Fichtelberg about the former composition of the forest. The main tree species of the Hercynian mixed forest of the highlands - the silver fir ("Abies alba"), European beech ("Fagus sylvatica") and Norway spruce ("Picea abies") - occurred in roughly equal proportions of around 30% on the ridgelines. Old church records and forest assessments contain descriptions of the original condition of the forest, showing that the Fichtelberg was covered by mixed forest consisting of the aforementioned tree species. The present dominance of the spruce is primarily a result of human influence. Improper management such as deforestation and high populations of game steadily
Carex sylvatica Carex sylvatica Carex sylvatica is a species of sedge found in deciduous woodlands across Europe. It typically reaches tall, and has an inflorescence made up of 3–5 pendent female spikes and a single male spike. It is also used as a garden plant, and has been introduced to North America and New Zealand. "Carex sylvatica" "resembles a small "C. pendula"", growing to around tall, or up to in exceptional cases. Its rhizomes are very short, giving the plant a densely cespitose (tufted) form. The leaves are long, wide and thick, with 17–31 parallel veins. The leaves have a slight keel,