Betula alleghaniensis
In the Smokies, the northern hardwood canopies are dominated by yellow birch ("Betula alleghaniensis") and American beech ("Fagus grandifolia"). White basswood ("Tilia heterophylla"), mountain maple ("Acer spicatum") and striped maple ("Acer pensylvanicum"), and yellow buckeye ("Aesculus flava") are also present. The northern hardwood understory is home to diverse species such as coneflower, skunk goldenrod, Rugels ragwort, bloodroot, hydrangea, and several species of grasses and ferns.