Back to Forests of the Central Appalachians | Feedback
Source Walks: 9-25-92, 9-25-93, 10-7-94, 8-3-95 and 9-2-97
Tea Creek falls well within the "Rugged Eastern Area" of the Allegheny Plateau as defined by Braun (1950). Rock layers are near horizontal and along the lower reaches of the Creek and the Williams River are part of the Mississippian Hinton Formation. This formation is described (Cardwell et al, 1968) as composed of "red, green and medium-gray shale and sandstone with a few thin limestone beds." Carbonate was in fact found by us in the form of cement in a dark, fine-grained sandstone flag in the bed of Tea Creek. Topographically the area is in the most rugged part of the Plateau province where three steep valleys converge within a few miles at the Williams River. Many peaks in the surrounding plateau rise above 4000 ft (1220 meters) asl with Red Spruce Knob at 4700 ft. (1430 meters). Elevation along the Williams River at Tea Creek is about 3000 ft (910 meters) while on the southwest side of the river the steep slope of Sugar Creek Mountain rises to 4000 ft. in 2/3 mile (1 km).
The Tea Creek Campground of the Monongahela National Forest lies in a happy combination of mountains, flowing water and colorful mesic forests that attract naturalists and forest enthusiasts to rendezvous there at every opportunity. The diversity of terrain, rock types and abundant moisture at Tea Creek encourage a corresponding diversity in plant and animal life. In many places soil nutrients are also enhanced by the presence of carbonates in the rock as mentioned above.
The forest canopy in the bottomland and on the lower slopes in the vicinity of the Tea Creek Campground is dominated by Yellow Birch ( Betula alleghaniensis ), Sugar and Red Maples ( Acer saccharum and A. rubrum ), American Beech ( Fagus grandifolia) and Black Cherry ( Prunus serotina ). Other less abundant species are Black Birch (Betula lenta ), Yellow Buckeye (Aesculus octandra ), Canada Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), Cucumber and Fraser Magnolias (Magnolia acuminata and M. fraseri), White Ash (Fraxinus americana ), American Basswood (Tilia americana), Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia ), Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra ) and Scattered Tuliptree ( Liriodendron tulipifera ). Red Spruce (Picea rubens) appears almost confined to the understory and there are some American Chestnut (Castaea dentata) sprouts. By and large this is a young forest and trees more than a foot (0.3 meter) dbh are uncommon except along the River where many very large Northern Red Oak occur. The lower slope of Sugar Creek Mountain in the nearby Cranberry Wilderness is quite different. Trees there are impressively tall and straight, of considerably greater diameter and are perhaps 60 years or more in age. Due to the slope and aspect, moisture and nutrients are made available here through colluvial processes and the rock itself, which may be the same as that in the bottomland.
The understory and shrub layers at Tea Creek are diverse. Small trees include abundant Striped Maple (Acer pensylvanicum), ( Mountain Holly (Ilex montana) , Alternate-leaved Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia), Serviceberry (Amelanchier sp) and Muscletree ( Carpinus caroliniana) in moist, shady areas, and hawthorn, including Dotted Thorn (Cratægus punctata) and Fire Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) in more open areas. Great Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) dominates the shrub layer in the shade but in a few places is accompanied by the now-rare but once common American Yew (Taxus canadensis ), which has suffered greatly from overbrowsing by deer. Other shade loving shrubs are Hobblebush (Viburnum alnifolium), Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), species of Gooseberry (Ribes sp ), and Wild Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ), of which only one plant was seen. Various species of Rubus, including Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) and thorned Blackberries are common in openings. There is also considerable Thornless Blackberry (Rubus canadensis) in more shaded areas of the forest edge. Black Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) occurs in moist areas and Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) forms a heavy growth on the banks of the Williams River. There is also a little Silky Willow (Salix serecia), mainly in seeps.
