Basic Mesic Hardwood Forest vs. Successional Tuliptree Forest (Rich Type) at Rock Creek Park

Similarities: Both may appear lush and have a generous amount of spring wildflowers and northern spicebush. Both may have stately, mature tuliptrees in the canopy. Both can be found on low slopes and in ravines.

Tips to Distinguish: However, the Basic Mesic Hardwood Forest has more tree-species diversity in the canopy. The Successional Tuliptree Forest (Rich Type) has nothing but tuliptrees in the canopy. American beech and oaks may be rising in the understory, but have not yet caught up to the stature of the older tuliptrees (probably pioneers after a clearcut).