Cove forests are unique ecosystems found exclusively in North America, in the southern Appalachian Mountains of the United States. They are a special type of forest known as mixed deciduous, meaning that forest's trees lose their leaves in fall. Cove forests are restricted to mountain "coves," which are bowl-shaped valleys with very rich, fertile, damp soil. Many cove forests have streams wandering through part of the forest. The cove forests of the South exhibit the greatest plant and tree diversity of any forests in the United States.
The cove forests of South Carolina are restricted to the northwest portion of the state, extending from the north of Westminster to north of Greenville, Jones Gap State Park, Table Rock State Park, Oconee State Park, and Caesars Head State Park all contain cove forest communities. For more information, view the credits or find out how to plan a trip to a cove forest.
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A number of rare species occur in cove forests, including the endangered persistent trillium, Trillium persistens. The species is found in deeply incised coves and gorges (acidic coves) in South...
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The largest woodpecker in the United States that produced rectangular holes in dead trees, a favorite food of this bird is the carpenter ant. Mature hardwood forests are favored by this species and it...
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Oconee State Park This popular Upcountry state park rests on a high plateau among tall pines and hardwoods in the foothills of the Blue Ridge. Among the park's 1,165 acres are two mountain lakes and a...
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(Lasiurus borealis) This bat is one of the most beautiful bats in the US. Red bats roost in trees and shrubs during the day. Moths are one of their preferred prey items.
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(Quercus rubra) Several species of oak can be found growing in the cove forest, and Red Oak is perhaps most frequently encountered. This tree has leaves with sharp lobes and bristles at the tips and...
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(Vireo olivaceus) One of the most common birds in the cove forest, but rarely seen since this species feeds in the treetops. This species is usually in the top ten list of common birds in mature oak...
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(Diadophis punctatus) The ringneck is very secretive and highly nocturnal. They are found under logs and rocks in moist areas. Earthworms and small salamanders are their chief prey.
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(Rhododendron maxiumum) This evergreen shrub or small tree forms dense thickets in cool, moist, partially shaded sites such as stream banks, ravines and mountain slopes. It has thick leathery leaves...
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Cove Forests are unique ecosystems found exclusively in North America, in the southern Appalachian Mountains of the United States. They are a special type of forest known as mixed decidous, meaning...
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(Piranga olivacea) This species is also usually in the top ten list of common birds in mature oak-hickory and cove hardwood forests. Prefers to forage in oak trees and in forests with closed canopies...