Because of the varied habitat and abundant moisture, herbaceous species show extraordinary diversity. Among these are several uncommon species such as Fraser’s Sedge (Cymophyllus fraseri), a creeping mint (Meehania cordata) and Mountain Bugbane (Cimicifuga americana). The first two of these are members of monotypic genera and are common in the campground itself, while the last may be found along the Williams River Trail. Other herbs at the campground in shady areas are White Wood Aster (Aster divaricatus), Intermediate Shield (Dryopteris intermedia) and Christmas (Polystichum acrostichoides ) Ferns, Wood Betony (Pedicularis canadensis), Blue Monkshood (Aconitum uncinatum), Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora), White Wood Sorrel (Oxalis montana), Upright Yellow Wood Sorrel (O. stricta), the sedges Carex radiata and C. laxiflora, a Wood Rush (Luzula sp.), Ground Pine (Lycopodium flabelliforme ), and a large patch of White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda). In more open areas around the campground are found White Snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum), Virginia Knotweed (Polygonum virginianum), Wood Nettle ( Laportea canadensis) Curtis Goldenrod (Solidago curtisii), Tall Agrimony (Agrimonia gryposepala ), Bigleaf Aster (Aster macrophyllus), Creeping Five-leaf (Potentilla simplex), New York Fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis) and the alien Indian Strawberry (Duchesnea indica), which in early August, was still in bloom. Additionally a common native grass here, even where it was frequently underfoot, is the forest "bluegrass" Poa alsodes.
In the vicinity of the streams, in moist open areas, occur Golden Ragwort (Senecio aureus), Crooked-stem Aster (Aster prenanthoides), Spotted and Pale Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis and I. pallida), Tasslerue (Trautvetteria caroliniensis), Black Snakeroot (Sanicula canadensis), Mottled Joe-pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum), a northern species, Dotted St. Johnswort (Hypericum punctatum) and the grasses Riparian Wild Rye (Elymus riparia), Nodding Fescue (Festuca obtusa) and Deer -tongue Grass (Panicum clandestinum), while in dryer areas are found Wrinkle-leaf Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa), Maryland Figwort (Scrophularia marilandica), Honewort (Cryptotaenia canadensis), Bottle-brush Grass (Elymus hystrix) and the sedge Carex debilis. Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense) was seen under Northern red Oak along the Williams River on 9-2-97 and is likely more common early in the season.
A local concentration of plant diversity occurs along the southeast bank of Tea Creek a little above the stream’s junction with the Williams River. Here is rich mesic forest with small seep wetlands and steep, well-watered banks that rise from the shore line. One of the seeps contained, in standing water, a community consisting of Golden Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium americanum), Drooping Wood Reed Grass (Cinna latifolia) , Golden Ragwort, Northern Swamp Buttercup (Ranunculus septentrionalis) and the sedgeCarex scabrata, all dominated by the gracefully arching leaves of the manna Grass (Glyceria melicaria). In contrast, a somewhat dryer area just upstream is habitat for the forest grass Brachyeltrum erectum, while Muscletree almost ten inches (25 cm) in diameter grows from the bank nearby. The steep bank which rises beyond this point is dominated by Great Rhododendron under a thin canopy of northern hardwoods and Hemlock with many Hemlock seedlings. However American Yew is also common here and, characteristically, is heavily browsed by White-tailed Deer ( Odocoileus virginianus), from which only the steep bank offers some protection. Herbs present on this bank include Foam Flower (Tiarella cordifolia), Mountain Meadowrue (Thalictrum clavatum), Blue Monkshood (Aconitum uncinatum), Broadleaf Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis), Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens), Hairy Woodmint (Blephilla hirsuta), Shining Clubmoss (Lycopodium lucidulum) and Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina).
The Williams River Trail follows an old logging railroad grade just above the edge of the floodplain on which, from this distance, Great Rhododendron and Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea ) are conspicuous. The forest is young northern hardwood, which, in addition to the Great Rhododendron, has abundant Red Spruce in the understory. A tabulation of trees successively noted at the trail's edge in a walk down this trail is as follows: Black Birch, Serviceberry, a cluster of small Beech, a large Beech, Beech, Sugar Maple, American Basswood, Yellow Birch, Beech, Black Birch, Yellow Buckeye, Hawthorn and Yellow Birch. In openings near Tea Creek there is Oswego Tea (Monarda didyma), which bloomed flamboyantly in August. Seen in shady parts of the moist trail bank were Turtlehead (Chelone glabra), Hairy Disporum (Disporum lanuginosum), very lush and abundant Carex plantaginea,, an isolated patch of Hog Peanut (Amphicarpa bracteata), a few plants of Silvery Glade Fern (Athyrium thelypteroides) and the Mountain Bugbane referred to earlier.
Among the tall trees of the lower slope of Sugar Creek Mountain many of the same herbaceous species occur as already listed for the river bottom. However, among additional species found here, was the more common congener of Mountain Bugbane, namely Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa). Also observed were Sharp-lobe Hepatica (Hepatica acutiloba), usually an indicator of calcareous soils, and Alpine Enchanter's Nightshade (Circæa alpina), which is a cool climate indicator.
