This report was a study of the distribution of lianas (woody vines) along an elevational gradient in western North Carolina. Data was collected on four species (Virginia Creeper, Poison Ivy, Pipe Vine, and Grape) that are common in temperate deciduous forests. Although published ranges for all of these species indicate that they extend into Canada, anecdotal observations by local botanists suggest that Virginia Creeper and Poison Ivy are absent at higher elevations in western North Carolina. The purpose of this study was to document whether liana distribution was impacted by elevation. Ten trails in the Pisgah National Forest spanning elevations of < 2500 feet to > 4000 feet above sea level were walked. All lianas that occurred within 10 m of the trail were noted, along with their location (ground or host tree), tree DBH, elevation, and aspect. Preliminary results show that Virginia Creeper and Poison Ivy occurred mainly at elevations <3000 feet, while Pipe Vine and Grape Vine occurred at elevations as high as 4000 and 5500 feet, respectively. These distributions raise questions such as why some lianas were able to grow at higher latitudes (such as in the northern United States and Canada) but not at higher elevations in western North Carolina.
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