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Blue Bend/Round Mountain

Greenbrier County, West Virginia
August, 2001

Geologic Setting

Blue Bend marks a sharp bend of Anthony Creek, a major stream in this part of the Valley and Ridge physiographic province. Bedrock underlying the area is Chemung Group, consisting of gray to brown siltstone, sandstone and shale with conglomeratic interbeds. Not far upstream Anthony Creek cuts through Braillier Formation, which consists of siltstone and shale, and the Millboro Shale. Still farther up, the Creek cuts the Ridgeley Sandstone, in which silica sand grains are cemented by calcium carbonate (Cardwell et al, 1968) . All these rocks are of Devonian or Upper Silurian age. Additionally, both the Braillier Formation and the Millboro Shale may contain minor carbonate beds or concretions. Thus, while the overall impression of rock in the area is one of dominantly siliceous and acidic character, the calcareous component may be expected to assert itself locally.

 

Source Walks: 9-2-93, 9-3-93, 9-4-93, 9-4-00 and 9-5-00

Our 1993 visit was in the nature of a reconnaissance and was largely confined to the vicinity of Anthony Creek and its flood plain. At that time it was noted that the flood plain canopy was dominated by mature Sugar and Red Maples, Yellow Buckeye (Aesculus octandra), Beech, Tuliptree, Canada Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), White Pine, Shagbark Hickory (practically the only hickory seen), American and White Basswoods (Tilia americana and T. heterophylla), Black Locust, Black Cherry, Black Gum, Northern Red Oak and Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra ), while Muscletree (Carpinus caroliniana ), flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) and hawthorn (Crataegus sp) constituted an understory. Great Rhododendron ( Rhododendron maximum) and Spice Bush (Lindera benzoin) appeared to be the most common shrubs, but Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) and blackberries (Rubus spp) were also noted. Conspicuous vines were Poison Ivy (Rhus radicans), Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinqefolia) and Japanese Honeysuckle ( Lonicera japonica) . Other species seen close to the stream were Sycamore, Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum), Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), Cardinal Flower ( Lobelia cardinalis) and Great Blue Lobelia (L. siphilitica ), with the last two both in bloom. On the flood plain quite generally, the most conspicuous, if not the most abundant herbs appeared to be White Wood Aster (Aster divaricatus ), Common Joe-pye Weed (Eupatorium fistulosum), Horse Balm (Collinsonia canadensis), Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia), Lopseed (Phryma leptostachya), Wild Stonecrop (Sedum ternatum), Canada Moonseed ( Menispermum canadense), Clearweed (Pilea pumila), Sweet Cicely (Osmorhiza sp), Golden Ragwort (Senecio aureus) and Squawweed (Senecio obovatus) . The prominence of some of the more nutrient-demanding of these species exceeds that noted in our Year 2000 flood plain inventory and probably reflects the different areas represented by these two inventories.

On 9-3-93 a traverse was made along the left side of Anthony Creek, downstream from the foot bridge. The forest here, on a narrow segment of the flood plain and the lower slope of Round Mountain, was observed to be a very rich mesophytic type dominated by Tuliptree, Yellow Buckeye, with a heavy crop of nuts, Sugar Maple, White Ash, Beech, Shagbark Hickory, American and White Basswoods, Black Birch, Northern Red Oak, Hemlock and White pine, some of large size, but probably not old growth. Northern Red Oak appeared to be virtually the only oak, although White Oak was observed on nearby lower slopes. Black Cherry, Cucumbertree (Magnolia acuminata), Black Locust, Slippery Elm and Red Maple appeared to be minor constituents and Sycamore was concentrated near the Creek. Hemlock appeared to be Adelgid-free. The most common understory tree appeared to be Muscletree, with less common Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), Redbud (Cercis canadensis), Flowering and Alternate-leaved (Cornus alternifolia) Dogwoods and minor small Striped Maple (Acer pensylvanicum) . Spice Bush appeared to be the most common shrub and Black Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) occurred in moist openings.