Although rich, the flora identified in these late summer and autumn inventories is probably greatly deficient in its vernal components since many of these were probably in a dormant or inconspicuous state. To illustrate, Ramps (Allium tricoccum) as well as other early plants have been reported for the area (deHart and Sandquist, 1993).
Other than common obtrusive species such as Red Squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus ), no overt effort was made to identify fauna in the area. However Tea Creek is a great center for owls, and most particularly Barred Owls (Strix varia), which enliven every night and on 8-3-95 set up a din which included sounds like a great child’s squeaky toy and a very slow Whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus). However no actual Whip-poor-wills were heard!
The Tea Creek/Williams River area lies in a topographic depression which should be subject to considerable cold air drainage from the high surrounding plateau. The retention of this cold air should be favored by the small slope of the Williams River Valley and the constriction of this valley less than a mile downstream. Another factor is the looming bulk of Sugar Creek Mountain which shades large areas
during the hottest part of the day. The cumulative effect of these factors is likely to be a significant decrease of growing season temperatures beyond those expected for the elevation. In harmony with this conclusion is the prevalence of northern hardwood species and most particularly the abundance of Yellow Birch. The apparent resurgence of Red Spruce, as evidenced by its abundance in the understory of this young forest, also supports this conclusion. While most shrubs and herbaceous plants of the area are widespread species, a number —Mountain Holly, Fire Cherry, American Yew, Mottled Joe-pye Weed, Thornless Blackberry, Drooping Wood Reed Grass, Alpine Enchanter's Nightshade, White Wood Sorrel, Oswego Tea, Canada Mayflower— are almost inevitably dependent on high montane or boreal conditions. The fact that these species are accompanied by more temperate or southern Appalachian species reflects the moderating effects of abundant moisture and fertile soils.
Return to Tea Creek
Source Walks: 7-20-01, 7-21-01 and 7-22-01
This reporter's approach to Tea Creek on 7-20-01 was via the Scenic Highway (Rt 150 ) from the south. Crossing the highland, showers, heavy fog and cool temperatures were encountered. At Tea Creek the latter as well as an overcast prevailed. Perhaps not unusual for the season, water in the Williams River was low.
While waiting for the rest of our party, a soil temperature (T-148) and several soil and water pH determinations were made. The soil temperature and pH determinations were sited at on a slightly elevated area adjacent to a temporary stream channel. The soil here, under Yellow and Black Birches and Great Rhododendron, appeared to be of a mor type, with a high concentration of unincorporated organic matter just below the surface. As in subsequent determinations, temperatures were taken at a depth of 5 inches (13 cm) and soil for the pH measurement from a depth of 2-3 inches (5-8 cm). A temperature of 16.0 deg C was obtained, while the soil pH was found to be 4.5 both initially and 30 hours later.
Samples of water were collected from Tea Creek and from the Williams River a little below the Tea Creek confluence. The sample from Tea Creek yielded pH=5.8 and that from the Williams River pH=5.5.
Beginning on 7-20-01 and continuing into 7-21-01, an inventory was conducted in an area of about 1/8 acre (0.05 ha) immediately east of our camp site and not far from the campground entrance. This area was slightly elevated, and was thus above most wash from road limestone gravels. The aspect was essentially flat. The canopy consisted of young trees averaging less than a foot (0.3m) dbh and included Yellow Birch, White Ash, Black Cherry, American Basswood, Sugar Maple and Beech. Seedlings of Northern Red Oak and Yellow Buckeye were also present and those of Sugar Maple were very abundant. The understory consisted of Dotted Thorn, Striped Maple, Smooth Serviceberry ( Amelanchier laevis), Muscletree and Alternate-leaf Dogwood, while shrubs noted were Thornless Blackberry and Witch Hazel. The only vine observed was Virgin's Bower (Clematis virginiana ).
