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Potts Mountain

General

Potts Mountain forms the southern half and Rich Patch Mountain the northern half of a complex anticlinial structure that extends 35 miles (56 km) southwest from Clifton Forge, Virginia to the West Virginia line. Like that of Warm Springs Mountain, this anticline is capped by erosion-resistant Silurian sandstone that forms the backbone of high ridges (Rader and Evans, 1993) . It is also breached, exposing the same Ordovician formations that are present in the Warm Springs Valley . While Potts Mtn. has no prominent knobs such as characterize some other ranges, the main ridge reaches 3800 ft. (1160 meters), and elevation plays a part in determining its biologic communities.

 

Potts Creek Flood Plain

Source Walk 5-13-94

Potts Creek, a branch of the Jackson River, flows northeast at the base of the northwest slope of Potts Mountain in a valley dominated by Devonian shales (Rader and Gathright, 1986) . At the Steel Bridge campground of the Jefferson National Forest a quite rich and diverse, in-part mesophytic forest occupies the bottomland along the stream. This forest, at approximately 1700 ft. (520 meters) elevation, is one of the easternmost outposts of a characteristic species of the mixed mesophyte forest type, Yellow Buckeye, and provides an interesting contrast with mesophytic cove forests to the east. The stream is also habitat for the rare James River Spiny Mussel (Pleurobema collina) which is listed Endangered under the Endangered Species Act ( Neves, 1991) .

In an inventory of several hours duration in the vicinity of the campground, 21 canopy tree species, 18 small trees and 31 herbs were identified. Canopy species included Canada Hemlock(Tsuga canadensis )(apparently Adelgid-free), Red and Sugar Maples, White, Chestnut, Scarlet, Black and Northern Red Oaks, Shagbark and Pignut Hickories, American Basswood, Yellow Buckeye, White Ash, Black Locust, a little Black Walnut, Tuliptree, Sassafras, Virginia and White Pines, and along the stream, Black Willow (Salix nigra) and River Birch (Betula nigra). Small trees and shrubs are Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), Muscletree (Carpinus caroliniana), Flowering and Alternate-leaved Dogwood (Cornus florida and C.alternifolia), Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), Black Haw, Maple-leaf and Arrowwood Viburnums (Viburnum prunifolium, V.acerifolium and V.dentatum ), Hawthorn (Crataegus sp), Fringetree (Chionanthus virginica), Buffalonut (Pyrularia pubera), Leatherwood (Dirca palustris), Great Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum ), Flame Azalea (R.calendulaceum), Deerberry (Vaccinium staminium), Upland Low Blueberry (V.pallidum), and close to the stream, Smooth Alder (Alnus serrulata) and Winterberry Holly ( Ilex verticillata) . Very likely this list, particularly with regard to canopy species, is incomplete. For example, White Basswood, a common associate of Yellow Buckeye in typical mixed mesophyte forest (Braun, 1950), is expected here, as is Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), a tree which is almost a fixture on such streams and may be missed through over-familiarity and obviousness. (Yes! seen by us on later visits) .

The list of herbaceous plants is doubtless even less complete. Those identified are as follows: Wild Stonecrop (Sedum ternatum), Wild Sweet William (Phlox maculata), Lovage (Ligusticum canadense) of which tea was made, Golden Alexanders (Zizia aptera and Z. trifoliata), Fringed Loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata), Flowering Spurge ( Euphorbia corollata), White Wood, Wavy-leaf, Purplestem and Flat-top White Asters (Aster divaricatus,A.undulatus,A.puniceus and A.umbellatus ), Robins Plantain (Erigeron pulchellus), Entire-leaved Yellow Foxglove (Aureolaria lævigata), Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum), Wood Anemone (Anemone quinquefolia), Solomons Seal or "Many Knees" (Polygonatum biflorum), Sessile-leaved Bellwort ( Uvularia sessilifolia), Plume Lily ( Smilacina racemosa), Filmy Angelica (Angelica triquinata), Hairy Disporum (Disporum lanuginosum) , Creeping Five-leaf (Potentilla simplex), the legumes Wild Vetch (Vicia caroliniana) and Veiny Peavine (Lathyrus venosus), the root parasites Squawroot (Conopholis americana) and One-flowered Broomrape (Orobanche uniflora), the grass Nodding Fescue (Festuca obtusa) and the sedges Carex laxiflora and C. torta. The last mentioned sedge is a tough, flood-resistant species that populates stream beds.

In terms of chemical environment Hemlock and ericads such as Rhododendron and Vaccinium indicate at least a marginally acid substrate where these plants occur. However the mollusk fauna in the stream and widespread occurrence of carbonates in the Devonian country rock seem to imply a strong counter balance to the prevalent regional acidic conditions. Doubtless many microhabitats occur and these provide an explanation for the frequent juxtaposition of greatly contrasting communities .

 

Return to Potts Creek

Source Walks: 9-22-96, 10-4-96, 5-10-98, 6-30-99, 9-24-99, 9-25-99 and 9-26-99

All visits reported on here were to the Steel Bridge Campground and vicinity. The first four were opportunistic occasions that resulted from use of the campground. That of 10-4-99 was solely concerned with fungi, while the last three represent systematic inventories of the campground and vicinity.

