Species composition changes under individual tree selection cutting in cove hardwoods

Abstract

In the past, uncontrolled clearcutting on many of the good to excellent hardwood sites in the Appalachians has resulted in forest stands composed of the so-called cove hardwoods, a high proportion of which are intolerant species. Characteristically these stands run heavily to yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.), northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.), black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.), basswood (Tilia americana L. and T. heterophylla Vent.), white ash, (Fraxinus americana L.), and sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.); and the first three species generally make up more than half the stems in the overstory. Other trees commonly found in the mixture are red maple (A. rubrum L.), beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.), sweet birch (Betula lenta L.), white oak (Q. alba L.), chestnut oak (Q. prinus L.), hickory (Carya spp. Nutt.), and cucumbertree (Magnolia acuminata L.).

Citation

Trimble, George R., Jr. 1965. Species composition changes under individual tree selection cutting in cove hardwoods. Research Note NE-30. Upper Darby, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 1-6