The multiple aspects, relief, and rock
out crops of the mountain contribute to the high tree species diversity
on the mountain. Seven species of conifers grow on the upper slopes of
the mountain. Acidic cove forests are common along the streams at the
base of the mountain and along some of the tributaries. Mixed mesophytic
forest occurs on some gentle slops near the Middle Saluda River and on
some benches high on the north side of the mountain. Dry, oak dominated
forests are probably the most prevalent forests on the mountain. 

Much of
the forest along the Middle Saluda River was logged in the decades
following the construction of a road along the river in the 1850s. Most
of the mountain was probably logged in the early 1900s. One nearly pure
stand of chestnut oak with a dense heath understory grows in thin soils
on the north side of the mountain, and shows no signs of past logging.
Other areas of old growth probably grow on along the small cliffs on the
north side of the mountain and portions of the steep slopes on the south
side of the mountain.

Species                  Height        Cbh
Ash, White             ~122'         5'4.5"
Basswood, White   121.1'        NA
Buckeye, Yellow    NA            9'10"
Buckeye, Yellow    114.0'        8'8"
Fringetree               NA            10"
Hemlock, Carolina NA            6'4"
Hemlock, Carolina NA            6'6"
Hemlock, Carolina NA            6'7"
Hemlock, Carolina NA            6'10"
Hemlock, Carolina 71.9'          5'9.5"
Hickory, Pale          ~87'           6'3"
Hickory, Pignut       ~113'         11'0"
Hickory, Pignut       136.1'        NA
Locust, Black          ~125'         8'2"
Magnolia, Cuc'        133.0'        9'9"
Magnolia, Fraser     105.4'        7'7"
Maple, Striped        NA            2'1"
Oak, Chestnut         116.4'        NA
Oak, Northern Red ~124'         7'8"
Oak, Northern Red ~125'         9'5"
Sassafras                 74.6'         5'10"
Sassafras                 ~92'          6'6"
Silverbell, Carolina   ~90'          6'0"
Tuliptree                  131.1'       NA
Walnut, Black          NA           8'9.5"
Walnut, Black          ~101'        6'11.5"
Walnut, Black          ~102'        8'3"

Jess Riddle