (''[[Ilex montana]]''), flame azalea (''[[Rhododendron calendulaceum]]''), catawba rhododendron (''[[Rhododendron catawbiense]]''), and great rhododendron (''[[Rhododendron maximum]]'') are common shrubs.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchSystemUid=ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.723012 |title = Central and Southern Appalachian Montane Oak Forest |publisher = NatureServe Explorer |accessdate= 10 October 2012}}</ref>

===Hemlock-northern hardwood forests===
[[Appalachian hemlock–northern hardwood forest|Hemlock-northern hardwood forest]]s are found at higher elevations. They include yellow birch (''[[Betula alleghaniensis]]''), mountain maple (''[[Acer spicatum]]''), sugar maple (''[[Acer saccharum]]''), beech (''[[Fagus grandifolia]]''), and eastern hemlock (''[[Tsuga canadensis]]''). Mountain laurel (''[[Kalmia latifolia]]'') and rhododendron (''[[Rhododendron]]'' spp.) are found in the understory.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchSystemUid=ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.723013 |title = Appalachian (Hemlock)-Northern Hardwood  |publisher = NatureServe Explorer |accessdate= 8 October 2012}}</ref>

===Spruce-fir forests===
Spruce-fir forests occur at the highest elevations, above {{convert|3200|ft|m}}. Their environment is cool and wet, with frequent fog and precipitation. Red spruce (''[[Picea rubens]]'') and Fraser fir (''[[Abies fraseri]]'') dominate the forest canopy.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchSystemUid=ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.722677 |title = Central and Southern Appalachian Spruce-Fir Forest |publisher = NatureServe Explorer |accessdate= 8 October 2012}}</ref>

===Bogs===
Cranberry bogs harbor species typical of ecoregions found to the north. These species include cranberry and blueberry (''[[Vaccinium]]'' spp.), bog rosemary (''[[Andromeda glaucophylla]]''), and buckbean (''[[Menyanthes trifoliata]]''). These bogs are relicts that have survived since the last [[glacial period]].

===Other habitats===
More unique, restricted habitats within these forests include [[glade (geography)|glade]]s, [[Heath (habitat)|heath barrens]], [[shale]] barrens, and [[sphagnum]] bogs. These often support endemic plants and land snails.

=== Prehistoric period ===
During the [[Last Glacial Maximum]] about 18,000 years ago, the influence of Arctic air masses and boreal vegetation extended to about 33° N. latitude, the approximate latitude of [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]] and [[Atlanta, Georgia|Atlanta]].  Forests of the glacial period were dominated by various spruces (''[[Picea]]'' spp.) and [[Pinus banksiana|jack pine]]; fir (''[[Abies]]'' spp.) was abundant in some locations. With the exception of the absence of certain prairie elements, the understories of these forests were generally typical of modern spruce-fir forests within and near [[Canada]].  [[Temperate deciduous forest]]s dominated from about 33° to 30° N. latitude, including most of the glacial Gulf Coast from about 84° W. longitude.  Regional climate was similar to or slightly drier than modern conditions. Oak, hickory, chestnut, and southern pine species were abundant. Walnuts, beech, sweetgum, alder, birch, tulip poplar, elms, hornbeams (''[[Carpinus]]'' spp.), basswoods, and others that are generally common in modern southern deciduous forests were also common then.  [[Poaceae|Grass]]es, [[Cyperaceae|sedge]]s, and [[Asteraceae|sunflower]]s were also common.<!-- ref name="Owen2002" -->

[[File:Daniel Boone National Forest Tater Knob.jpg|thumb|right|[[Daniel Boone National Forest]] in Kentucky]]

==Fauna==
The woodlands of the area are rich in wildlife. In particular they are important habitat for migrating birds including [[New World warbler|wood warbler]]s, [[vireo]]s, and [[thrushes]]. The rivers of the ecoregion have the highest species richness of any [[freshwater ecosystem]]. In particular, there are a large number of [[endemic (ecology)|endemic]] fish and shellfish species.

== Threats ==
This ecoregion is considered critically endangered with 95% of the habitat degraded or converted to commercial forest. Large areas have been destroyed and fragmented through [[surface mining]], including [[mountaintop removal]]. Large areas have also been logged and then converted to [[plantations]] of fast-growing tree species, such as [[Loblolly Pine]] (''Pinus taeda'') which are then used to produce [[wood pulp]], which is particularly a problem in the [[Cumberland Plateau]] of [[Tennessee]]. Another threat to habitats come from growing numbers of [[deer]]. Major rivers in the ecoregion, such as the [[Tennessee River]], have been dammed. This has resulted in the threatened or [[endangered]] status of many species of native fish, amphibians, and [[shellfish]].

