Southern Appalachian Northern Red Oak Forest (Deciduous Shrub Type) – CEGL007300

Many stands of Southern Appalachian Northern Red Oak Forest in Virginia have a nearly continuous ground cover of dwarfed, colonial, southern mountain cranberry (Vaccinium erythrocarpum).  Whether this is due to heavy deer browsing or an environmental condition is unclear.  Iron Mountains, northeast of Skulls Gap, Smyth County.  Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.