Among the most conspicuous herbs were Ground Pine, the mint Meehania, Christmas Fern, Intermediate Shield Fern, Curtis Goldenrod, Wrinkle-leaf Goldenrod, Wood Betony andCarex plantaginea. Less conspicuous were the sedges Carex laxiflora, C. debilis, C. swanii and C. appalachica, the grasses Brachyelytrum erectum, Poa alsodes, Deer-tongue Grass, Nodding Fescue, Drooping Wood Reed Grass and Bottlebrush Grass, White Wood Aster, Big-leaf Aster, Blue Wood Aster ( Aster cordifolius ), Flat-top White Aster ( A. umbellatus), White Snakeroot coming into bloom, Woodland Strawberry ( Fragaria vesca), White Baneberry, Plume Lily, Potentilla simplex; blooming Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron annuus), Hairy Sweet Cicely ( Osmorhiza claytoni ), Sweet White Violet (Viola blanda ), Golden Ragwort, the alien Heal-all (Prunella vulgaris var vulgaris), Tall Agrimony, Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera ), Sweet-scented Bedstraw (Galium triflorum), Great Chickweed ( Stellaria pubera ), Hog Peanut, Honewort, Foam Flower, Wood Anemone (Anemone quinquefolia), Filmy Angelica (Angelica triquinata), an unidentified gentian ( Gentiana sp), Partridge Berry (on edge of the area), Northern Swamp Buttercup, Thin-leaved Sunflower (Helianthus decapetalus), the Trail Rush (Juncus tenuis ), Basil Balm ( Monarda clinopodia and Virginia Waterleaf ( Hydrophyllum virginianum) . Rare herbs were represented by a few stalks of Wild Lettuce ( Lactuca canadensis), Tall Meadowrue ( Thalictrum pubescens ) and a single plant of beautifully-blooming Ragged Fringed Orchid (Habenaria lacera ).
Bryophytes conspicuous to the unaided eye included a large, beautiful Atrichum moss (likely A. undulatum ) and various species of Mnium, such as M. hornum. A bryophyte sample from various substrates of the area was also collected and examined under the microscope by R. Hunsucker. The following species, with liverworts indicated by the symbol (Li), were found:
Brachythecium acuminatum – on bases of trees, soil
Dicranum scoparium – on soil
Entodon compressus – on bases of hardwood Frullania brittoniae (Li) – on bark of hardwoods
Hypnum curvifolium – on rotting wood, humus, bases of trees
Mnium cuspidatum – on soil
Mnium hornum – on wet areas of soil
Pylaisiella selwynii – on bark of hardwoods
Thuidium delicatulum – on bases of trees, rotten wood, humus
Ulota crispa – on bases of hardwoods
Unfortunately, the previously mentioned Atrichum was unintentionally omitted in this sample.A few fungi identified immediately by R. Hunsucker were the edibleBoletus chrysenteron and a member of theRussula fragrantissima complex with an almond-like odor.
A soil temperature determination (T-149) was also made here and a soil sample collected, both at the usual depths. The soil temperature was found to be 17.0 deg C and the soil sample, which appeared to be of the mull type,but with abundant raw organic matter and fine feeder roots as well, had pH=4.5 both initially and 30 hours later.
Immediately to the east of the above inventoried area, on the other side of a temporary stream channel, there was a somewhat different - likely more acid and nutrient poor - community dominated by Great Rhododendron, with a sparse ground flora of the wood rushLuzula echinata, Round-leaf Violet ( Viola rotundifolia ) and patches of an unidentified Polytrichum moss. Also noted was the edible fungusRussula xerampelina.
Additional fungi identified by R. Hunsucker from the general area of the foregoing inventories were as follows:
Amanita farinosa
Amanita flavoconia
Amanita rubescens – (The Blusher), edible
Amanita vaginata
Boletus subtomentosus – edible
Boletus variipes – edible, good, found especially under Beech, oak
Cantharellus cibarius - edible, excellent
Collybia confluens – edible, but worthless, on leaves and needles
Entoloma sp
Fomes fomentarius
Ganoderma applanatum
Inocybe sp
Inonotus obliquus – said to be "anti-tumor"
Lactarius hygraphoroides – edible, excellent
Lactarius piperatus
Lactarius volemus – edible, good
Lycoperdon perlatum
Marasmius sp
Pleurotus ostreatus – (Oyster Mushroom), edible, excellent
Pluteus arreinus
Ramaria sp
Russula sp
Trametes versicolor
Tricholomopsis platyphylla- ("Platterfull"), edible
Ustulina deusta – especially on dead roots of Beech, maple
Xeromphalina kauffmaniiIn the afternoon a short traverse was made up-stream on the east bank of Tea Creek, a known site of Canada Yew, This traverse was essentially through the ecotone between the steep forested bank and the rocky stream bed.
A soil temperature (T-150) and a sample were taken at the usual depths on the lowest part of the steep bank. The temperature was found to be 16.0 deg C while the soil had a pH of 4.4 initially and 4.0 thirty hours later.
