Coastal Plain Oak-Pine-Hardwood | Adaptation Workbook

Situated on the Atlantic coastal plain, this type is limited to well-drained soils on flat to rolling hills and dunes. Relatively high rates of fine litter production and accumulation coupled with dry conditions foster periodic fire, which promotes several oak species, including white, southern red, chestnut, black, Shumard oak and scarlet oak. Numerous hardwood species may be present as co-dominants in mesic and early successional sites, including red maple, sassafras, gray birch, bigtooth and quaking aspen, and hazelnut. Dry sites in the southerly locations support pine species, including pitch, Virginia, loblolly, and shortleaf pine. In more mesic areas, a mix of American beech and sugar maple can dominate over a mix of oaks and pines (loblolly, shortleaf, Virginia).

Climate Impact Statements

Moderate increases in the frequency of drought and wildfire, particularly on hotter or drier sites, may favor pine species in coastal oak-pine hardwood forests.

Many of the dominant species in coastal oak-pine hardwood forests are projected to increase under both climate scenarios.

Forest pests and pathogens including spongy moth (Lymantria dispar), southern pine beetle, chestnut blight, and pine looper are expected to benefit from warmer and drier conditions in coastal oak-pine hardwoods.

Invasive species such as buckthorn, honeysuckle, and garlic mustard are expected to become more problematic in coastal oak-pine hardwood forests under climate change.

Previous human influences, including fragmentation and fire suppression, may have reduced the adaptive capacity of some oak-pine hardwood forests.

High levels of diversity may increase the ability of coastal oak-pine hardwood forests to adapt to climate change.

The coastal oak-pine hardwood system thrives across a variety of soil moisture tolerances and is expected to find micro-habitats and refugia in order to persist in some form on the landscape, increasing its adaptive capacity.

Vulnerability

Low-Moderate

Adaptive Capacity

High