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How to Recognize It
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The Dry-Mesic Chestnut Oak - Northern Red Oak Forest is fairly common in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park—mostly on somewhat sheltered upper slopes facing north, northwest, or east. American witch-hazel is prevalent below the thick canopy of oaks. In steep or rocky areas, plants are sparse on the forest floor; but where soil has accumulated, you’ll find many low plants such as white wood-aster and marginal woodfern.
Can you find this combination of key features?
Identifying This Natural Community
- A canopy that has both northern red oak and chestnut oak
- A diverse group of understory trees, including American beech
- Tall American witch-hazel shrubs, as well as pawpaw
- Location: higher on steep north-, northwest-, or east-facing slopes than the rich mesic or cove forests, but not as high, dry, and exposed as natural communities that feature chestnut oak with mountain laurel
If so, welcome to the Dry-Mesic Chestnut Oak - Northern Red Oak Forest at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
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