Plant Species Guide. & Trail Highlights

Transcription

1 Plant Species Guide & Trail Highlights

2 Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve ~Nature Center~ An outreach program of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Auburn University The Forest Ecology Preserve Relies Heavily on volunteers who maintain the trails and facilities and conduct our many public programs. We rely on donations (provided through membership) and gifts of time and money from our friends in the community. Open Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday Spring & Summer: 8 a.m. 7 p.m. Fall & Winter: 8 a.m. 5 p.m. (or by appointment) Location 3100 AL Hwy. 147 North (N. College St.) Auburn, Alabama Mailing Address Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Auburn University, AL Phone (334) Website Our Mission To provide programs, experiences, nature trails, and natural habitats for the education, study, and relaxation of students and citizens of all ages while creating an atmosphere of discovery and stewardship toward our natural world.

3 Plant Species Guide & Trail Highlights Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve Now when I walk these paths, I realize that I am a guest in this forest. It is a privilege to be able to share this exquisite beauty, this lush paradise, with the plants and animals that live here. It is the right thing to protect the land of squirrel and warbler of oak tree and pine. One can tell what is right when a walk is rewarded by a soaring heart and a peaceful mind. Adapted from: How to Create and Nurture a Nature Center in Your Community August 2004 Carolyn Chipman Evans

4 CONTENTS Acknowledgments... i Introduction... ii How to Use the Plant Species Guide... iii Plant Descriptions Quadrant Maps (with plant species locations) Trail Highlights Plant Index Full Preserve Map...Back Cover

5 Acknowledgments This booklet has been a true labor of love. In the winter of 2002, I asked Becky Estes if she would like to help create a plant species guide for the Preserve. At that time, Becky was working for the USDA Forest Service. She is now a Forestry Graduate Student. She immediately said yes! This little booklet would never have taken form were it not for the many hours and extreme care that Becky spent locating species, writing species descriptions, finding pictures, collecting descriptions from other contributors, and formatting the first edition. It was great fun exploring the trails (and often venturing off the trails) with Becky. She has a wonderful knowledge of forest flora, and her interest and enthusiasm for all wild things is contagious! Another person who put his all into this project was John Hogland. John is a Forestry Graduate Student and an officer in the War Eagle Chapter of the Society of American Foresters. By using the Global Positioning System (GPS), and spending many hours at the Preserve and at his computer, he was able to produce an accurate map of the Preserve, along with the location of each plant. John was also instrumental in coordinating the placing of the markers next to each plant by a local Boy Scout Troop (#29), and even taught them how to use GPS receivers. An organization that also deserves tremendous gratitude is the War Eagle Chapter of the Society of American Foresters. They generously donated 100 of the metal markers and 100 numbered plates that mark the plants described in this booklet. SAF supports projects that help to educate citizens about the contribution forests make to our environment, to our economy, and to our psychological and emotional well-being. I would like to sincerely thank Becky, John and the War Eagle Chapter of SAF. A huge thank you also to the following species description contributors: Dr. Richard Brinker John Hogland Dr. Michael Golden Becky Estes Margaret Holler Bob Lowe Margaret Holler Coordinator Many illustrations are from: Key To Common Trees of Alabama (ANR-509) with permission from Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities). Other illustrations are from the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown, Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada, Vol.2:698. Wildlife pictures from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Design and arrangement of this booklet are by Sandy Pouncey. The funding for this booklet was made possible by a generous grant from the ALABAMA FOREST FOREVER FOUNDATION. i

6 Introduction Welcome to the nature trails of the Forest Ecology Preserve! Many trees, shrubs, and vines have been identified with a numbered marker for your convenience. This Trail Guide provides plant descriptions and often includes some of their lore, historical significance, wildlife use, and economic importance. Due to limited space in this booklet, many of the herbaceous plants and some others will not be included but will often be identified by name on markers along the trails. Trail Highlights have been added, starting on page 33, to interpret some of the sights and sounds you might experience throughout the Preserve. Our hope is that these highlights, along with the many interesting plant descriptions, will enhance your visit and that you will enjoy, contemplate, and learn from the many wonders and miracles that Nature and each new season holds. ii

