A study was conducted of the corticolous lichen community of Q. rubra on the southeast face of Salt Pond Mountain, Giles County, Virginia. These communities were examined according to altitude, vertical level on the tree, total lichen cover, lichen growth form composition, and the presence and abundance of foliose and fruticose species. Moss percentage cover was also estimated in situ as an indicator of available moisture trends.

The results of this study indicate that, with the exception of fruticose lichens, the character and species composition of this lichen community does not vary directly in accordance with altitude. Most of the 48 fruticose and foliose lichen species examined exhibited their greatest frequency and abundance at a preferred vertical height above the ground. These lichen communities appear to lack the characteristics of those disturbed by atmospheric sulfur dioxide.