Rich Cove / Mesic Slope Forest – Twinleaf - Blue Cohosh Type (Central Appalachian-Piedmont)

The lush Rich Cove / Mesic Slope Forest supports a diverse array of trees, forming a tall and dense canopy that almost always includes black maple and/or sugar maple. In the spring, wildflowers carpet the forest floor. (Rich cove forest natural communities occur in more than one geographic region; this type is found in the Central Appalachians and Piedmont.)

This natural community occurs on concave, north- to northeast-facing slopes in the Piedmont and at low elevations in the Central Appalachians, usually along major waterways.

The range map shows the states in which this natural community has been documented.

More About This Natural Community

The Rich Cove / Mesic Slope Forest contains a variety of tree species, almost always including black maple and/or sugar maple, and often tuliptree, American basswood, and white ash. Beneath the trees, you’ll find northern spicebush and pawpaw. Low plants are particularly lush and diverse—look for twinleaf, blue cohosh, Canadian waterleaf, Jack-in-the-pulpit, Canadian wild ginger, Virginia springbeauty, Dutchman’s breeches, wild blue phlox, and toadshade.

This natural community occurs on protected concave slopes that accumulate soil and moisture. The soil is deep, dark, and fertile, with relatively high levels of calcium and magnesium, which act as plant fertilizers.

For a more in-depth look at this community, click on a link under “Where to Explore It.”

Look for It in These National Parks

  • Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
  • Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
  • George Washington Memorial Parkway
  • Harpers Ferry National Historical Park 

Conservation Status

How vulnerable is a natural community? Is it at risk of elimination? Learn about conservation status.

Global Conservation Status: 
G4G5 – Apparently Secure to Secure

Classification

Official names reduce confusion by providing a common language for talking about natural communities. Why so many names?

Common Name: 
Rich Cove / Mesic Slope Forest – Twinleaf - Blue Cohosh Type (Central Appalachian-Piedmont)
Scientific Name Translated: 
Sugar Maple - American Basswood / Pawpaw / Twinleaf - Blue Cohosh Forest
Classification Code: 
CEGL008412