7 How to Use the Plant Species Guide MAP INFORMATION: A full Forest Ecology Preserve map is on the back cover of this booklet. The map is divided into quadrants A, B, C, and D. Each quadrant has been enlarged and appears on one of the four center-fold pages. The #s on the quadrant maps indicate locations of the plants. PLANT DESCRIPTIONS are in numerical order and correspond to the plant #s. PLANT INDEX gives: COMMON NAMES (alphabetical) GENUS & SPECIES NAMES SPECIES #s-found numerically next to plant descriptions, on maps, and on plant markers (there may be two of the same species marked, but in different locations) MAP QUADRANT LETTER-A, B, C, or D (shows which center-fold map to turn to) FINDING A PLANT: Locate the plant in the index, then find its # on the specified quadrant map (A, B, C, or D) then hike to desired location. iii

8 Sumac, Smooth (Rhus glabra) 1-A The Smooth Sumac can be identified by its eyecatching fruit during the late summer. The fruit becomes velvet-red with an upright panicle of various small berries. These berries are eaten by birds and other wildlife. The flowers are greenish-white and not as stunning as the fruit. This shrub has pinnately compound leaves with leaflets that are attached to a smooth, wingless stalk. These leaflets are a dull green on top with a waxy-white underside. The twigs are hairless and produce a milky sap when they are broken. The Smooth Sumac is not as common as the Winged Sumac (5-A). Locust, Black (Robinia pseudoacacia) 1a-A A member of the Legume family, the Black Locust, is a medium-sized tree with once-compound leaves. Each 8 14in. leaf has 6 20 egg-shaped leaflets. You will often find ½ 1in. paired thorns at the leaf scars. The bark is rough and dark brown. On mature trees it is deeply ridged and furrowed. The fragrant white clustered flowers are attractive in early spring, and the fruits are 2 6in. flat, oblong pods (legumes). The wood is strong and durable, making it ideal for use as fence posts. The seeds are eaten by Bobwhite, Mourning Dove, Cottontail Rabbit, and deer. Pine, Longleaf (Pinus palustris) 2-A Longleaf Pines grow mainly in the Coastal Plain region but can also be found in the Piedmont region. With a dark green color, its needles grow to a length of 10 15in. and appear in bundles of three. One of the most distinguishing characteristics of the Longleaf Pine is its stout twigs that end in a white candle-like bud. Seedlings remain in a grass stage for several years as their roots develop. It is a fire-dependent species, meaning it thrives when the natural area surrounding it burns. The Longleaf Pine once covered more than 92 million acres in the South; it now covers less than 2.5 million acres. The longleaf forest provides a valuable ecosystem which supports a number of endangered and threatened plants and animal species. Before extensive logging, the longleaf was the most important commercial southern tree species. It is still a source of resin and turpentine and highly prized for poles, pilings and high quality timber. The Longleaf Pine is one of the most long-lived species among the southern pines. It grows to a height of 100ft. and a diameter of 2 2.5ft. 1

