Grassy Bald Plant Community

Last updated 7 months ago

Characteristic plants of the Southern Appalachian Grassy Bald community.

Distinguishing characteristics: Open, meadow-like areas at high elevations with rich diversity of wildflowers, including many unusual and rare species
Occurrence: Scattered in the mountains of southern Virginia, western North Carolina and Tennessee at elevations above 4500 ft
Conservation aspects: Rare and threatened community of various origins and histories with around 30 threatened or endangered plant species. Threatened by forestation through invasion of woody plants, management may include mowing, prescribed burns, and grazing.

References:
T. P. Spira: Wildflowers & Plant Communities of the Southern Appalachian Mountains & Piedmont, 1st edition, University of North Carolina Press, 2011.