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DCR - Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
NATURAL HERITAGE

The Natural Communities of Virginia
Classification of Ecological Community Groups
SECOND APPROXIMATION (Version 2.5)

Information current as of February, 2012


 

LOW-ELEVATION MESIC FORESTS

Ecological community groups with distributions centered below 1,070 m (3,500 ft) elevation and representing mesophytic to submesophytic forest vegetation. A few community types of the Rich Cove and Slope Forests, Acidic Cove Forests, and Eastern Hemlock - Hardwood Forests occasionally extend into the high-elevation zone (> 1,070 m).


photo of rich mesic forest with Trillium
© Gary P. Fleming
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Table of Contents

Introduction

Overview of VA Physiography & Vegetation

Glossary

Literature

Format of Descriptions

Terrestrial System: LOW ELEVATION MESIC FORESTS
   - Rich Cove and Slope Forests
   - Basic Mesic Forests
   - Acidic Cove Forests
   - Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forests
   - Eastern Hemlock - Hardwood Forests
   - Northern White-Cedar Slope Forests

Palustrine System

Riverine System

Estuarine System

Marine System