9 Sunflower, Narrow-leaved (Helianthus angustifolius) 3-A The Narrow-leaved Sunflower is a native perennial reaching up to 7ft. tall, and is the most common sunflower in the mid-southeastern United States. As in all true sunflowers, what first appears to be a single flower is actually made up of individual ray flowers and hundreds of tiny flowers in the center called disk flowers. The Narrow-leaved Sunflower displays yellow ray flowers, dark purple disc flowers, hairy stems, and long, narrow, alternate leaves. It tends to occur in dense clumps, making a spectacular showing in the early fall. Unlike the large sunflowers people are most familiar with, the Narrow-leaved Sunflower is only about 2in. across. Honeysuckle, Trumpet (Lonicera sempervirens) The red, trumpet-shaped flowers on this native honeysuckle vine provide an eye-catching display each spring. The nectar attracts the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds; however, humans enjoy having them in their gardens. 4-A (45-B) Sumac, Winged (Rhus copallinum) 5-A The Winged Sumac is similar in appearance to the Smooth Sumac, but there are distinct differences. It has leaflets that are shiny on top and pale green on the bottom. The twigs are brown and hairy and produce a watery sap. The Winged Sumac s flowers and fruits are similar to the Smooth Sumac s, but its bright red fruits grow in wilting panicles. Its sour fruit is often used to make a drink similar to lemonade. The Winged Sumac gets its name from the wings that lie between the leaflets on the leaf stalk. Groundsel-tree (Baccharis halimifolia) Groundsel-tree (sometimes called saltbush ) can be found growing close to the ocean where it can tolerate the salty ocean air. The Groundsel-tree grows in clumps and has bushy branches with alternate leaves that are spiral- and diamond-shaped. The fruit is a small nutlet. The Groundsel-tree is also rare because it is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on different trees. It is known as the only shrub in the Asteraceae family which also contains Dandelions. 2 5a-A

10 Elm, Winged (Ulmus alata) 6-A The Winged Elm is easily identified because of the corky wings that appear on its branches and twigs. The tree can also be identified by its grayish-brown and somewhat scaly bark. The leaves of the Winged Elm are lance-shaped with hairy undersides and have doubly-serrated (toothed) edges. The samara (fruit) is a flat, winged capsule with dense white hairs that mature in early spring before the leaves emerge. The Winged Elm is a common understory tree that often does not grow tall unless it is on the borders of swamps or rivers, where it can reach 100ft. Holly, Deciduous Possum-haw (Ilex decidua) 6a-A This plant (sometimes called the Possum-haw ) is often found on wet sites and is an important food for birds. The Possum-haw is a small, deciduous (non-evergreen) tree or shrub. Its leaves are wavy edged, narrow to egg-shaped, and 2-3in. long with blunt tips. This tree should not be confused with the Possum-haw Viburnum (Viburnum nudum) which has opposite leaves. This holly blooms April May and its shiny red fruits can be seen September March. Opposite or Alternate? Various plants which have similar characteristics can sometimes be identified by checking the leaf arrangement. Opposite means that the leaves are directly opposite each other on the stem; alternate means they are arranged individually at intervals along the stem (note the example of the possum-haw). Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) 3 7-A (60-C) The Hornbeam is also called Ironwood or Musclewood because of its smooth, gray bark that gives off a sinewy and muscular appearance. The zigzag twigs are a reddish color with gray lenticels (raised dots or short lines). The Hornbeam s leaves are doubly-toothed with hairy undersides. The tree s fruit, which matures in the late summer, is also distinctive with nutlets that form in a three-lobed leafy bract (leaf like structure). These nutlets are eaten by songbirds, wild turkeys, and squirrels. Reaching only about 30ft. in height, the Hornbeam has strong wood but little economic value. (Pictured on page iii).

11 Myrtle, Wax (Myrica cerifera) 8-A (48-B) The Wax Myrtle s leaves are evergreen and slender with several teeth at the tips. These leaves have a fresh, spicy fragrance. There are golden resin specks on both sides of the leaves, although they typically occur on the underside of the leaf. The Wax Myrtle s fruits are small, blue-gray berries that cluster along the branches in the fall. Male and female (staminate and pistillate) flowers grow on separate trees and bloom in the spring. These berries have been used in candle- and soap-making. The Wax Myrtle has also been called "Southern Bayberry" and "Candleberry." Although it can become a tree, the Wax Myrtle is most often considered a shrub. Poison-ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) 8a-A Poison-ivy is a hairy vine that can be found trailing on the ground or growing high in the tops of trees. It grows in a variety of habitats but can be highly concentrated in disturbed areas. The main feature of Poison-ivy is the three leaves that tend to be variable. The leaves of the Poison-ivy plant are quite showy in the fall, turning from yellow to red. However, despite its colorful appearance, it can be harmful at any time of the year. One touch of this plant can result in an annoying and sometimes painful rash. Remember: Leaves of 3 let it be. Never touch a hairy tree. Hickory, Pignut (Carya glabra) 9-A (32-B) The Pignut Hickory s bark is divided into closely packed, low ridges that form a diamond pattern. The tree s leaves are pinnately compound (leaflets arranged along a central axis) with five and sometimes seven leaflets that are almost always hairless (glabrous) on the undersides. The tree s fruit is different from the Mockernut Hickory s because it is smaller, pear-shaped, thin-husked, and splits only halfway to its base. The Pignut Hickory is known as a strong tree, making it perfect for items such as ax handles, wagon wheels, and even skis. 4