Partridge Berry was observed to be uncommon in its usual habitat under Hemlock, but in certain areas formed dense colonies on banks and at scattered locations. Wild Stonecrop appeared to be the most pervasive ground cover in moist shady areas and, while not common, Spotted Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata) and Downy Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera pubescens) were seen in a few places.

Progressing along the Creek, the horizontal and relatively thin bedded rocks and generally moisture and nutrient-rich regime were noted. A "riot" of luxuriant vegetation here included Wild Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), Wingstem, Broad-leaf Goldenrod ( Solidago flexicaulis), American Spikenard ( Aralia racemosa), Hairy Disporum (Disporum lanuginosum) with ripe fruit, Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia), Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), New York Fern ( Thelypteris noveboracensis), Sensitive Fern (Onaclea sensibilis ), Intermediate and Marginal Shield Ferns (Dryopteris intermedia and D. marginalis), Indian Turnip ( Arisaema triphyllum), Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis), Horse Balm and Lopseed. Large Hairy Heuchera (Heuchera villosa) festooned rock and in places Mountain Maple (Acer spicatum) and larger than normal Wild Sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis) indicated the cool microclimate of the moist northern aspect. Of particular interest was the presence of Sharplobe Hepatica (Hepatica acutiloba) and Walking Fern (Camptosorus rhyzophyllus ), the latter on damp rock surfaces, since these plants are strong calciphiles. Their mention here is also significant as neither was observed on our Year 2000 visit, perhaps due to a shortened traverse imposed by trail obliteration on the dangerously steep slope. It is curious also that the conspicuous presence of Great Rhododendron on this slope was not recorded in 1993.

Our first Year 2000 inventory, during early afternoon of 9-4-00, consisted of a short traverse across the sloping flood plain/terrace on the northwest side of Anthony Creek. The area is within the Monongahela National Forest campground. Cool and cloudy conditions prevailed.

Alluvium on the flood plain consists of a mixture of boulders and cobble, largely sandstone, smaller clasts of sandstone, siltstone and shale and finer interstitial material. No carbonate was observed and the regime is acid/mesic in character. In some areas, apparently mostly at higher elevations of the flood plain, the ground flora was dominated by such acidiphiles as Partridge Berry. However for the most part areas nearer the Creek were occupied by a quite rich mesic flora with scattered calciphiles.

The canopy appeared to be dominated by mesic species, in general agreement with our 1993 assessment. Trees appeared generally vigorous and well-formed. Particularly imposing were the large White Pine and Hemlock. Accompanying these were abundant Sugar Maple, both large and small, Tuliptree, Yellow Buckeye, Northern Red, Black and White Oaks, Basswoods with characteristics ranging from American to White, Shagbark, pignut and Bitternut Hickories, with Shagbark the most common by far, Black Birch, Black Gum, White Ash, Beech, Red Maple, Red Mulberry (Morus rubra) and, concentrated near the Creek, Sycamore. Only one small Chestnut Oak ( Quercus prinus) was seen, a possible consequence of the antipathy of this species to high water tables. Small and understory trees observed were Muscletree, Hophornbeam and Flowering Dogwood. While Great Rhododendron dominated among shrubs, Witch Hazel, Spice Bush, Shrubby St Johns Wort (Hypericum sphatulatum) and a little Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) were also present. One small Bladdernut (see later) was seen. Large, vigorous vines of Summer Grape (Vitis aestivalis) occurred in several places.