The brief inventory of 9-22-96 added the following species to our tally: Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida), Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens), American Alumroot (Heuchera americana), Silverrod (Solidago bicolor), Wrinkle-leaf Goldenrod (S. rugosa), Curtis Goldenrod (S. curtisii), Cut-leaf Goldenrod (S. arguta var arguta), Panicled Hawkweed (Hieracium paniculatum), Dittany (Cunila origanoides), Southern Bellflower (Campanula divaricata), Slender-leaved Summer Bluets (Houstonia tenuifolia), Cliff Stonecrop (Sedum glaucophylla), Wild Pink ( Silene caroliniana), Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera), White Vervain (Verbena urticifolia), Field Thistle (Cirsium discolor), the forest grass Brachyelytrum erectum, Blackseed Needlegrass (Stipa avenacea) and Rock Fern (Polpodium virginianum ).

Associated with or growing directly upon an outcrop of vertically- dipping shale were Chestnut Oak, Fringetree, Downy Serviceberry, Upland Low Blueberry, Slender-leaved Summer Bluets, American Alumroot, Cliff stonecrop, Cutleaf Goldenrod, Wild Pink, Dittany, Poverty Oat Grass, Rock Fern and the mosses Dicranum scoparium and unidentified species of Leucobryum, Hypnum and Thuidium.

Fungi collected and identified by R. Hunsucker on 10-4-96 from the campground were the following:

Agaricus sp
Amanita citrina
A. vlavoconia
A. pantherina
A. polypyramis
A. rubescens
A. vaginata
A. virosa
Armillaria calligata
A. mellea
Boletus auripes
Bulgaria inquinas
Clavaria vermicularis
Clitocybe nuda
Collybia dryophila
Coprinus micaceus
Coprinus sp
Cortinarius spp
Crepiddotus applanatus
Daedaliopsis confragosa
Entoloma abortivum
E. lividum complex
Hebeloma sp
Hydnum repandum
Hygrophorus cantharellus
H. conicus
H. cf tennesseensis
H. cf sordidus
H. spp
Laccaria laccata
Lactarius chrysorrheus
L. cf gerardii
L. peckii
L. representaneus
L. subpurpureus
L. uvidus (purple shiny milkcap)
L. volemus
Lenzites betulina
Mycena galericulata
M. luteopallens - on remains of hickory
M. pura
Panellus stipticus
Pholiota highlandensis
Pluteus cervinus
Polyporus radicatus
Psathyrella sp
Ramaria sp
Rozites caperata
Strobilomycea floccosus
Suillus americanus
S. granulatus
S. luteus
S. pictus
Thelephora sp
Tricholoma aurantium
T. pardinum
T. portentosum
T. replendens
T. sejunctum

Our brief over-night visit of 5-10-98 and 5-11-98, which occurred during cool, rainy weather, added several species as well phenological observations. Both Pink and Flame Azaleas (Rhododendron nudiflorum and R. calendulaceum ) were in bloom, as was Creeping Phlox. Seen for the first time were Pasture Rose (Rosa carolina), Spring Bluets (Houstonia caerulea), also in bloom, Mealy Bellwort (Uvularia perfoliata), abundant Rattlesnake Weed (Hieracium venosum), Lance-leaf Wild Liquorice (Galium lanceolatum) and the alien Canada Bluegrass (Poa compressa) . Birds included Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea), Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus), Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus ) and Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) . A moderately large unidentified frog (Rana sp) was seen crossing the road during the rainy night. Also observed were two types of beetles on a dead Possum (Didelphis marsupialis) . One of these was a half-inch (1.2 cm) - broad carrion beetle (Silphidae) and the other a very active rove beetle (Staphyllinidae ).

Our 6-30-99 inventory was conducted in the vicinity of the campground's northeast end. Dominating the canopy here were White, Northern Red, Black and Scarlet Oaks, with the pignut hickory Carya glabra, Red and Sugar Maples, White Pine, White Ash, Biltmore Ash ( A variety of White Ash), Black Cherry, Black Gum, Tuliptree, Sassafras and Virginia Pine. Understory species were Downy Serviceberry, Flowering Dogwood and Hophornbeam. Shrubs included Black Haw and Maple-leaf Viburnums, Wild Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), Buffalonut, Pasture Rose, Deer Berry, Upland Low Blueberry with ripe fruit and St. Andrews Cross (Hypericum hypericoides), while Common Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia), Saw Brier (S. glauca), Summer Grape (Vitis aestivalis), Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and Poison Ivy (Rhus radicans) were vines. A few seedlings of Redbud (Cercis canadensis), Virginia Juniper (Juniperus virginianum) and Yellow Buckeye were also present.

Herbs successively noted were Four-leaved Yam (Dioscorea quaternata), Downy rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera pubescens), the panic grass Panicum boscii, a fleabane (Erigeron sp), Plume Lily, Canada Bluegrass, Wavy-leaf Aster, an abundant sedge,likely Carex pensylvanica, Curtis Goldenrod with a resemblance to Wreath Goldenrod (Solidago caesia), Ebony Spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron), Canada Brome Grass (Bromus pubescens), American Alumroot in bloom, Common Solomons Seal or Many Knees, Creeping Five-leaf, a pussytoes (Antennaria sp), Poverty Oat Grass, the acidiphile tick-trefoil Desmodium nudiflorum, Great Chickweed (Stellaria pubera), the sedges Carex complanata var hirsuta and C. cephalophora, a wedge grass (Sphenopholis sp), Hairy-jointed Meadow Parsnip (Thaspium barbinode ), Nodding Fescue, Long-leaved Summer Bluets (Houstonia longifolia), White Wood Aster, Starry Campion (Silene stellata), Blunt-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica americana) and Squaw Root (Conopholis americana) . Associated mosses included Delicate Fern Moss, Rhodobryum roseum on rock, mounds of haircap (likely Polytrichum ohioense), a false haircap (Atrichum sp) and a species of Leucobryum.