Seen in succession as we moved up-stream were American Spikenard ( Aralia racemosa ), Beech, Yellow Birch, Hemlock, a Cucumbertree seedling, Sugar Maple, a sapling of Yellow Buckeye, Witch Hazel, White Ash (on shore line), Tall Coneflower ( Rudbeckia laciniata ), Dutchman's Pipe Vine (Aristolochia macrophylla), Christmas Fern, Smooth Serviceberry, Crooked-stem Aster, Carex torta in stream bed, Mountain Maple (Acer spicatum), unidentified species of Sphagnum moss (Sphagnum sp or spp) on rock at the edge of the stream bed, the fungus Lactarius piperatus; then Canada yew, followed by Carex scabrata, Honewort, Broad-leaf Goldenrod, Wild Hydrangea, Flowering Raspberry, (Rubus odoratus ), Maple-leaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium ), Wide-leaved Joe-pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum ), Kidney-leaved Twayblade ( Listera smallii ), Large Round-leaved Orchid (Habenaria orbiculata ) and, in a rocky seep, the rare White Monkshood ( Aconitum reclinatum ) which, however, was not in bloom.
A bryophyte sample collected here and later identified by R. Hunsucker, included the following:
Fontinalis sullivantii – attached to submerged rocks
Mnium punctatum – saturated soil by stream
Scapania nemorosa (Li) – on wet soil, rocks by and in streamOn returning to camp a pH determination was made of soil next to the camp road and in the open, but covered by a rank growth of herbs and shrubs that included Black Elderberry, Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata ), Ox-eye (Heliopsis helianthoides ) and Oswego Tea. A pH of 5.5 was obtained. However this area may have been contaminated by road gravel or other anthropogenic chemicals.
The morning of 7-22-01 dawned with the short calls of Veeries (Catharus fuscescens) Red-eyed Vireos ( Vireo olivaceus ), American Robins ( Turdus migratorius) and unidentified birds. Red Squirrels and Eastern Chipmunks (Tamias striatus ) were active as well.
Our third inventory was conducted on the steep basal slope of Sugar Creek Mountain immediately southwest of the campground entrance and within the Cranberry Wilderness. The area was the subject of a brief earlier inventory as reported on above. While the general slope over the first ¼ mile (0.4 km) ascent here is about 13 deg, slopes of 30 deg are common and many are steeper within the area inventoried. The aspect is almost directly northeast, the forest canopy young, but mature. It is dominated by Sugar Maple, American Basswood, Yellow and Black Birches, Black Cherry, Beech, Northern Red Oak and Yellow Buckeye. Scattered Canada Hemlock was the only conifer observed. Striped Maple was the most common understory species, Black Elderberry virtually the only shrub except for a very little Great Rhododendron, and Dutchman's Pipe the only vine.
Down trees, especially uprooted Beech, were common and the slope rocky, with many large moss-covered blocks, likely mostly sandstone. All rocks tested failed to effervesce to acid, and these included soft, fine grained, light gray "limy-appearing" specimens.
The most conspicuous herbs were Carex plantaginea, Christmas Fern and Intermediate Shield Fern, but in moist seepy areas Wood Nettle excluded virtually all others, Among the most widespread herbs were Sharplobe Hepatica, Meehania cordata, Indian Turnip (Arisaema triphyllum ), Hairy Disporum, White Snakeroot, Large-flowered Bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora ), Sweet-scented Bedstraw, Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), Black Cohosh, Silvery glade Fern, Ramps and White Baneberry. Less widespread were Broad-leaf Goldenrod, Great Chickweed, Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense), Two-leaved Toothwort (Dentaria diphylla), Hooked Crowfoot (Ranunculus recurvatus), Foam Flower, a few patches of Round-leaf Violet coexisting with Sharplobe Hepatica, Alpine Enchanter's Nightshade, Canada Violet ( Viola canadensis), a very little Mealy Bellwort (Uvularia perfoliata), Virginia Waterleaf, Broad-leaved Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum canadense), a small patch of Canada Mayflower, a single Ebony Spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron ) and one stem of Shining Clubmoss ( Lycopodium lucidulum ) in association with a patch of White Wood Sorrel. In association with another patch of White Wood Sorrel were a few tiny shoots of Great Rhododendron.