A traverse made up-valley yielded the following in succession : Horse Balm, Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), Clustered Snakeroot (Sanicula gregaria), Curtis Goldenrod (Solidago curtisii), Smooth Sweet Cicely (Osmorhiza longistylis), Hophornbeam, the call of a Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon), the PolemoniumP. reptans, Black Cohosh, Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum), abundant Wild Stonecrop, Sweet White Violet (Viola blanda), Mountain Oat Grass (Danthonia compressa), common Roundlobe Hepatica ( Hepatica americana), blooming White Wood Aster, Canada Bromegrass (Bromus pubescens), widespread Hog Peanut (Amphicarpa bracteata), Shining Bedstraw (Galium concinnum), Black Oak, Golden Ragwort, Squawweed, the alien Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea), blooming Calico Aster (Aster lateriflorus), the sedge Carex laxiflora, Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium virginianum), European Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris var vulgaris), Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus hystrix ), White Grass (Leersia virginica ), common but stunted Indian Turnip, the sedge Carex plantaginea, usually an indicator of good soils, Small Yellow Crownbeard (Verbesina occidentalis), Shrubby St Johns Wort, a patch of Crested Dwarf Iris (Iris cristata, Cardinal Flower and Great Blue Lobelia, both in bloom, Christmas Fern, Plume Lily (Smilacina racemosa), scattered Wingstem, an unidentified Atrichum moss, Partridge Berry and New York Fern.

At this point we noted the first occurrence of large (extended length 5 – 6 inches / 13 – 15 cm) gray earthworms wriggling rapidly across the forest floor after being flushed by our footfalls. We now had reached an elevated (by ~ 1 m) area under a grove of Hemlock with mostly bare needle duff beneath, but with scattered Common Speedwell (Veronica officinalis) Poison Ivy, Spotted Wintergreen, Roundleaf Violet (Viola rotundifolia), Downy Rattlesnake Plantain, Miterwort (Mitella diphylla), Whorled Loosestrife (Lysimachia quadrifolia), Common Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia) and the acidiphile tick trefoil Desmodium nudiflorum.

Continuing up-valley, we saw seedlings of White Ash, the pignut hickory Carya glabra, Shagbark Hickory, Spice Bush, Big-leaf Aster (Aster macrophyllus ) and American Dog Violet (Viola conspersa), which, according to Strausbaugh and Core (1977), is found in "cool shady places in the mountains." Next recorded were Hispid Greenbrier (Smilax hispida ), also usually an indicator of rich soils, seedlings of Northern Red Oak and Heart-leaf Skullcap (Scutellaria ovata), which, again according to S and C, is a product of "shale barrens and other dry soils." These were followed by Nodding Fescue (Festuca obtusa), Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum), Christmas Fern, Shrubby St Johns Wort, Abundant Wild Stonecrop, Polemonium reptans, Clustered Snakeroot and Sugar Maple. Here a soil sample (no 1) was taken from a 2-3 inch (5-8 cm) depth among clasts and flagstones. This soil, which was apparently rich in organic matter, had an initial pH of 5.0, but after 24 hours this had decreased to 4.6.

Next seen were Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense), Sweet-scented Bedstraw (Gallium triflorum), Wood Nettle, White Snakeroot ( Eupatorium rugosum) in bloom, More Virginia Creeper and White Ash seedlings, Foam Flower (Tiarella cordifolia), a little Blue Cohosh in fruit; then the striking and edible fungus Lactarius indigo under Hemlock, followed by Rattlesnake Fern, a basswood, Common Many Knees (Polgonatum biflorum), more Poison Ivy and a little Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), no doubt a remnant of that already gone dormant. These were followed in turn by Roundlobe Hepatica, Spice Bush, Virginia Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum), Four-leaved Yam (Dioscorea quaternata), the mossThuidium delicatulum (Delicate Fern Moss) on rock, the fungus Amanita citrina and a few plants of Canada Moonseed under Yellow Buckeye.

Still moving up-valley, we saw more Roundlobe Hepatica, Hygrophorus conicus, a fungus characteristic of "coniferous woods" (Phillips, 1991), Maidenhair Fern, Wild Ginger, Marginal Shield Fern, Common Chickweed (Stellaria media), Cucumbertree, possible Small's Ragwort (Senecio smallii), an unidentifiedPrenanthes, Downy Rattlesnake Plantain, an unidentifiedBrachythecium moss, Lance-leaf Wild Liquorice (Galium lanceolatum), a little Wide-leaved Joe-pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum) and a jewelweed (Impatiens sp ). Elsewhere however, we saw Spotted Jewelweed or I. capensis. At this location we also again encountered the surface – crawling earthworms.

