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The southern Appalachians boast over 130 tree species-more than all of northern Europe. That variety is represented throughout the mountain region and results in a variety of color variations, as well as a variety of timing for the change of color. Also, the combination of evergreens like Spruce, Hemlock and the Rhododendrons provide excellent contrast to the changing Hickories, Dogwoods, Oaks and many others.

Some Common Trees Follow these links to pictures and more information, excerpted from the books of Drs. C. Ritchie Bell and Ann H. Lindsey; Dogwood Mountain Ash Pignut Hickory Redbud Red Maple Sassafras Sourwood Staghorn Sumac Yellow Poplar

Buy the book Fall Color Finder : A Pocket Guide to Autumn Leaves~ Usually ships in 24 hours C. Ritchie Bell, Anne H. Lindsey (Contributor) / Paperback / Published 1991 Our Price: $4.95 Read more about this title...

Elevation, moisture and exposure to the elements play a role in determining the type of forests and the trees present within each particular type. In the southern Appalachians, there are 5 main forest types...

• Cove Hardwood (below 4500')
  Mainly broadleaf, deciduous trees. Yellow Poplar, Basswood, Sugar Maple, American Beech and Yellow Buckeye. A very common forest type in our region. Examples are easily found throughout the mountains, in sheltered mountain coves and in the vicinity of water sources, streams, rivers and creeks.

• Northern Hardwood (above 4500')
  Predominantly broadleaf, deciduous trees, similar to lower elevation northern forests. American Beech, Yellow Birch, Striped Maple, Pin Cherry. Many examples of this forest type are found along the higher regions of the Blue Ridge Parkway and in the Great Smoky Mountains.

• Spruce-Fir (above 4500')
  Evergreen, similar to northern Maine or Canada's boreal forest. Fraser Fir and Red Spruce. Unfortunately, the Fraser Fir is under attack by a parasite, the wooly aldegid, and many of our best examples of this type of forest are dieing. Found on high mountain peaks like Mt. Mitchell, Richland Balsam, Clingman's Dome.

• Hemlock (below 4000')
  Hemlocks are evergreens, occasionally reaching large sizes in the mountains. The understory often consists of white and purple rhododendrons. Most often found along streams and shady slopes.

• Pine-Oak (below 4500')
  Oak, Hickory, Yellow Poplar, Dogwood, and some Pines, with Rhododendron and laurels on the understory. Found on drier slopes and ridges throughout the mountains.

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