Abstract

The majority of botanical biodiversity in broadleaf temperate forest ecosystems is found in the herbaceous layer. Because many herbaceous species are highly sensitive to environmental changes and take longer to populate areas than other plant layers, they are useful indicators of both anthropogenic and natural forest disturbance. Most forests in Western North Carolina have been farmed or cleared within the past 100 years and the biodiversity of herbs can provide insight into past land use practices. Farming and clearcutting have been shown to have long-lasting impacts on the biodiversity of the herbaceous layer in secondary forests. Previous land use history and the current composition of the herbaceous layer were investigated at Christmount Christian Assembly (CCA) in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Botanical field sampling was conducted in two plots within the vicinity of an abandoned mid-nineteenth century homestead, located in a rich cove forest at CCA, to provide insight into the biodiversity of the extant herbaceous layer and to determine which herbaceous plants should be included in an interpretive guide for CCA. Plots were comparable in elevation, slope, and aspect. Results showed a 45% herbaceous plant similarity between plots. The most abundant plants were wood nettle (Laportea canadensis (L.) Wedd.), violet (Viola spp. L.), and sedum (Sedum ternatum Michx.), all typical of a rich cove forest. Five herbaceous species were selected for representation in an illustrated, interpretive guide that was created with the intent of eliciting ecological curiosity and place-based critical thinking in CCA visitors.

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