Central Appalachian / Inner Piedmont Chestnut Oak Forest – CEGL006299

Nearly continuous shrub thickets of mountain-laurel (Kalmia latifolia) under stand of young chestnut oaks (Quercus montana) with scattered table-mountain pine (Pinus pungens).  Thick charcoal deposits in the upper soil horizon here suggest a history of catastrophic fires.  On ridge along the James River in James River State Park, Buckingham County.