== Natural areas ==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
The remaining forest is mostly found in protected areas. 
* Alabama
** [[Monte Sano State Park]]
** [[Oak Mountain State Park]]
** [[Talladega National Forest]]
*** [[Cheaha Wilderness]]
** [[William B. Bankhead National Forest]]
*** [[Sipsey Wilderness]]
* Georgia
** [[Cloudland Canyon State Park]]
* Kentucky
** [[Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve]]
** [[Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area]]
** [[Cumberland Gap National Historical Park]]
** [[Daniel Boone National Forest]]
*** [[Beaver Creek Wilderness]]
** [[Kentenia State Forest]]
** [[Kentucky Ridge State Forest]]
** [[Robinson Forest]]
* Maryland
** [[Garrett State Forest]]
** [[Potomac State Forest]]
* Ohio
** [[Ales Run Wilderness Area]]
** [[Beaver Creek State Park]]
** [[Blue Rock State Forest]]
** [[Brush Creek State Forest]]
** [[Brush Creek Wilderness Area]]
** [[Burr Oak State Park]]
** [[Clear Creek Nature Preserve]]
** [[Crown City Wildlife Area]]
** [[Dean State Forets]]
** [[Egypt Valley Wilderness Area]]
** [[Fernwood State Forest]]
** [[Highlandtown Wilderness Area]]
** [[Hocking State Forest]]
** [[Mohican-Memorial State Forest]]
** [[Muskingum River State Park]]
** [[Perry State Forest]]
** [[Pike State Forest (Ohio)|Pike State Forest]]
** [[Salt Fork State Park]]
** [[Shade River State Forest]]
** [[Shawnee State Forest]]
** [[Strouds Run State Park]]
** [[Tar Hollow State Forest]]
** [[Tri-Valley Wilderness Area]]
** [[Wayne National Forest]]
** [[Wolf Creek Wilderness Area]]
** [[Woodybury State Wilderness Area]]
** [[Zaleski State Forest]]
* Pennsylvania
** [[Black Moshannon State Park]]
** [[Forbes State Forest]]
** [[Gallitzin State Forest]]
** [[Laurel Hill State Park]]
** [[Laurel Ridge State Park]]
** [[Moraine State Park]]
** [[Ohiopyle State Park]]
** [[Prince Gallitzin State Park]]
** [[Raccoon Creek State Park]]
** [[Roaring Run Natural Area]]
* Tennessee
** [[Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area]]
** [[Catoosa Wildlife Management Area]]
** [[Fall Creek Falls State Park]]
** [[Frozen Head State Park]]
** [[Prentice Cooper State Forest]]
** [[Scott State Forest]]
** [[South Cumberland Recreation Area]]
** [[South Cumberland State Park]]
* Virginia
** Parts of [[Jefferson National Forest]]
*** [[Stone Mountain Wilderness]]
* West Virginia
** [[Babcock State Park]]
** [[Beech Fork State Park]]
** [[Blackwater Falls State Park]]
** [[Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge]]
** [[Canaan Valley Resort State Park]]
** [[Cedar Creek State Park]]
** [[Chief Logan State Park]]
** [[Coopers Rock State Forest]]
** [[Gauley River National Recreation Area]]
** [[Holly River State Park]]
** [[Kanawha State Forest]]
** [[Monongahela National Forest]]
*** [[Cranberry Wilderness]]
*** [[Dolly Sods Wilderness]]
*** [[Otter Creek Wilderness]]
*** [[Roaring Plains West Wilderness]]
{{div col end}}

==See also==
* [[Appalachian temperate rainforest]]
* [[Western Allegheny Plateau (ecoregion)|Western Allegheny Plateau ecoregion]]: WWF sub−ecoregion on the western [[Allegheny Plateau]].
* [[List of ecoregions in the United States (WWF)]]
* [[List of ecoregions in the United States (EPA)]]
*{{commons-inline||Appalachian mixed mesophytic forests}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
<!--- added bibliography for citations that are not inline -- would be better to have inline ---->
* {{WWF ecoregion|name=Appalachian mixed mesophytic forests|id=na0402}}
* {{NatGeo ecoregion|id=na0402|name=Appalachian mixed mesophytic forests}}
* [http://www.cas.vanderbilt.edu/bioimages/ecoregions/50402frame.htm Appalachian mixed mesophytic forests images at bioimages.vanderbilt.edu]
* {{cite web|url=http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/sustain/report/terra2/terra2.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040126012651/http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/sustain/report/terra2/terra2.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 26, 2004|title=Chapter 2 (TERRA–2): The History of Native Plant Communities in the South|last=Owen|first=Wayne|year=2002|work=Southern Forest Resource Assessment Final Report|publisher=U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station|accessdate=2008-07-29}}
* Data source for map: [http://www.worldwildlife.org/science/data/terreco.cfm Olson, D. M. and E. Dinerstein. The Global 200: Priority ecoregions for global conservation. (PDF file) Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 89: pgs. 125-126].

[[Category:Appalachian forests]]
[[Category:Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests in the United States]]
[[Category:Ecoregions of the United States]]
[[Category:Laurel Highlands]]
[[Category:Ecology of the Appalachian Mountains]]
[[Category:Flora of the Appalachian Mountains|*]]
[[Category:Plant communities of the Eastern United States]]
[[Category:Plant communities of Alabama]]
[[Category:Plant communities of Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Plant communities of Kentucky]]
[[Category:Plant communities of Maryland]]
[[Category:Plant communities of Ohio]]
[[Category:Plant communities of Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Plant communities of Tennessee]]
[[Category:Plant communities of Virginia]]
[[Category:Plant communities of West Virginia]]
[[Category:Appalachian Ohio]]
[[Category:East Tennessee]]
[[Category:Western Maryland]]