Southern Appalachian Northern Hardwood Forest – CEGL007285

On more exposed, convex slopes, Southern Appalachian northern hardwood forests tend to be more open, with strong dominance by American beech (Fagus grandifolia).  The abundant fine graminoid in the photo is Appalachian woodland sedge (Carex austrolucorum), a characteristic herb of these habitats.  Upper southeast slope of Whitetop Mountain at ca. 5000 ft. elevation, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.