Grasses and sedges other than Carex plantaginea were virtually absent. They were represented by a few culms (with seed) of Nodding fescue, by leaves only of the alien Meadow Fescue ( Festuca elatior ) and by a single square meter patch of Millet Grass (Milium effusum ), also vegetative, and on a flat, somewhat open area.
The only birds noted on this slope were Red-eyed Vireo and White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis). A one inch diameter low spire shell of a dead land snail was found and a fleeting glimpse was had of a small unidentified frog.
Fungi identified in place by R. Hunsucker were Scutellina scutellata (Eye-lash Fungus), a species characteristic of damp soil or wet, rotten wood (Phillips, 1991), Xylaria polymorpha, which is frequently found on rotting stumps of Beech and maple, an unidentifiedXylaria, possibly X. hypoxylon, also on rotting wood, an unidentified Amanita and the edible Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus ).
In a cursory examination the prevalent soil on this slope appeared to be a rich mull type. Temperature ( T-151) and pH determinations of this soil were done at the same depths as previous measurements. The temperature was found to be 16.0 deg C, while a pH of 5.1 was obtained both initially and after 30 hours.
The distribution of a number of herbs on this slope appeared to be quite uniform, and this was especially true of smaller ones such as Sharplobe Hepatica and Meehania. Exceptions were Round-leaf Vilolet, white Wood Sorrel, Canada Mayflower and especially Wood Nettle. Despite the relatively moist conditions, fungi were practically confined to decaying wood. Bryophytes were extraordinarily luxuriant however. The relatively few species of vascular plants observed (52), despite the obviously rich habitat, may in part be attributable to the relatively uniform habitat and the deep shade that probably excluded many sedges, grasses and aster-family plants.
Bryophytes identified by R. Hunsucker from various habitats on the lower slope of Sugar Creek Mountain are as follows:
On soil over sandstone rock:
Anomodon attenuatus, Brachythecium acuminatum, Campylium chrysophyllum, Climacium americanum, Entodon compressus (uncommon), Eurhynchium hians, Fissidens adianthoides, Hylocomium brevirostre, Mnium affine, Mnium cuspidatum, Mnium hornum, Plagiochila asplenoides (Li), Rhodobryum roseum, Thuidium delicatulum
On rotting hardwood down boles:
Amblystgium varium, Anomodon attenuatus, Anomodon rostratus, Brachythecium acuminatum, Brachythecium rutabulum, Chiloscyphus profundus (Li), Entodon compressus, Hypnum curvifolium, Plagiothecium laetum, Rhynchostegium serrulatum, Thuidium delicatulum
On shady forest soil:
Dicranella sp (strile), Fissidens adianthoides, Mnium affine, Mnium hornum, Taxiphyllum deplanatum
On bark of hardwoods, base to 5 feet (1.5 m) above ground:
Anomodon attenuatus, Eurhynchium hians, Frullania asagrayana (Li), Frullania brittoniae (Li), Haplohymenium triste, Leskea gracillescens, Porella platyphylla (Li), Schwetschkeopsis fabronia
On bark of Sugar Maple, base to 5 feet above ground:
Amblystgium varium, Hypnum pallescens, Porella platyphylloidea (Li), Thelia hirtella, Ulota crispa
On bark, base and exposed roots of large Canada Hemlock:
Anomodon attenuatus, Anomodon rostratus, Brachythecium acuminatum, Brachythecium sp, Bryum capillare, Eurhynchium hians, Fissidens adianthoides, Hypnum pallescens, Plagiothecium cavifolium
On bark at base of a large Yellow Buckeye
Anomodon attenuatus, Brachythecium acuminatum, Brachythecium oxycladon, Byyum capillare, ,Fissidens adianthoides, Frullania eboracensis (Li), Haplohymenium triste, Mnium affine, Plagiothecium cavifolium, Schwetschkeopsis fabronia
On bark at base of Tilia americana var americana:
Anomodon attenuatus, Brachythecium sp, Brotherella tenuirostris Dicranum viride, Entodon compressus,Frullania brittoniae (Li), Haplohymenium triste, Metzgeria furcata (Li), Pylaisiella sp (sterile )Schwetschkeopsis fabronia, Thuidium delicatulum, Ulota crispa