We next came to a patch of slightly elevated ground, perhaps two square meters in area, on which the ground cover was dominated by a narrow-leaved sedge resembling Carex gracilescens. Near the center of this patch stood a small bush of Bladdernut, the only example of the species seen on our traverse. A soil sample (no 2) was taken from a 2-3 inch depth and between clasts at the center of the patch. This sample produced uncertain results, but appeared less acidic than what might be expected from the general flood plain flora. Its pH initially appeared to exceed 6.0, but after 24 hours a value of 5.5 was obtained.

A little farther up-valley we recorded Maple-leaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) and a Wild Ginger with an unusual leaf shape in which the cordate sinus was closed. These were followed by Lopseed, and then, in a semi-opening, by a large patch dominated by Hay-scented Fern with associated blooming Wingstem, Tall White lettuce (Prenanthes altissima), Horse Balm, Christmas Fern, the tick trefoil Desmodium nudiflorum (also in bloom), Broad Beech Fern (Phegopteris hexagonoptera), Common Greenbrier, Fringed Loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata), Blue Cohosh, a Cantharellus fungus, a seedling of Bitternut Hickory, Hog Peanut, Tree Moss (Climacium americanum), Wild Ginger, and Black Elderberry. A soil sample (no 3) taken from a 2-3 inch depth in this patch was surprisingly acidic, with an initial pH of 4.6. However, after 24 hours this increased to 5.6, which may have indicated a slowly reacting carbonate or other component in the soil.

A conspicuous faunal element on this traverse was the biting black flies ( Simuliidae).

Additional plants from the flood plain, but not specifically located, or possibly influenced by road gravels, were as follows:Desmodium glutinosum, Downy Many Knees (Polygonatum pubescens) at the base of a White Pine, Beech Drops (Epifagus virginiana ) and Woodland Muhly (Muhlenbergia sylvatica) .

Additional fungi collected on this traverse (from soil substrate unless otherwise indicated) and identified by R. Hunsucker were the following:

 
Agaricus sp
Amanita bisporigera – virosa complex
Amanita caesarea
Amanita fulva
Auricularia auricula
Baeospora myosura– on White Pine cones
Bisporella citrina – on rotting hardwood
Boletus chrysenteron
Cantharellus cibarius
Cantharellus laterinus
Clavariadelphis truncates
Collybia dryophila
Collybia sp
Cortinarius spp
Entoloma salmoneum
Gloeophyllum sepiarium – on rotting pine
Gymnopilus sp – on buried wood
Hygrocybe coccinea
Hygrocybe conice
Inocybe spp
Laccaria laccata
Lactarius peckii
Lactarius piperatus
Lactarius repraesentaneus
Lactarius subplinthogalus
Lactarius spp
Lepiota sp
Leptonia sp
Marasmius rotula
Marasmius spp
Mycena galericulata – on rotting stump
Panellus stipticus – on rotting hardwood stumps
Peziza sp
Polyporus squamosus – on rotting stump
Psathyrella sp
Russula sp
Stereum complicatum
Stereum ostrea
Suillus americanus
Suillus granulatus
Suillus pictus
Suillus salmonicolor
Tremella concrescens
Tricholoma sp
Xerula furfuracea
Xylaria polymorpha

Pileated Woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus ) were virtually the only birds identified on the traverse. Crickets and katydids called loudly at camp during the late evening.

On 9-5-00, after a night of periodic light rain and cooling temperatures, a determination was made of the pH of Anthony Creek. The value of 5.3 obtained may have reflected the recent rainy period, conspicuously high water and likely resulting acidification.

