Great Smoky Mountains National Park NEON - United States of America

Variations in elevation, rainfall, temperature, and geology in GRSM provide habitat for over 1600 species of flowering plants. In addition, the park is one of the largest stands of deciduous old growth forest in North America. The lower region forests are dominated by deciduous leafy trees including yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), red maple (Acer rubrum), and chestnut oak (Quercus montana). Spice bush (Lindera benzoin), mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), and rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) dominate the dense understory. At higher altitudes, deciduous forests give way to coniferous trees like Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri), red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), and eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). Of these species, 76 plants are listed as threatened or endangered in the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. Spreading avens (Geum radiatum), Virginia spiraea (Spiraea virginiana), and rock gnome lichen (Gymnoderma lineare) are federally listed threatened and endangered species that can be found in the park.