12 Buckeye, Bottlebrush (Aesculus parviflora) 10-A The Bottlebrush Buckeye, which can grow to approximately 15ft. tall, is a rare plant only found in central Alabama and Georgia. The blooms are white and the flowers are clustered on an upright spike with extended anthers, giving it the appearance of a bottlebrush. In the fall, the leaves turn a vibrant yellow color. Like the Red Buckeye (#38), the Bottlebrush Buckeye has leaves that are palmately compound and a nut-like fruit. However, the flower of the Bottlebrush Buckeye is the one feature that distinguishes it from the Red Buckeye. Both Red and Bottlebrush Buckeyes are common in rich woods along stream banks. Oak, Southern Red (Quercus falcate) 11-A The Southern Red Oak is a common type of upland oak that is found in central and southern Alabama. The larger trees have rough bark on the lower trunk or bole. The lower shade leaves are commonly broad with only three lobes and are sometimes compared to a thick turkey foot. Its leaves are identified by the "U"- or bell-shaped base (think of the Southern Bell ). The sun leaves have more lobes and a long terminal lobe that sometimes curves to one side. Each lobe has a bristle tip, typical of Red Oaks. The mature leaves are somewhat rough and have a slightly yellowish or gray hairy underside. Because its acorns are small (1/2 3/4 in.), they are readily carried by some birds, particularly Blue Jays, resulting in the Southern Red Oak being more easily and widely dispersed than oaks with larger acorns. This species invades open fields and openings in pine stands more quickly than large acorns. Though the reason is unclear, early botanists and writers called this species the "Spanish Oak." (Pictured on front cover). Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) 12-A Noted for its long thorns located along the twigs, the Hawthorn has several different species native to the Southeast. Several of these species are difficult to distinguish because of hybridization and a few slight differences. The Hawthorn s leaves vary but are often triangular and toothed. The plant s bark is dark and scaly. The flowers are white or pink and have no fragrance. The fruits of the Hawthorn are yellow red pomes, meaning they are apple-like. They provide wonderful food for wildlife. In addition, a variety of songbirds choose the Hawthorn for nesting. 5

13 Maple, Red (Acer rubrum) 13-A (46-B) Usually found in wet, moist soils along streambanks and in swamps, the Red Maple can also be found on dry ridges and in mixed hardwood forests. Often called the Swamp Maple, it can grow 60 90ft. tall with a diameter of 2.5ft. It has 2-4in. leaves with three short pointed lobes growing on slender, reddish twigs. In spring clusters of scarlet flowers appear before the leaves. The bark is thin, smooth, and grayish in color on younger trees and darkens with age; it provided pioneers with ink and dye. Grape, Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) 14-B The Muscadine Grape is a vine that grows high in the trees or along the ground. The woody stem will become stout with age, up to about 2in. in diameter. Its leaves are heart-shaped or rounded with toothed edges. Its yellow-green flowers are barely noticeable. There is also a green version of the Muscadine Grape s fruit that is referred to as the Scuppernong. Muscadine grapes are eaten as a fruit and are widely cultivated due to its high pest tolerance. The fruit is turned in jellies and made into wine. Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica) 15-B (78-C) The Blackgum tree has slender horizontal branches and thick, rough, grayish-black indented bark. The leaves have pointed tip and are a leathery dark green. They turn scarlet in autumn. The fruit of the Blackgum is fleshy with one seed and grows in clusters of one-three. Heartwood decay is common, resulting in many hollow trees. Early settlers cut these hollow trees into short lengths and used them as beehives. The tree is difficult to split because the fibers are cross woven, causing it to warp and twist in sawn boards. Pioneers used the Blackgum as the handles for heavy-duty boxes and crates and was formed into chopping bowls and wooden parts for early farm equipment. 6

14 Persimmon, Common (Diospyros virginiana) Common Persimmon s bark is dark and broken up into small blocks. Its leaves are 3 6in. long, dark green in color, and have an oval shape and with smooth edges. The leaves have small black spots. The Common Persimmon s lateral buds are black and resemble a snake s head. Their bell or urn-shaped white flowers appear in late spring. It was often used as a peace offering by Native Americans because of its sweet fruit (Diospyros means "divine fruit"). This fruit was an important staple in the diet of early Native Americans and is eaten by a variety of animals from birds and squirrels to deer and opossum. 16-B (47-B) Magnolia, Sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana) 17-B Sweetbay Magnolias are found in wet areas of the coastal plain and piedmont regions. Its leaves are thick and evergreen with white hairy undersides. Its flowers are similar to other magnolias but smaller in size. The bark is gray and smooth. When the Sweetbay Magnolia s leaves are crushed, they have a pleasant spicy aroma. Its fruit serves as a food source for many wildlife species and beavers eat its bark. In early America, settlers called the Sweetbay Magnolia the "Beavertree" because they used its fleshy roots to bait beaver. Switchcane (Arundinaria gigantean) 18-B Switchcane can be found in moist sites near streams and banks or low-lying areas. It is the largest native grass in the United States and has a dense bamboo-like structure. The only subspecies growing in the Southeastern United States is Giant Cane. Switchcane provides excellent cover and nesting habitat for many wetland wildlife species. Elm, American (Ulmus Americana) The American Elm is known for growing up to 125ft. and its drooping branches. It can be dentified by its gray bark with deep fissures and ridges and has unusual leaves that don t meet equally at their base. The American Elm s fruits are saucer shaped seeds that disperse on the wind B (24-B)

15 Pine, Shortleaf (Pinus echinata) The Shortleaf Pine has short needles, usually only 3 5in. in length, and grows in small bundles. Its cones are small and armed with prickles. The Shortleaf Pine is a valuable source of timber at a mature age, particularly in the Southeast. 20-B (50-B) Poplar, Yellow (Liriodendron tulipifera) 21-B Contrary to its name, the Yellow Poplar is not actually a poplar but a member of the magnolia family. It can grow to great heights (up to 150ft.) and its diameter can reach up to 5ft across. The Yellow Poplar s tulip-shaped flowers are greenish yellow with blotches of orange. Because they are moth pollinated, these flowers have a strong yet pleasant odor. The unusual leaves are large with four lobes and have a broad notch at the tip (apex). Its trunk is straight with very smooth grayish bark on younger trees that becomes deeply grooved with age. The Yellow Poplar s seeds are wind dispersed samaras, or winged fruit, that are contained in a conelike structure. Two of the country s champion Yellow Poplar trees are located in Alabama. Birch, River (Betula nigra) 22-B The River Birch grows farther south than others birches. It is recognized by its bark that peels off in dark, reddish-brown scales, exposing salmon colored bark beneath. The 2 4in. leaves are triangular with edges that are doubly serrated, with large and small teeth. The seeds of the River Birch are highly dependent on water for dissemination; in May, the seeds shed and are carried by rivers until they germinate on a muddy bank. The River Birch holds the banks of rivers intact, preventing erosion during excessive flooding. Mistletoe (Phoradendron flavescens) 23-B Mistletoe grows on trees as a semi-parasite, meaning it can produce its own chlorophyll but relies on its host plant for nutrition because it s not rooted in the ground. Look high in this tree in the winter and you ll notice the clustered evergreen leaves, bearing white berries in the late fall and early winter. The fruit is a favorite of many birds and mammals but is considered poisonous to humans, though they have benefited the treatment of various human diseases including cancer. 8

