Appalachian (Hemlock)-Northern Hardwood Forest
This ecological system is one of the main forest types of the northeastern U.S., ranging from central New England west to Lake Erie and south to the higher elevations of Virginia and West Virginia. Northern hardwoods such as sugar maple, yellow birch, and beech are characteristic, either forming a deciduous canopy or mixed with hemlock (or in some cases white pine). Other common and sometimes dominant trees include red oak, tuliptree, black cherry, and black birch. Its habitat and range are more limited in the southern part of its range. Lack of wildland fire appears to have led to an increase in the extent of this system. The hemlock woolly adelgid is an exotic insect pest that has killed many eastern hemlock trees. This pest is difficult to control, but some eastern hemlock stands have been chosen for protection with insecticide treatments. For more information, see NatureServe Explorer.
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