Herbaceous species composition and richness of mesophytic cove forests in the southern Appalachians: synthesis and knowledge gaps

Abstract

Abstract We synthesized the current information on mesophytic cove forests in the southern Appalachians, assessed the range of variation in herb species composition and diversity in stands with different disturbance histories and environmental conditions, identified key knowledge gaps, and suggested approaches to fill these knowledge gaps. The purpose of this synthesis was to provide information to forest managers to help make decisions about conservation assessments and strategies for rich cove forests in the southern Appalachians. An important finding is that no single study or data set can provide conclusive evidence or clear management strategies. However, an overriding conclusion is that the magnitude of impact and the management actions necessary to restore herbaceous communities are directly proportional to the severity of disturbance, current condition (e.g., presence of Rhododendron), site heterogeneity, and historical land use (e.g., agricultural activity). These factors plus a host of other str...