Understory Composition of FiveTsuga canadensisAssociated Forest Communities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Despite significant overstory decline due to hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) infestation, understory composition in five Tsuga canadensis-associated forest communities within Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains relatively stable. This resilience is attributed to the dominance of Rhododendron maximum, which acts as a buffer by moderating light levels reaching the forest floor. The study resampled 29 permanent plots established 5–6 years prior across hemlock, montane cove, montane oak/hickory, acid hardwood, and northern hardwood communities. Findings suggest that while HWA-induced overstory mortality is altering forest structure, its early impacts on understory vegetation are less pronounced than anticipated, potentially influencing long-term successional dynamics.

Krapfl, K. J., Holzmueller, E. J., & Jenkins, M. A. (2012). Understory Composition of FiveTsuga canadensisAssociated Forest Communities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Natural Areas Journal, 32(3), 260–269. https://doi.org/10.3375/043.032.0312