Gray Tree Frogs (Hyla exima /H. versicolor complex) calls were common, as were those of Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), Scarlet Tanager, Crow (Corvus brachyehynchos) White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) and Red-eyed Vireo. Of particular interest were the calls of the Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) in one of its few manifestations in these mountains, in which the Barred Owl (Strix varia) is usually heard. Also showing themselves were some of Bubo's prey animals, the Cottontail Rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) and the Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) .

Our September, 1999 visit was favored by ideal weather, with mostly clear skies, pleasant temperatures and a gradual warming trend during our stay. Our camp site on this visit was located perhaps 1/4 mile (0.4 km) southwest of the northeast end of the campground. Our first inventory, on 9-24-99, was of the flora in the immediate vicinity of our camp site, while that of 9-25-99 consisted of a loop traverse to the southwest. Our final traverse, on 9-26-99, extended along a dissected terrace east of Potts Creek.

The canopy at our camp site consisted of scattered large White Pine and more abundant but smaller White Oak, less frequent Scarlet, Black, Northern Red and Chestnut Oaks, Red Maple, Carya glabra, White and Biltmore Ashes, Black Cherry, Hemlock, Sassafras and Virginia Pine. Seedlings of Sugar Maple were also seen. Downy Serviceberry and Fringe Tree were understory species, and the most common shrub Witch Hazel, with less common Arrowwood and Black Haw Viburnums, Buffalonut, Mountain Laurel, unidentified Azaleas (Rhododendron spp), Deer Berry and Upland Low Blueberry. Common Greenbrier was the most frequently seen vine, but Summer Grape, Virginia Creeper and Saw Brier were also present. A great variation was observed in the leaf shape and other characteristics of the Deer Berry.

Herbs recorded were Four-leaved Yam,Potentilla simplex, Spotted Wintergreen, Downy Rattlesnake Plantain, Plume Lily, Partridge Berry (Mitchella Repens ), White Wood and Wavy-leaf Asters, a little Stiff Aster (Aster linariifolius) near the Creek, Curtis Goldenrod that resembled Wreath Goldenrod, Cut-leaf Goldenrod, Silverrod, Slender Goldenrod (Solidago erecta) and Entire-leaved Yellow Foxglove in full bloom, as were all the asters and goldenrods.

Found in the dry upland forest above the Creek were a few culms of Wood Reed Grass (Cinna arundinacea), a species normally restricted to moist areas. It is likely that this grass was a metastble remnant (Mueller, 1998) of some previous unusually moist growing season such as had been common in the immediately preceeding years.

While mosses were not conspicuous, there were scattered patches of unidentified species of Dicranum, Polytrichum and Leucobryum and Thuidium delictulum.

Determinations were made of the pH at several locations near our camp site with the following results:

At a site near the water level of Potts Creek within a few feet of the water, in coarse sandy and slightly organic soil, pH=6.3, with soil water content of 60%.

At an upland forest site in clay loam under Chestnut and White Oaks, Red Maple, Potentilla simplex and Curtis Goldenrod, pH=5.4.

At a site deeper in the woods, west of the campground road, in light-colored sandy loam, with Partridge Berry, pH=5.2.

At a site close to patches of Polytrichum, Dicranum and Leucobryum mosses in sandy, organic soil, pH=5.5.

At a site along a path just above the Creek near a patch of the only Teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens) seen on this side of Potts Creek, pH=5.8. This relatively high value,if correct, is surprising and may represent a metastable occurrence of the Teaberry. Since the location is in the yearly flood zone, more alkaline sediment than the original substrate for this plant may have been deposited since it was established.

The first section of the loop traverse, covered during the morning of 9-25-99, extended through the upland forest from the camp site to the bank of Potts Creek and was terminated at the up-stream end of a temporary flood channel that contained quiet water.

Observed successively in the upland forest were the fungus Amanita fulva, Fringe Tree, Squaw Root in large patches, Cucumbertree, Curtis Goldenrod, Bigleaf Aster (Aster macrophyllus), Red Maple, a single mushroom of the spectacular Lactariius indigo under Red Maple, followed by the Golden Alexander Zizia aptera and very abundant Suillus granulatus, a fungus, according to Phillips (1991), frequently associated with White Pine, but here also under Northern Red Oak and Pitch Pine. Next noted were the forest grass Brachyelytrum erectum, Bushy Panic Grass (Panicum dichotomum) and Maple-leaf Viburnum. Then under a large White Pine we saw swarming winged 1/3 inch (0.8 cm) - long black ants, and, in close association with these, small wingless yellow ants which most likely were not swarming. Also present here were a sapling of Sugar Maple and Partridge Berry. Then moving onward, we encountered a morning glory vine (Ipomoea sp), Starry Campion and Honey Mushroom (Armllariella mellea), a superior edible species, but a voracious parasite on trees.

We here reached the bank of Potts Creek, where we were immediately attracted by numerous 2/3 inch (1.6 cm) - long coiled gastropods, at least some of which were of dextral form. Some showed conspicuous "eat tracks" in which algae or other organic matter had been removed from flag stones. Seen on the adjacent shaded bank was the alien plant Moneywort (Lysimachi nummularia) and in the open, on a bar, the following: River Birch, Smooth Alder, Silky Cornel (Cornus amomum), Heart-leaf Willow (Salix rigida), Black Willow (S. nigra), Groundnut (Apios americana), Common Joe-pye Weed (Eupatorium fistulosum), Tall Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Great Blue Lobelia (L. siphilitica), False Nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), Northern Swamp Buttercup ( Ranunculus septentrionalis), Riparian Wild Rye (Elymus riparius), Rice Cutgrass(Leersia oryzoides), the beggar ticks Bidens frondosa and B. comosa, Small-flowered St. Johns-wort (Hypericum mutilum), an unidentified spike rush (Eleocharis sp) and Woodland Muhly (Muhlenbergia sylvatica) . Of interest also was a rim of red clay at the water's edge, perhaps indicating the presence of bacteria or other organisms.

We now moved upstream, angling away from the Creek under an open canopy and an understory of Muscletree, seeing Deer-tongue Grass (Panicum clandestinum), an unidentified Suillus fungus under White Pine and, as we approached the temporary channel, Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) . Heard here was the call of a Raven ( Corvus corax) .

Separating the temporary channel from Potts Creek as we moved upstream, was an elongate bar composed of sand and shale chips. The bar was populated by quite large Red Maple, with Sugar Maple, abundant Muscletree and seedlings of Yellow Buckeye. Winterberry Holly with brilliant red fruit overhung Potts Creek. Abundant Hog Peanut and Squaw Weed (Senecio obovatus) formed a ground cover on the bar. At the water's edge of the temporary channel grew Turtlehead (Chelone glabra), Purple-stem Aster and the tall sedge Carex gynandra, while the water contained Marsh Purslane (Ludwigia palustris), an unidentified burreed (Sparganium sp) and a luxuriant growth of a species of the alga Nitella. Fauna noted were ten inch (25 cm) - long fish of unidentified species, a Green Frog (Rana clamitans) and a large Bullfrog (Rana catesbyiana) .

As we continued up-valley on the bar we noted on the far bank of the temporary channel the first Great Rhododendron of the traverse. The bar forest here consisted abundant White Oak with Red Maple, White Ash, Northern Red Oak, White Pine, Adelgid -infested saplings of Hemlock, Muscletree and a shrub layer dominated by Witch Hazel and Spice Bush, Abundant Common Greenbrier was virtually the only vine, and herbs consisted of Robins Plantain, the tick-trefoil Desmodium nudiflorum and a few plants of the alien Timpinella saxifraga. A little farther on New York Fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis) edged the channel under Cucumbertree, American Basswood (Tilia americana ), Shagbark Hickory, Tuliptree and a 20 inch (0.5 m) dbh Beech. Catching our eyes here was an Elegant Stinkhorn fungus (Mutinus ravenelii) . We now reached the upper end of the temporary channel, which was marked by exposed roots of Hemlock, and among these grew the Ringless Honey Mushroom (Amillariella tabescens), while in the adjacent upland forest were the fungi Xerula furfuracea and abundant Suillus granulatus ( Phillips, 1991)

In the afternoon we continued our inventory of the upland forest, proceeding southwest again from our camp site, but at a greater distance from the Creek. First noted under the oak-rich canopy were a few plants of Galax (Galax aphylla), then a single plant of Hispid Greenbrier (Smilax hispida), a species more characteristic of rich calcareous woodlands and here perhaps an indicator of locally-enriched soil. This conclusion was to a degree also supported by the composition of the greater community, which included Sugar Maple, Beech, Horse Balm (Collinsonia canadensis), Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) and the grass Brachyelytrum erectum.

As we resumed our traverse we noted a 22 inch (0.56 m) dbh Tuliptree, Flowering Dogwood, Yellow Buckeye, Spotted Wintergreen, then a 29 inch (0.74 m) White Oak, Shagbark Hickory and Downy Rattlesnake Plantain.

We then entered what appeared to be more acidic terrain, with Upland Low Blueberry, Saw Brier, a 25 inch (0.64 m) dbh Scarlet Oak and Partridge Berry. These were followed by a 31 inch (0.79 m) dbh White Pine, Sugar Maple, Great Rhododendron, Buffalonut, and a 17 inch (0.43 m) dbh Black Oak, then Hemlock, seedlings of American Basswood, more Saw Brier, an isolated plant of Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), a little Wild Hydrangea and a mature female Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) . It should be mentioned that this was the only occurrence of Black Cohosh recorded on the entire visit.

Here we again reached the head of the temporary channel, having on this traverse approached it from the opposite side as previously. Tallied in the vicinity were Black Gum, a single plant of the forest sedge Carex platyphylla, a fungus of the genus Inocybe in Atrichum moss, more Galax, a 10 inch (25 cm) dbh Beech and a sapling of Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) . Also here, as in other places in this forest, were locally dense, waist-high thickets of saplings that appeared to be mostly Hophornbeam, but also included some Muscletree. Moving again up-valley we noted more abundant Galax than before, Pasture Rose, frequent Maple-leaf Viburnum, a 23 inch (0.58 m) dbh Black Oak, the first seen sprouts of American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) and a dying 25 inch (0.64 m) dbh Hemlock.

Having covered perhaps a half mile (0.8 km) in our traverse, we arrived at the point where the forest pinches out between the Creek and the state road. On crossing the road we noted the apparent vigor of flowering Dogwood, which, at the forest edge was laden with ripe fruit, and in marked contrast to the frequently diseased forest interior trees. It may be that nutrients derived from the road gravel was a factor, but this contrast in growth is also a well-known effect of certain diseases such as anthracnose, which is favored by forest interior conditions. However, Summer Grape vines also exhibited more luxuriant growth at the forest edge.

As we again entered the forest and turned our traverse to the northeast, we saw in succession Panicled Hawkweed, the mosses Campylium chrysophyllum and a species of Brachythecium, an unidentified alumroot (Heuchera sp) and a 23 inch (0.58 m) Black Oak. These were followed by a single plant of Shrubby St. Johns-wort (Hypericum sphatulatum), a 24 inch (0. 61 m) dbh Northern Red Oak, the remains of Bloodroot ( Sanquinaria canadensis) and the Destroying Angel (Amanita virosa) mushroom. At the base of the nearby slope there was a small patch of Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) and a Black Haw Viburnum. At this point we startled a small Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) amidst the leaves of the forest floor, in a typical appearance of this species at some distance from water.

