Short-term changes in the entire vascular plant community after clearcutting were examined to supplement previous work on commercially important species. Five sites representing the first through fourth seasons after logging were chosen in the Highlands Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina. Large intersite variation was found. Pinus strobus and Quercus spp. dominated the uncut forests but were being replaced by Acer rubrum and Liriodendron tulipifera during the four-year period. Forest-adapted herbs decreased in abundance, whereas field-adapted herbs increased. Additional research is needed on later effects on shrubs and herbs using a better quantification of intersite variation.