Lindera melissifolia adults were observed under a variety of overstory conditions at both sites ranging from 5.5—86.6% transmittance, and to co-occur with both sun and shade species. Leaves of adults present in the areas of highest transmittance had a curled form, similar to those described by Aleric and Kirkman (2005) under high light and presumed stress. Thirty-five seedlings were observed under conditions of 1.5—6.5% transmittance. Seedlings were all growing in a 2.5—5 cm thick layer of pine and deciduous leaf litter, indicating that leaf litter is not preventing germination. No clear patterns of hydrological or microtopographical affinity were indicated by a cursory survey.

Most of the surrounding bay rim habitat has been altered by timber management, but a small area of Xeric Sandhill Scrub Coastal Plain Variant in good condition persists at the southeast end of the site. An open to sparse canopy of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) rises above a moderate turkey oak (Quercus laevis) understory. Canopy trees are mature, reaching 15 inches in diameter. The sparse to patchy shrub layer is dominated by deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum).