Major Plant Communities 
15 
Successional Relations. In the Piedmont and eastern sections 
there is no more striking succession than that among the dominants 
mentioned, in the name ot the formation. In old fields everywhere 
may be seen the evidence of progress from the primary Syntherisma 
stage through the Erigeron, Eupatorium, Aster associations to the more 
permanent association of the one dominant Andropogon. This latter 
in time is almost always succeeded by a Pinus association. 
Fig. 9. Paspalum Association along Sound shore Currituck Peninsula 
Quercus-Acer-Pinus Formation (Q. alba, Acer rubrum^Pinus palu- 
stris). Upland mesophytic forest. 
Distribution. General throughout the State below 6,000 feet. 
Habitat. Upland mesophytic conditions. 
Physiognomy. Dominants are broad-leaved woody plants and meso¬ 
phytic conifers. Associated with the preceding are numerous shade 
tolerant herbs. 
Associations. Some of the principal associations are: 
Rhododendron catawbiense-Alnus alnobetula. Mountain “balds.” 
Developmental or subclimax. 
Quercus rubra. Chiefly between 4,000 and 5,500 ft. Development¬ 
al or sub-climax. 
Castanea dentata-Quercus velutina. Chiefly between 2,500 and 
5,000 ft. Developmental or subclimax. 