Resuming our traverse we successively encountered the fungus Amanita caesaria, a little each of Spotted Wintergreen, Rattlesnake Weed and Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), then abundant Black Oak, a large patch of Squaw Root, numerous seedlings of Sassafras, Upland Low Blueberry, the preeminently edible mushroom Lepiota procera, a 25 inch (o.64 m) dbh Black Oak and, as we terminated our traverse, a number of Scarlet Oak.

Some general features of these traverses through the upland forest were the occurrence throughout of the fungus Suillus granulatus, the dominance of Common Greenbrier among vines, the sparse but widespread distribution of Saw Brier, the apparent concentration of macrolichens on Red Maple and the virtual absence of Poison Ivy.

Some additional fungi collected on this traverse and identified by R. Hunsucker were the following:

Amanita vaginata
Cortinarius sp
Hebeloma sp
Lactarius peckii
L. sp
Lenzites betulina
Ramaria sp
Russula sp
Suillus americana
S. intermedius
Tricholoma imbricatum

Our traverse of 9-26-99 along the east side of Potts Creek occurred during the late morning and early afternoon. It extended from the northern edge of the National Forest boundary immediately north of the Campground to the southwest for perhaps 1/4 mile (0.4 km) . The terrain crossed is a sloping dissected terrace.

Before crossing the Creek however, we noted a few additional species west of the Creek. These included brilliantly-blooming Late Purple Aster (Aster patens), the tick-trefoil Desmodium viridiflorum, the bush clover Lespedeza intermedia, Wild Potato Vine (Ipomoea pandurata), Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa) and Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia) .

On the east side of Potts Creek we found ourselves in a young forest with a canopy of White Oak, Tuliptree, Red Maple, Shagbark Hickory, Hemlock, White Pine, White Ash, Virginia Pine and a few Short-leaf Pine (Pinus echinata ). Some Biltmore Ash was also present. Muscletree and Flowering Dogwood were understory species. Mountain Laurel, Great Rhododendron, Maple-leaf Viburnum, Witch Hazel and Upland Low Blueberry formed shrub layers and Common Greenbrier and Saw Brier were among the few vines. Herbs seen initially were practically confined to Teaberry, Rattlesnake Weed, Goats Rue (Tephrosia virginiana), Plantain-leaf Pussytoes (Antennaria plantaginifolia ), Sessile-leaved Bellwort and Boott's Goldenrod (Solidago boottii) .

As we moved farther up-valley we recorded Scarlet and Chestnut Oaks, Black Haw Viburnum, Virginia Creeper and an unidentified Amanita fungus. Then in a gully or ravine that was largely overgrown by Great Rhododendron, we also found Big-leaf Aster and Horse Balm. Moving past this ravine we saw the fungus Russula xerampelina, a Cucumbertree, Partridge Berry, Christmas Fern, Common Many Knees, a possible Mockernut Hickory but with small nuts; then Sugar Maple, Fringe Tree, more Saw Brier, the fungus Amanita rubescens and very abundant and widespread Honey Mushroom very light in color.

We now arrived at a small semi-clearing that appeared to coincide with a patch of soil more fertile than that of the enveloping terrain. This fertility was indicated by the presence of Black Walnut, White Ash, abundant Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia) and the alien grass Microstgium vimineum. As we again entered the forest beyond the clearing, we saw in succession a Psathyrella fungus, the Destroying Angel mushroom, abundant young White Oak, a single small sapling of Striped Maple (Acer pensylvanicum), Teaberry, saplings of Hemlock, Spotted Wintergreen, Upland Low Blueberry, Delicate Fern Moss covering tree bases and hickories of unidentified species, with their bases and lower trunks covered by a dense black and green crust of undetermined composition. Following these were Northern Red Oak, Mountain Bellwort, the fungi Austroboletus gracilis and the edible Rozites caperata, Mountain Laurel, Black Oak, Downy Serviceberry and a species of the moss Dicranum on a rock.

Our traverse across the high sloping terrace was again interrupted by a deep ravine that was vegetated largely by Great Rhododendron, but was edged largely by Chestnut Oak with Saw Brier and unidentified species of Leucobryum and Hypnum mosses, in keeping with the generally acid character of these soils. However, more fertile, less acid conditions were indicated by Tree Moss (Climacium americanum) in the bottom of this ravine near Potts Creek. Our traverse was terminated not far southwest of this ravine in a very open forest dominated by White Oak, Tuliptree, Northern Red Oak and Shagbark Hickory. A Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) was heard calling here.

The following additional fungi were collected on this traverse and identified by R. Hunsucker:

Agaricus placomyces
Albatrellus caeruleoporus
Amanita albocreata
A. brunnescens var pallida
A. caesarea
A. citrina
A. fulva
A. polyramis
A. vaginata
Armillaria caligata
Boletus curtisii
Clitocybe sp
Hypomyces hyalinus (on Amanita rubescens)
Lactarius agglutinatus
Psathyrella sp
Russula brevipes
Tricholoma resplendens
Tylopilus badiceps
Lichens and River Weed, also collected and identified by R. Hunsucker from the east side of Potts Creek, were the following:
Platismatia tuckermanii - a lichen on pine branches.
Dermatocarpon miniatum - an umbilicate to foliose lichen on rock in swift water in a portion of the Creek subject to submersion periodically.
Podostemum ceratophyllum - River Weed partially covered by sediment.

Our initial visit to the Potts Creek bottomland gave the impression of a richer,more mesophytic forest than has emerged from these later inventories, While there are mesophtic enclaves, these seldom rise beyond Maple- Beech-Tuliptree communities and such demanding species as Basswood, Black Walnut and Yellow Buckeye are mere curiosities. Although Potts Creek itself appears to be circumneutral in character, the forest types at only a little distance from the stream are highly acidic, and even those mesic in character are acid-mesic.

The plant communities here show little or no boreal/high elevation influences, with no characteristic indicators such as Canada Mayflower or Wild Sarsaparilla having been found. Thus it appears that this Valley is not a regular recipient of cool air draining from nearby heights such as Peters and Potts Mountains. This may be a consequence of the limited area of high slopes for the accumulation of cool air on these mountains,combined with the relatively great width of the Valley, which would allow such air to rapidly dissipate.

It is also interesting to compare the Potts Creek bottom land flora with that of the high terrace at Hidden Valley (see our section on the latter). The well-drained character of the land along Potts Creek allows certain species such as Chestnut Oak to exist, while these appear to be excluded by the high water table at the Hidden Valley high terrace. Conversely, the high terrace is hospitable to certain wetland species such as Swamp White Oak and supports a far denser herb layer than does this forest..


Potts Mountain Trailhead
5-14-94 Convallaria montana.


Potts Mountain Pond
5-14-94.


Potts Mountain Pond
5-14-94 (Click to enlarge).


Potts Mountain Pond
5-14-94 Outlet side


Potts Mountain Pond
5-14-94 Ground flora (Click to enlarge).

Potts Mountain Pond and Vicinity

Source Walks: 6-28-93 and 5-14-94

Potts Pond is a rare wetland on the crest of Potts Mountain at an elevation of 3550 ft (1080 meters) asl. Lying about a mile east of Forest Road 176, it may be reached by a jeep trail that follows the edge of the federally -designated Barbours Creek Wilderness. Unfortunately this trail contributes to the degradation of both the forest and pond by providing access for irresponsible vehicle operators. Because the country rock is Silurian sandstone, soils are stony and the forest is dry and ericaceous. The approach to the pond passes through a zone which, at this latitude, exhibits marked effects of elevation on biologic communities. For most of the route the aspect is due south, emphasizing drought and sun exposure. The area of the pond itself, which lies in a minor depression, is, as is usual for wetlands in the Central Appalachians, at least potential habitat for species far south of their normal ranges and which may date to the late Ice Age. Radiocarbon dating and pollen studies at this Pond reveal a post Ice Age history dating from 11,000 years BP. This record shows that a mixed conifer-northern hardwood forest of oak, White Pine, spruce, fir and birch persisted to about 9000 years BP when it was replaced by oak, chestnut, Black Gum and hickory, and that White Pine returned to the area later (Watts, 1979).

The pond is also habitat for at least two rare species, a Damselfly Lestes eurinus, found at only two Virginia sites, and the Northeastern Bullrush, Scirpus ancistrochætus, which has only 13 known populations world-wide and is listed Endangered under the ESA. Consequently the Virginia Division of Natural Heritage has proposed that the Pond area be designated a “Special Interest Area-Botanical.”

Elevation at the trailhead on FR 176 is 3320 ft (1010 meters). From there the trail climbs gradually to 3600 ft (1100 meters) along the south slope of a local 3800 ft (1160 meter) prominence and then descends to the pond. The forest canopy along this trail is initially dominated by Chestnut Oak which yields gradually to Black, Scarlet, Northern Red and White Oak at the highest elevations. At the pond the canopy consists of Northern Red and White Oaks, with minor Black Gum, Black Birch and Red Maple. The forest here is very open with the oaks showing “orchard” form, and there are many dead trees and much large woody debris is on the ground. The understory on the upland includes Striped Maple (Acer pensylvanicum), Serviceberry (likely Amelanchier arborea ) and Sassafras, and the shrub layer Bear Oak (Quercus ilicifolia), Mountain Azalea (Rhododendron roseum), Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), Minnie-bush (Menziesia pilosa), Black Huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata), Upland Low Blueberry, Deerberry and Witch Hazel in moister areas. There is also some Beaked Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta) .

Upland herbs along the trail are not abundant but show considerable diversity. Conspicuous at the trailhead was Wild Lily-of-the-Valley (Convallaria montana) blooming in the still bare-branched May forest. Farther up the trail Whorled Loosestrife ( Lysimachia quadrifolia), Fly Poison ( Amianthium muscaetoxicum) and brilliant red Fire Pink (Silene virginica) displayed their blossoms in late June. A spectacular part of the May floral scene was the size, color, brilliance and variation of Birdsfoot Violets (Viola pedata) along the trail. Other plants seen but not in bloom along the upland trail were Wood Tickseed (Coreopsis major) , Smooth Forked Chickweed (Paronychia canadensis), Mountain Bellwort (Uvularia pudica), Kidney-leaf Crowfoot (Ranunculus abortivus), Yellow Stargrass (Hypoxis hirsuta), Ovate-leaved violet (Viola fimbriatula), Halberd-leaf Yellow Violet (Viola hastata), Dwarf Iris (Iris verna) and Moccasin Flower (Cypripedium acaule) .

Wild Sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis), always an indicator of cool growing conditions, is common at the higher elevations, as is also Mountain Rice Grass (Oryzopsis racemosa). The effect here is probably one of pure lapse rate, or the universal decrease of temperature with elevation, since position on a slope near the summit precludes cold air accumulation.

