Image Index

Figure 1. The Blue Ridge is home to more than half of North Carolina's plant species, including the rhododendron shown here.

The Blue Ridge Mountains, visible in this satellite photo as a copper-colored diagonal streak, are home to forest types found at lower elevations from North Carolina to Canada.

Figure 2. This mature chestnut oak forest is located east of Asheville.

Figure 3. Sourwoods grow in this young chestnut oak forest.

Figure 4. The rich cove forest is perhaps the most diverse forest type in North America.

Figure 5. The transition from chestnut oak to northern hardwood forest begins just above the road that can be seen in the lower-middle of this photograph.

Figure 6. In late May, a northern hardwood forest can be identified by the variation in leaf colors.

Figure 7. Both grassy balds and shrub balds are visible here.

Figure 8. Plant growth is proceeding very slowly on this bald.

Figure 9. Rhododendrons and laurels grow in this mountain bald.

Figure 10. This grassy bald is in an early stage of succession to hardwood forest.

Figure 11. The conifer trees of the spruce-fir forest are easily identified by their darker color.

Figure 12. Spruce-fir forest and hardwood forest intermingle at high elevations.

Figure 13. At the highest elevations, spruces and firs stand alone.