Largely converted to farmland and pasture, this community is dominated by pines in the early stages of succession, and hardwoods in the later stages. Upland forest plants are unaffected by severe freezes, most tolerate shading when young, and need soils with good nutrient supply. They prefer well-drained soil, withstanding moderate drought stress but not flooding. Salt tolerance is minimal for most species. Associated plants are loblolly and shortleaf pines, mockernut hickory, southern red and white oaks, magnolia, dogwood and sourwood.
Soils are moderately acid, fertile and moisture-retentive, with fair drainage.
Plants of this community require good soil fertility and moisture, survive hard freezes, and tolerate shading and minor flooding. Drought and salt tolerance in generally minimal. Representative plants are pignut hickory, sweetgum, spruce pine, chestnut oak, basswood, white ash and red buckeye. Plants found here are tolerant of temporary flooding, frost and shading, require moderate soil fertility and good moisture supply, and don't tolerate drought or salt exposure. Many tropical hammock species invade this community in warmer areas.