16 Elm, American (Ulmus Americana) 24-B For a description, refer to #19-B. (Pictured on page 7). Note: A large water oak is the tree directly behind this elm. Cedar, Eastern Red (Juniperus virginiana) 25-B (33-B) The Eastern Red Cedar is a unique conifer because it is dioecious, meaning it can either be male or female. The female version has silky flowers and blue berries that have an unpleasant odor when smashed. The male version has small cones. The foliage consists of blunt overlapping needles with a resin gland. The fruits of the Eastern Red Cedar are a favorite among many birds, especially the Cedar Waxwing, whose name was derived from its love for the tree. In the past, the fragrant juniper wood was used mainly in the production of pencils but it is now utilized for much more. Because the bark peels even when the tree is young, it is a favorite among woodworkers. Cedars, like the Eastern Red Cedar, often carry a fungus called Cedar-apple fungus that appears as small hard galls and can disfigure the trees. Holly, American (Ilex opaca) 26-B The American Holly is usually found growing in moist soil and often seen during the Christmas season. It has smooth gray bark with leaves that are thick and green with prickly points. The American Holly s presence in the wild has decreased since it has become a popular holiday tree. It is dioecious, meaning it will have either male or female flowers (but not both) on one tree. The female tree bears deep red berries that persist throughout winter and provides a favored wildlife food. Oak, Post (Quercus stellate) 27-B (51-B) The Post Oak is a medium-sized upland oak that is usually found with thick, contorted branches. Its welldeveloped leaves are characteristically cruciform or cross-shaped. These leaves have five major lobes and are somewhat rough in texture on the top with dense hairs underneath. The twigs are stout and hairy. The medium-sized acorns have caps that cover 1/3 1/2 of the nut. The Post Oak is classified in the White Oak subgroup (Leucobalanus) meaning its leaf tips lack bristles and its acorns mature in one season. 9

17 Hickory, Red (Carya ovalis) 28-B The Red Hickory is similar to, and sometimes considered a variety of, the Pignut Hickory. However, it has distinct differences. The Red Hickory s fruit has a rough husk which splits to the base and its bark has loose scaly ridges. The leaves, when crushed, will produce a pleasant spicy aroma and will turn a beautiful yellow color in the fall. The Red Hickory you see on Tree Walk is the only one that has been found at the Forest Ecology Preserve. Pine, Loblolly (Pinus taeda) 29-B A very common species in the Southeast, the Loblolly Pine is also known as Old-field Pine because of its abundance in open fields and along roadsides. Its pale-green needles usually grow in bundles of three or four. Its medium- sized cones are a light red-brown with short prickles. Its bark is brown with redbrown plates. The Loblolly Pine provides lumber on a large scale, particularly in the Coastal Plain region because of its abundance, not quality. (Pictured on front cover). Oak, Northern Red (Quercus rubra) 30-B The Northern Red Oak is a large upland oak that grows widely throughout most of the eastern U.S. and into Canada. Because of its relatively fast growth, typically straight, clear trunk, and beautiful wood, the Northern Red Oak is a highly desirable timber species throughout its more southern range. This tree also has large acorns with shallow, platter-like acorn caps. Deer and squirrels enjoy the acorns in the fall. The leaves are broad, typically shiny on both sides, with 7 11 bristle-tipped lobes. The bark on the middle and upper trunks of the mature trees have broad, flat, light gray ridges separated by dark grooves. In the South, the Northern Red Oak typically grows in more mesic (moderately moist but not wet) upland habitats. 10