On bark of standing dead or dying hardwoods including Yellow Birch, Northern Red Oak and Basswood:
Amblystegium serpens, Anomodon attenuatus, Brachythecium acuminatum, Campylium chrysophyllum, Hypnum curvifolium, Mnium affine, Porella platyphylla (Li), Porella platyphylloidea (Li), Schwetschkeopsis fabronia, Taxiphyllum deplanatum (on humus, over roots), Ulota crispa
On bark and roots, bases of hardwoods as above:
Amblystegium serpens, Anomodon attenuatus, Brachythecium acuminatum, Campylium chrysophyllum, Entodon cladorrhizans, Eurhynchium hians, Fissidens adianthoides, Frullania brittoniae (Li), Haplohymenium triste, Hypnum curvifolium, Hypnum pallescens, Mnium affine, Taxiphyllum deplanatum, Thuidium delicatulum
Bryophyte Frequencies
The following are bryophyte frequencies in the various habitats at Tea Creek.:
8 Anomodon attenuatus
7 Brachythecium acuminatum
5 Fissidens adianthoides
5 Mnium affine
5 Thuidium delicatulum
4 Entodon compressus
4 Frullania brittoniae (Li)
4 Haplohymenium triste
4 Hypnum curvifolium
4 Schwetschkeopsis fabronia
4 Ulota crispa
3 Campylium chrysophyllum
3 Eurhynchium hians
3 Hypnum pallescens
3 Taxiphyllum deplanatum
2 Amblystegium serpens
2 Amblystegium varium
2 Anomodon rostratus
2 Brachythecium sp
2 Bryum capillare
2 Dicranum viride
2 Mnium hornum
2 Plagiothecium cavifolium
2 Porella platyphylla (Li)
2 Porella platyphylloidea (Li)
1 Brachythecium oxycladon
1 Brachythecium rutabulum
1 Brotherella tenuirostre
1 Chiloscyphus profundus (Li)
1 Climacium americanum
1 Dicranella sp
1 Dicranum scoparium
1 Entodon cladorrhizans
1 Fontinalis sulivantii
1 Frullania asagrayana (Li)
1 Frullania eboracensis (Li)
1 Hylocomium brevirostre
1 Leskea gracilescens
1 Metzgeria furcata (Li)
1 Mnium cuspidatum
1 Mnium punctatum
1 Plagiochilla asplenoides (Li)
1 Plagiothecium laetum
1 Pylaisiella selwynii
1 Rhodobryum roseum
1 Pylaisiella sp
1 Rhynchostegium serrulatum
1 Scapania nemorosa (Li)
1 Thelia hirtella
Tea Creek 7-20-01
The Creek.
Tea Creek 7-20-01
Williams River.
Tea Creek 7-21-01
Canada Yew. Click for a larger picture.
Tea Creek 7-21-01
Sugar Creek Mountain.
Note Spruce on distant ridge line.
Tea Creek 7-21-01
Ground flora, Valley Flat.
Tea Creek 7-22-01
Ground flora, base of Sugar Creek Mountain. Click for a larger picture.
Tea Creek 7-22-01
Base of Sugar Creek Mountain.
Tea Creek 7-22-01
Boulder, base of Sugar Creek Mountain.
Tea Creek 7-22-01
Deer-browsed Canada Yew.
Summary
The distribution of forest types in the vicinity of Tea Creek is clearly related to the topography. The occurrence of Red Spruce on the valley flat is mirrored by its occurrence at the highest elevations of the surrounding mountains, where it may be distinguished on summit lines above 4000 feet (1220 m). The numerous northern and montane species on the valley flat have already been referred to, and our present inventory has expanded this list. By contrast, Red Spruce is absent or present in very low numbers on the lower slope of Sugar Creek Mountain, and hardwoods are visually dominant on the slope of this mountain to the summit. However northern and montane species are not absent on the lower slope, and some, such as Alpine Enchanter's Nightshade, Canada Mayflower, Millet Grass and White Wood Sorrel, appear in small numbers in our inventory. This apparent difference in behavior of Spruce and herbs may reflect the more easily attained microhabitats required by the boreal herbs as compared to the larger habitat requirements of large woody plants such as Spruce. Indeed, similar behavior is observed throughout the Central Appalachians where Red Spruce does generally not descend to as low elevations as do the boreal herbs. There is however also an alternative explanation for the absence of Red Spruce in the lower slope forest of Sugar Creek Mountain, namely that the soils there may be to alkaline for Spruce.