While ferns are not abundant, the Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) is the commonest. Far less common are Ebony Spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron) and Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), with the latter being confined to springy areas.

The pond, which is about 3/4 acre (0.3 hectare) in area, lies in a watershed not many times greater than itself. Because of the silica-rich soils and the dry ericaceous oak forest, run-off and ground water are destined to be acid. This inference is borne out by the presence of insectivorous plants such as Bladderwort (Utricularia sp.) in the pond (Va. Natural Heritage, 1991) as well as sphagnum and other acid-dependent plants adjacent to it. Although the pond has open water in it part of the year, on June 23, 1993 only mud flats were visible in the vegetation-free area.

The openness of the forest and moist soils near the pond allow a dense shrub layer to develop. Minnie-bush in particular is abundant and large here, but Mountain Laurel, Wild Raisin (Viburnum cassinoides ), Winterberry Holly and Chokeberry (Aronia sp) are also common. According to Natural Heritage,this is Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) . However Black Chokeberry (Arenia melanocarpa ) may also occur. An interesting Blueberry here is Vaccinium constablæi, a high bush southern Appalachian species usually restricted to high elevations and which is a hexaploid hybrid. In some places Common Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolium) spreads over shrubs. Where large shrubs are less well developed,as on the pond’s west side, the boreal Early Low Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) covers the ground.

In moister spots where shrubs and sedges are not too thick there are lush stands of Cinnamon Fern. On the south and west sides of the pond patches of Sphagnum (Species undetermined) extend from the pond edge under the trees. In places this moss is intergrown with Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense) or alternates with patches of Groundberry (Rubus hispidus) and Teaberry ( Gaultheria procumbens) . Less boggy areas are favored by Painted Trillium ( Trillium undulatum), which in early May was in full bloom. And reminding us that this is Appalachia, Wild Lily-of-the-Valley, Galax (Galax aphylla), Southern Bellflower ( Campanula divaricata) and Fly Poison all find a place. In a few places near the pond outlet, where better soils have accumulated, there are tall plants of Bunch Flower (Melanthium parviflorum) and oversized Common Solomons Seal or Many Knees, perhaps with more than the normal number of chromosomes.

In the pond outlet, between large fallen tree trunks, there is a heavy growth of sedges dominated by Carex crinita or C. gynandra and between these delicate newly sprouting Marsh St. Johnswort (Hypericum virginicum). Also, a little farther down along the outlet stream, there is a single bush of Mountain Holly (Ilex montana) , the only example of this species seen on the Mountain.

In the pond proper a number of sedges accompany the rare Northeastern Bullrush referred to earlier. On of these is the common Carex stricta, but another is Carex canescens, a species that ranges into the Arctic and reaches its southern limit in the Central Appalachians, where it is usually confined to high elevation bogs on the Allegheny Plateau. It is likely that it is an Ice Age holdover here. Of course the same may be speculated for the terrestrial species such as Early Low Blueberry, Canada Mayflower and Painted Trillium, all of which may have occupied the area since glacial times.

In addition to those listed above the following plants occur near the pond: Great Chickweed (Stellaria pubera), Indian Cucumber-root (Medeola virginiana), RattlesnakeWeed (Hieracium venosum) Hairy Hawkweed(Hieracium granovii), Four-leaved Yam (Dioscorea quaternata), Gall-of-the-Earth (Prenanthes trifoliata) and Wild Sarsaparilla. Although the last mentioned species was encountered earlier along the trail its abundance on the dry upland around the pond is worthy of mention. Significantly this species and the boreal species in the lowland near the pond are probably subject to cold air drainage/accumulation as well as the effect of elevation, a characteristic which also explains the absence of oaks other than Northern Red and White Oak in the pond area.

Although time permitted little more than a casual notice of fauna, a number of species made noteworthy impressions. Among amphibians were Peepers (Hyla crucifer) calling in May, Gray Tree Frogs ( Hyla versicolor / chrysocelis), and the general abundance of little hoppers among the sedges, as well as tadpoles in June. And in agreement with their habitat demands of "woody and mossy margins of swamps" (Smith, 1978) were several Four-Toed Salamanders (Hemidactylium scutatum) found under rocks in the pond area. Birds were most in evidence in May with the song of a Rose-breasted Grossbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) giving a send-off to our hike, in the accompanying calls of scarlet Tanagers (Piranga olivacea), the activities of Juncos (Junco hyemalis) in bushes along the trail, and Great Crested Flycatchers (Myiarchus crinitus) in the pond area. It is likely that last-mentioned birds were encouraged by the swarms of biting Black Flies which attacked us on both visits.

A conspicuous feature of the forest in the pond vicinity on the June 1993 visit was a pervasive defoliation not only of the oaks but also much of the shrub layer, including Minnie-bush, Witch Hazel and even Blueberry. Careful examination was not possible although the tattered foliage resembled a Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) onslaught. However no evidence of this insect was seen, and the area lies considerably south of known infestations at that time. The 1994 visit revealed little more, since the oaks at that time had only begun to bud, and again there was no sign of defoliators.

 

Peters Mountain at Paint Bank

Source Walk: 5-15-94

Peters Mountain is perhaps best known for the Peters Mountain Mallow, Iliamna corei, the rarest plant in Virginia and one of the rarest anywhere (Porter, 1991). I. corei grows in xeric oak summit forest near the mountain’s southwestern terminus at the “Narrows,” where the New River cuts through the ranges. From the Narrows Peters Mountain extends NE for 30 miles (50 km) in part along the Virginia-West Virginia boundary, then into Virginia to 5 miles (8 km) west of Covington. Structurally complex, the Range is anticlinal in the northeast and synclinal in the southwest and is cut by numerous faults. In general the spine of the range consists of Silurian sandstones such as the Tuscarora Formation but also includes carbonate-rich rocks such as the Tonoloway Limestone. Superficial but important features include many rock falls, talus slopes, debris trains, block fields and alluvial fan deposits. Many of these features, which bear directly on forest ecology, have been mapped only recently and are presented in the Geologic Map of Giles County (Rader and Gathright, 1986). Other features of the range are a series of near-summit wetlands, tracts of ancient forest and the federally-designated Peters Mountain Wilderness.

