The Ecological Importance of Kalmia latifolia and Rhododendron maximum in the Deciduous Forest of the Southern Appalachians

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Abstract
Mountain laurel and rosebay rhododendron comprise an important evergreen component in the deciduous forests of the southern Appalachians. These evergreen, sclerophyllous shrubs are widely distributed over the landscape with Kalmia associated with drier, more exposed sites and Rhododendron associated with more mesic sites. Dense stands of these 2 spp. may interfere with tree establishment and may contribute as much as 32% to the total standing crop of leaf biomass in some forests. Even though nutrient concentrations of their leaves are generally lower than that of deciduous trees, leaf longevity permits significant storage of nutrients. Resorption of N, P and K prior to leaf fall is an important nutrient flux.