A morning traverse was then made downstream along the left bank of the Creek, essentially through the same habitat traversed on our 1993 visit. The trail here passes through the ecotone between the terrace and stream edge and the base of Round Mountain. The latter was dominated in many places by a heavy growth of great Rhododendron, which occupied much of the rocky slope. Initially the trail passed through forested flood plain, less rocky, and far richer in appearance than that inventoried on the Creek's northwest side. The canopy near the foot bridge at the start of the traverse consisted of some large (up to 38 inches / 1 m dbh or more) Tuliptree, Yellow Buckeye, Sugar Maple, Black Walnut, Northern Red Oak and on the Creek bank, River Birch (Betula nigra) . Muscletree appeared to be dominant in the understory. Other species noted here were Spice Bush, Woodland Muhly, blooming Wingstem, Virginia Knotweed (Polygonum virginianum), Honewort (Cryptotaenia canadensis), blooming Spotted Jewelweed, the alien mint Elsholtzia ciliata, Black Locust, Hispid Greenbrier,Carex gracilescens, Christmas Fern, abundant Golden Ragwort, Enchanter's Nightshade (Circaea quadrisulcata), Sensitive Fern, Indian Turnip, an unidentified Anomodon moss on a large Buckeye, Black Cohosh and Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata) . A soil sample (no 4) taken from a 2-3 inch depth here was rich in organic matter, but was surprisingly acidic, with an initial pH of 4.6. However, after 24 hours this had increased to 5.2, perhaps again indicating slow equilibration with a more alkaline soil component.

Continuing downstream we saw Wood Nettle, Nodding Fescue, Wood Reed Grass (Cinna arundinacea), Sweet White Violet, False Nettle (Boehmeria cylindrical), Clearweed, Black Birch, Virginia Waterleaf, Virgin's Bower, (Clematis virginiana), the alien grass Microstegium veminium, an unidentified dodder (Cuscuta sp ) and Wild Stonecrop.

We now arrived at the narrowing of the stream flood plain / terrace and in close proximity to the Rhododendron covered slope base. In what follows species on the slope base are indicated by (s) and those of the open Creek edge as (e): Seen successively were Tall Meadowrue ( Thalictrum pubescens) (e), Carex plantaginea(s), Maidenhair Fern (s), Small yellow Crownbeard(e), Shagbark Hickory(s), Delicate Fern Moss(s), small Striped Maple(s), a large patch of Wingstem(e), Tall Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata) (e), Wild Cucumber (Echinocystus lobata) (e), Thin-leaved Sunflower (Helianthus decapetalus) (e), Grass-leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia )(e), Northern Bugelweed (Lycopus uniflorus) (e), Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera) (s), Wild Hydrangea(s), the fungus Suillus pictus(s), Marginal Shield Fern(s), an unidentified Atrichum moss(s) and seedlings of Shagbark hickory(s).

On a particularly rocky slope base we noted Rock Fern (Polypodium virginianum) (s), Partridge Berry(s), the moss Bryoandersonia illecebra(s) and an unidentifiedHeuchera(s). These were followed by large, vigorous American Spikenard(s) in fruit and Flowering Raspberry (Rubus odoratus) (s). The rock here appeared to be horizontally – bedded, fissile siltstone.

Continuing along the ever steepening slope, we saw Black Elderberry(s) and Crooked-stem Aster (Aster prenanthoides) (s)then at the water's edge, New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) (e), Cardinal Flower(e) and Great Blue Lobelia(e), all in spectacular bloom.

Still within the ecotone, we encountered Autumn Bent grass (Agrostis perennans) (s), Tasslerue (Trautvetteria caroliniensis) (e), Dotted St Johns Wort (Hypericum punctatum )(e), Mountain Maple(s), Thyme-leaved Bluets (Houstonia serpyllifolia) (s), Small-flowered St Johns Wort (Hypericum mutilum) (s) and Upright Yellow Wood Sorrel (Oxalis stricta) (s); then, at the stream edge, Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifoius) (e), Common Joe-pye Weed(e) and Rice Cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides) (e). Again on the slope were Beech(s), the alien bedstraw Galium parisense(s), Broad-leaf Goldenrod(s), Downy Many Knees(s), Goat's Beard (Aruncus dioicus) (s), Hairy Heuchera(s), Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) (s), Wild ginger(s) and the mosses Bartramia pomiformis ( Apple Moss) (s) and Mnium hornum(s). Here also other mosses were collected from the rock an vicinity for later identification (see following list) .

