Central Appalachian / Piedmont White Pine - Oak Forest – CEGL008539

Dry forests of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), oaks, and ericaceous shrubs such as mountain-laurel (Kalmia latifolia) are common on the low-elevation shale knobs of the west-central Virginia Ridge and Valley province.  These communities are also replacing oak/heath forests throughout the Virginia mountains as white pine invades stands that have been fire-suppressed for many decades.  This stand is at the south end of Tower Hill Mountain above Dry Run, Bath County.  Warm Springs Ranger District, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.