Our traverse here is confined to that part of the slope immediately northwest of Paint Bank, Virginia. This slope, which faces Potts Moutain., is just up the valley from the Steel Bridge area . It may be reached via Forest Road 50031 from State Road 311. The first part of the traverse is along FR 50002-1A, which climbs in switchbacks to access a large timber cut at the 3000 ft. (910 meter) level. Canopy species between 2800 ft (850 meters) and this level consist chiefly of Chestnut Oak with lesser amounts of other oaks, Pignut, Black Gum and Red Maple. White Oak increases in amount upward. There are many American Chestnut sprouts and Sourwood (Oxydendrum aboreum) and Striped Maple form an understory. The latter also increases with elevation. Above the timber cut, on a steep, rocky slope, Black Birch is abundant, Chestnut Oak increasingly assumes “orchard”-like forms and down trees and large woody debris are conspicuous.

Shrubs generally present on the entire slope are Mountain Laurel, Pink Azalea (in bloom), Deerberry, Upland Low Blueberry and St. Andrews Cross (Hypericum hypericoides). Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolius) Vines are abundant upward. Herbs noted along the road below 3000 ft. (910 meter) were Small’s Ragwort (Senecio smallii). Ovate-leaved Violet (Viola fimbriatula), Wild Sage (Salvia lyrata), Hairy Angelica (Angelica venenosa), Galax aphylla, the alien Ox-eye Daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) and Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) and Hay-scented (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) Ferns. Hairy Angelica continued to be abundant to the highest elevations and Leucobryum cushion moss was common at tree bases on the upper slope.

Near the mountain crest at perhaps 3400 ft (1040 meters), but still on the SE slope, there is a series of springs and associated small wetlands. The canopy in the moister area around these springs, which were flowing copiously, consists of mature but not very large White, Northern Red and Chestnut Oaks, Black Gum, Red Maple, Black Birch and Pitch Pine with Serviceberry (Amelanchier sp) in the understory. Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) is first encountered in the general area and increases in frequency and size the nearer the springs are approached. Other shrubs in this wetland area are Mountain Laurel, Minnie-bush, Wild Raisin, Witch Hazel, an unidentified species of Chokeberry (Aronia sp.) and Smooth Alder. Pink Azalea in the area was being worked by large queen bumblebees. On the spring banks, under overarching trees and shrubs, Canada Mayflower, Star Flower (Trientalis borealis), Indian Cucumber-root and Kidney-leaved Grass-of Parnassus (Parnassia asarifolia ) , were associated with patches of Sphagnum miss. In more open areas grew Cinnamon Fern, Mana Grass (Glycena sp.), the Bullrush, Scirpus vericundus and the sedge Carex leptalea. The last named species, in addition to this acid environment, is also found in calcareous wetlands with a pH near seven.

Fauna observed on this traverse included both male and female Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, a Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina), Red-backed Salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) and the familiar large yellow and black millipedes with the odor of bitter almond ( Sigmoria sp ?) — all on the slope forest. In the wetland area Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) were flushed, and Black-throated Blue Warblers (Dendroica cærulescens) sang from the shrubbery. In an opening among trees a Coopers Hawk(Accipiter cooperii) flew just overhead.

The described spring area lies just NE of a large rectangle of private land and the spring line presumably persists in that direction. Indeed the Jefferson National Forest has proposed the national forest tract to the southwest of this private land as a special interest area.

The occurrence of cold-climate herbs such as Canada Mayflower and Star Flower on this upper slope, which is not subject to cold air drainage/accumulation, indicates that this occurrence results from a pure elevational effect, especially in as much as the aspect is strongly southeast. Also the acidic character of the spring area as indicated by the flora is in harmony with a likely sandstone rock base. These conditions probably also prevent colonization by such species as Yellow Buckeye which have outposts in the Potts Creek Valley.

 

References

Braun, E. Lucy (1950) Deciduous Forests of Eastern North America, Macmillan, New York.

Mueller, R. F. (1998) Exploring Natures Multidimensional Space, The Forest Example, Forests of the Central Appalachians Project , Virginians for Wilderness Web Page.

Neves, Richard J. (1991) James Spinymussel, p 281 – 282, in Virginia's Endangered Species, Karen Terwilliger coordinator,The McDonald & Woodward Pub. Co., Blacksburg, Va.

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

Porter, Duncan M. (1991) Peters Mountain Mallow, in Virginia's Endangered Species. Karen Terwilliger coordinator, The Mc Donald & Woodward Publishing Co., Blacksburg, Va.

Rader E. K. and N. H. Evans, editors (I993) Geologic Map of Virginia – expanded explanation, Virginia Div. of Mineral Resources, Charlottesville, Va.

Rader, E. K. and T. m. Gathright, editors (!986) Geologic Map of Giles County, Virginia, Virginia Div. Of Mineral Resources, Charlottesville, Va.

Smith, Hobart M. ( 1978) Amphibians of North America, Golden Press, New York.

Watts, W. A. (1979) Late Quaternary vegetation of central Appalachia and the New Jersey coastal plain:Ecol. Monogr. 42, 301-315.

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