The canopy on the slope here included Hemlock and White Basswood, with associated Wild Sarsaparilla, the alien Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara), Arrow-leaf Tearthumb (Polygonum sagittatum) and a large patch of earth star fungus (Geastrum sp) . Still on the slope, which now extended to the stream edge, we saw the colorful fungus Marasmius siccus (Orange Pinwheel) in association with Intermediate Shield Fern, a seedling of Bitternut hickory and abundant Maidenhair Fern. A little beyond, a soil sample (no 5), light tan in color and apparently rich in clay and low in organic matter, was taken from beneath Apple Moss and the moss Hylocomium brevirostre. Other associates included unidentified Atrichum and Hypnum mosses, Goat's Beard, Maidenhair Fern, Foam Flower, Christmas Fern, Poison Ivy, Mountain Maple, Virginia Creeper, Tall White Lettuce, Curtis Goldenrod and Downy many Knees. This sample was, as expected, acidic, with pH= 4.7, both initially and 24 hours later. On drying it formed lumps so hard they could not be broken with the fingers, thus supporting its clay-rich character.

Additional species collected and identified by R. Hunsucker on this traverse included a Handsome Fungus Beetle (Endomychidae) feeding inside the edible puffball Lycoperdon pyriforme, as well as the following bryophytes (liverworts explicitly indicated):

Anomodon attenuatus
Atrichum crispum
Aulocomnium heterostichum – on soil and rotting wood
Brachythecium oxycladon
Brachythecium rutabulum
Bryhnia graminicolor
Campylium chrysophyllum – on wet rocks and soil
Diplophyllum apiculatum – liverwort on wet rocks
Frullania inflata – liverwort on rocks
Geocalyx graveolens – liverwort
Hypnum curvifolium
Odontoschisma denudatum – liverwort on humus and rotting wood
Plagiochila sp – liverwort
Plagiothecium curvifolium
Scapania nemorosa – liverwort
Tetraphis pellucida – on rotting stumps

Our traverse along the stream was prematurely terminated as a consequence of the obliteration of the trail by a landslide on the steep slope. Consequently we did not reach the markedly calciphile communities encountered on our 1993 traverse.

In the afternoon of 9-5-00, under clear, cool conditions, we ascended Round Mountain via a trail up the north face. The first section of the trail extended northeast on a gentle slope bordering the flood plain of Anthony Creek. Successively encountered were Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), beautifully straight and tall Hemlock, Tuliptree, Northern Red Oak and White Pine, common Great Rhododendron in places, but much open forest with few shrubs and herbs. Among these however, were New york Fern, Hairy Disporum, Christmas Fern, Sweet White Violet, Partridge Berry, Roundlobe Hepatica, Hispid Greenbrier, Carex debilis, Black Cohosh, Downy Many Knees and Carrion flower (Smilax herbacea ). These were followed by White Ash, Intermediate Shield fern, Lance-leaved Wild Liquorice, White Pine to 30 inches (0.76 m) dbh or more and Miterwort. Here the trail (no 614) turned sharply right and began its ascent. First noted on this steeper slope were Interrupted Fern (Osmunda claytoniana), Yellow Buckeye, Spice bush and saplings of Hemlock; then under a mature canopy, Christmas Fern, the call of a Pileated Woodpecker, Cucumbertree, Bitternut Hickory and Virginia Waterleaf.

Continuing along the steep colluvial slope, now with a greater herb density, we saw Great Chickweed, Carex platyphylla, an unidentified Atrichum moss, Blue Cohosh, Wild Geranium, a fallen tree with a rootwad that exposed a light tan soil and subsoil with many small clasts but little organic matter; then stunted Indian Turnip, Mealy Bellwort (Uvularia perfoliata), the somewhat uncommon fungus Wynnea americana, Sugar Maple, Maidenhair Fern, Black Birch, Intermediate Shield Fern, seedlings of Yellow Buckeye, Downy Rattlesnake Plantain and White Clintonia (Clintonia umbellulata) .

These were followed by abundant Great Rhododendron, Interrupted Fern, the moss Rhodobryum roseum, saplings of Striped Maple, abundant unidentified mosses of the genra Mnium and Atrichum; then by more Great Rhododendron and the fungi Lactarius chrysorrheus and the excellent edible Sweet Tooth (Hydnum repandum) . The canopy here was dominated by Hemlock, Black Birch and Northern Red Oak, with an undergrowth of Great Rhododendron. However, the up-slope trail bank, almost free of Rhododendron and other tall plants, was covered by a continuous dense blanket of mosses and lichens, with scattered other small plants. Frequent genra of mosses at this level of the trail were Mnium, Thuidium and Hypnum, with some cushions of Leucobryum glaucum. The base of a large Northern Red Oak was occupied by the fungi Amanita vaginata and Lactarius piperatus.

With the canopy still dominated by Hemlock, Black Birch and Northern Red Oak, the trail turned sharply left. At the trail side, under Rhododendron, were the fungi Lactarius volemus andStrobilurus conigenoides with the latter growing on the cone of a Cucumbertree. Following these we saw the fungus Rickenella fibula in a bed of Hypnum moss; then the first Chestnut Oak, the fungi Clavaria fusiformis (Golden Spindles) and the edible Tricholomopsis platyphylla ("Platterful") . Next seen were dense intergrowths of mosses, including an unidentified species of Hypnum and Leucobryum glaucum, with scattered Tall White Lettuce.

Still climbing, we again noted White Clintonia; then abundant saplings of Hemlock, Downy Many Knees, one of the few Red Maple seen on the traverse, the fungus Ramaria stricta, a few saplings of Yellow Buckeye and a decrease in the amount of Great Rhododendron. A little higher we came upon the fungi Paxillus involutus (deadly!) and Cortinarius iodes, the latter being very attractive and characteristic of "wet coniferous and wet mixed woods" but "uncommon in eastern North America" (Phillips, 1991) .

We now arrived at the first overlook, which was to the northeast. The overlook area was somewhat cleared of trees but surrounded by Sugar Maple, Shagbark Hickory, Northern Red Oak and Beech, all of small stature. Given the mesic character of this stand in comparison with those just traversed on the slope below, it is possible that a more base-rich stratum of rock occurs here than on the latter.

The trail here took a sharp right turn in its steep ascent of the ridge. Species initially encountered along this section were stunted Black Locust, the fungi Amanita rubescens (The Blusher) and the eminently edibleTricholoma flavovirens, while an unidentified Hypnum was a common trailside moss. As we continued our ascent, we could see Scarlet Oak on the slope above, and near the trail, Chestnut and White Oaks, all small to moderate in size. Here, also along the trail, we encountered our first blueberries, Upland Low (Vaccinium pallidum) and Deer Berry (V. stamieum). Then, after tallying Black Oak, we became aware of a substantial increase, as intergrowth with mosses, of an unidentified Cladina lichen that had been far less common at lower elevations. Also new at the trailside were Trailing Arbutus (Epigaea repens), Teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens) and Rattlesnake Weed (Hieracium venosum) in association with Mountain Laurel, Bushy Panic Grass (Panicum dichotomum) and Southern Bellflower (Campanula divaricata) . All were overshadowed by Great Rhododendron. Still climbing, we again became aware of an apparent increase in moss cover on the trail bank. Taxa that appeared to be dominant were unidentified species of Hypnum and Dicranum, likely Dicranum scoparium. Also conspicuous here was the size of Great Rhododendron, these being the largest we had seen in the area, including the flood plain. Next noted was an unidentified fungus of the genus Albatrellus; then, on the trail a few leaves of Bigtooth Aspen (Populus grandidentata) indicating a nearby tree, also quite abundant Chestnut Oak, the fungus Amanita citrina and a large patch of Leucobryum – Hypnum moss intergrowth. More interesting was our next discovery, a few plants of the boreal Early Low Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), here with Upland Low Blueberry, Rattlesnake Weed, Black Gum, Creeping Five – leaf and a little Wild Lily of the Valley (Convallaria Montana).

We now arrived at the second overlook, also partially cleared of trees, and, like the first, occupied by a somewhat more mesic flora than the slope just traversed. This included at least some saplings of White Ash, Woodland Sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus) and Hare Figwort (Scrofularia lanceolata).

A soil sample was taken near the trail, from beneath an inch (2.5 cm) thick layer of mor near Trailing Arbutus, Rattlesnake Weed, Teaberry, Creeping Five-leaf, acidiphile mosses and Chestnut Oak. This soil, light tan in color, was apparently silt-rich, since, on drying, it could be readily broken up with the fingers. A pH of 4.5 was obtained both initially and 24 hours later.

Additional fungi collected on this traverse and identified by R. Hunsucker are the following:

 
Amanita bisporigeia – virosa group
Amanita ceciliae
Amanita flavoconia
Amanita fulva
Armillariella mellea (Honey Mushroom)
Austroboletus gracilis – under Aspen, oak, pine and Hemlock
Boletus affinus var maculatus – especially under Beech
Cantherellus cibarius – preeminent edible
Cantharellus ignicolor
Clavaria vermicularis (White Spindles)
Clitocybe clavipes
Clavipes spp
Collybia confluens – on fallen leaves and needles
Collybia spp
Crepidotus applanatus – on dead deciduous wood
Crepidotus spp
Entoloma spp
Hebeloma sp
Hygrophorus coccineus
Hygrophorus marginatus var concolor
Hygrophorus marginatus var marginatus
Hygrophorus miniatus
Hygrophorus psitaccinus
Hygrophorus russula
Hydnellum scrobiculatum
Hydnellum sp
Hydnum sp
Inocybe spp
Inonotus tomentosus
Laccaria laccata
Laccaria ochropurpurea
Lactarius subplinthogalus
Lactarius spp
Leccinum scabratum
Lycoperdon perlatum
Lycoperdon pyriforme
Marasmius rotula
Marasmius siccus
Marasmius spp
Mycena spp
Phylloporus rhodoxanthus (Gilled Bolete)
Pluteus flavofuligineus
Russula granulata
Russula xerampelina
Russula spp
Scleroderma citrina
Strobilomyces floccopus (Old Man of the Woods)
Suillus americanus
Suillus pictus
Suillus salmonicolor
Tremellodendropsis tuberosa
Tricholoma sejunctum
Xerula furfuracea

Of the identified species in this list and in the text only 13 also occur in our list of flood plain species. The greater diversity and abundance of fungi in the highly acidic habitats of Round Mountain relative to those on the less acidic flood plain and stream side habitats is similar to our observations at Otter Creek (see our section on Otter Creek).

Summary

 

Although the Blue Bend / Round Mountain area falls within the Valley and Ridge province, its position on the western edge of the province has resulted in more mesic forest regime than forests to the east (Braun, 1950) . This is indicated by the greater prevalence of Sugar Maple, Yellow Buckeye, Beech and other mesic species and particularly by the abundance of Great Rhododendron on the slopes of Round Mountain as well as at lower elevations

The greater acidity of the Round Mountain slope habitat relative to those of the flood plain and stream side is consistent with expected more resistant and hence more siliceous rocks on the Mountain. Also consistent is the intermediate acidity of the flood plain, dominated as it is by siliceous alluvium but bearing other material as well, and the limited occurrence of the most markedly calciphile species on the stream side colluvial slopes where calcareous rocks are most likely to be intersected. These observations should be viewed in terms of general stability relations involving the various bedrock types, resulting soil substrates, topography and elevations (Mueller,2000) . In particular, certain species such as Great Rhododendron, Chestnut Oak, White Ash and Early Low Blueberry serve as indicators of these relations.

References

Braun, E. Lucy (1950) Deciduous Forests of Eastern North America. Macmillan Co. Inc., 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.

Mueller, R. F. (2000) Stability Relations in Forests. Forests of the Central Appalachians Project. Virginians for Wilderness Web Site.

Phillips, Roger (1991) Mushrooms of North America. Little, Brown and Co., Boston.