The three inventoried sites present some other contrasts as well. The site with a flat aspect near camp has quite acidic if fertile soils, a likely consequence of vertical acid leaching of fertile alluvium, since such leaching is most effective on flat or convex topography. Also the flat aspect, at least in this case, appears to have provided ample light for some light-demanding plants. Coupled with the fertile alluvium, this light resulted in 67 vascular plants being recorded for the small area inventoried. The lower slope of Sugar Creek Mountain is equally if not more mesic in character than the valley flat. Additionally, it is clearly under the influence of colluvial processes, with far less possibility of vertical acid leaching. While its soils too are acid, they are far less so, and the flora, containing as it does, species such as Sharplobe Hepatica and Large-flowered Bellwort, points to a prominent calcareous element in the available nutrients. Thus the difference in topography appears to be largely responsible for floral differences on what may be essentially similar geologic substrates. The same is likely true of species richness. The northeast aspect and dense mesic canopy of the slope forest appears to exclude most sedges, grasses and aster family herbs The result is that only 52 vascular plants were recorded in an area many times that of the small area inventoried on the valley flat. An additional feature that should be mentioned is the possibility of the occurrence, both on the mountain slope and valley flat, of resistant sandstone fragments from the Pottsville rocks which cap the highest elevations and which may intrude as rock falls or erosion remnants. Such apparently displaced rocks are common in the Alleghenies (see our sections on the Gaudineer and Falls of Hills Creek Scenic Areas) and may be represented by some of the large blocks on the slope here.
It is also informative to compare the Tea Creek and Cathedral State Park vascular floras, since that of the latter reflects the highly acidic and nutrient – poor substrate, which is almost everywhere also subject to vertical acid leaching. The result is the virtual absence of a number of demanding canopy species and a depauperate herb flora, despite its splendor as an old growth forest. It will be of special interest to compare the bryophyte floras of the two forest types.
The first five most frequently occurring bryophytes, are all of wide distribution, especially in eastern North America. These species are also characteristic of both acidic and calcareous environments. None are markedly northern or montane in distribution. Excepting Anomodon attenuatus and Thuidium delicatulum, which are prominent at Cathedral Park as well as here, both species composition and their frequencies differ greatly in the two forests. At Tea Creek strong acidiphiles are represented by only a few infrequent species such as Mnium hornum and Dicranum scoparium. However the latter as well as one occurrence of the former are confined to the vertically leached area on the valley flat.
Something more also needs to be said about the Canada Yew, since Tea Creek is one of the few locations in the Central Appalachians in which this once-common plant may still be seen, albeit in a much degraded state. It appears to survive on steep slopes along Tea Creek itself, chiefly because White-tailed Deer browsing is less intense there than in more accessible locations. Because this species, more than virtually any other, reflects mismanagement of the forest, this reporter has for years been urging that it be listed as a sensitive species on the Monongahela National Forest (Mueller, 1992). Because Yew is here at its extreme southern range limit, it probably is represented by a distinct ecotype adapted to Central Appalachian conditions. Its extreme rarity compared to its former abundance should also warrant that it be listed under the federal Endangered Species Act and areas of its present and former occurrence designated Critical Habitat. According to Strausbaugh and Core ( 1977) Yew is found in "cool, shady areas". Such areas exist most frequently in un-logged, mature forests. Such forests provide less food and cover for Deer, so their numbers are lower and the intensity of browsing is decreased from its existing destructive levels. Consequently, listing this species, and designating critical habitat, would require a great decrease in logging, road building and any other activity that opens up the forest.
References
Braun, E. Lucy, 1950,Deciduous Forests of Eastern North America, Macmillan, New York
Cardwell, Dudley H., Robert B. Erwin, Herbert P. Woodward and Charles W. Lotz, compilers, 1968, Geologic Map of West Virginia, slightly revised 1986, West Virginia Geologic and Economic Survey, Morgantown, West Virginia.
Crum, Howard A. and Lewis E. Anderson (1981) Mosses of Eastern North America, in two volumes. Columbia University Press, New York.
de Hart, Allen and Bruce Sundquist, 1993, Monongahela National Forest Hiking Guide, West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, P.O. Box 306, Charleston, West Virginia 25321.
Hicks, Marie L. (1992) Guide to the Liverworts of North Carolina. Duke University Press, Durham, North Carolina.
Phillips, Roger (1991) Mushrooms of North America. Little, Brown & Co., Boston, Mass.
Mueller, R.F. (1992) Central Appalachian Wilderness in Perspective, The Monongahela National Forest. Wild Earth 2 (2), 56-60.
Strausbaugh, P.D. and Earl L. Core (1977) Flora of West Virginia, second edition, Seneca Books Inc.. Grantsville, West Va.