18 Hickory, Mockernut (Carya tomentosa) 31-B The Mockernut Hickory is recognized by its stout branches and large yellow buds. Its bark is dark gray and becomes slightly fissured with age. The leaves of the Mockernut Hickory are composed of 7 9 leaflets with fine-tooth edges, or margins, and hairy undersides. When crushed, the leaves emit a lemony scent. The Mockernut Hickory s fruit is a nut encased in a very thick husk that splits to the base. The fruit of all hickory trees is favored by many small mammals. Hickory, Pignut (Carya glabra) 32-B For a description, refer to #9-A. Cedar, Eastern Red (Juniperus virginiana) 33-B For a description, refer to #25-B. (Pictured on page 9). Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) 34-B Companies extract Witch Hazel essence from the tree s inner bark and sell it on the medicine aisle of some stores as witch hazel astringent. One of the many distinguishing features of Witch Hazel is its oval, dark green, wavy-edged leaves. Its yellow flowers are unusual, with four stringy, somewhat curly petals that bloom after the leaves have fallen from the tree, usually in fall or early winter. The two-beaked, orange-brown woody fruit does not ripen until late fall of the following year. When the fruit is ripe, the seeds shoot out of a capsule, sometimes traveling 30ft. Witches in colonial America thought that using Witch Hazel branches would help them find water and gold. Croton, Alabama (Croton alabamensis) 35-B The Alabama Croton is a very rare shrub occurring naturally in only two Alabama counties: Bibb and Tuscaloosa. Someone planted the specimen at the Forest Ecology Preserve on this site. The croton is normally partial to harsh environments such as limestone bluffs or shallow soils. Upon close inspection, you will notice the croton has silvery scales on its stems and leaves. The scales on the back of the leaf are so 11

19 close together that the leaf appears to be silver. The croton s flower is a yellow cluster and its fruit is a silver capsule. The croton is at its peak when the leaves turn a beautiful orange in the fall. Silverbell, Carolina (Halesia tetraptera) 36-B The Carolina Silverbell has red-brown and smooth bark on small trees. The bark becomes more gray-brown with scales on the larger ones. The Carolina Silverbell s twigs are red-brown with shield-shaped leaf scars. Its leaves are elliptical with small sharp teeth around the edges. The Carolina Silverbell has beautiful bell-shaped white flowers in early April. Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) 37-B (76-C) As its name describes, the leaves and twigs of the Sourwood taste sour. Native Americans would often chew on a sourwood leaf to ward off thirst during long distance runs. Its leaves are elliptical in shape and turn bright red in early fall. The bark is gray-brown and deeply grooved. The Sourwood s flowers are small, white and plentiful along a stalk that resembles Lily-of-the-valley. Its fruits droop in clusters and remain on the tree throughout winter. People can often find the fruits under the tree the next season. For years, the South has been prized for its sourwood honey. Buckeye, Red (Aesculus pavia) 38-B With its bright red, tubular flowers and red stalk, the Red Buckeye is a favorite of hummingbirds, making it a very popular backyard bush. The leaves on the Red Buckeye are palmately compound, meaning they are arranged similar to a hand. The tree s fruit is a nut-like capsule containing one to three large seeds. There has long been a legend that carrying a Buckeye seed in your pocket will bring good luck. The foliage and seeds,however, are very poisonous to both humans and livestock when eaten. (Pictured on cover). 12

20 Azalea, Alabama (Rhododendron alabamense) 39-B This native azalea is a shrub with beautiful white flowers (.8 1.5in. diameter) that have yellow centers and a distinct lemony fragrance. The flowers of the Alabama Azalea bloom before leaves or other vegetation emerge. Gardeners commonly use the Alabama Azalea as a landscape plant. Paw-paw, Dwarf (Asimina parviflora) 40-B The Dwarf Paw-paw looks similar to many tropical plants. Its leaves are long with the widest part of the leaf in the middle. The leaves have smooth edges and smell like green peppers when crushed. The Dwarf Paw-paw s flowers range from green-purple to a deep red and smell like wine. Perhaps the most interesting part of the plant is its fruit, which consists of large, green, oblong berries that turn yellow in late summer and taste of custard. At one time, the paw-paw had a very expansive range, but it now grows only as an understory plant in the South. Honeysuckle, Japanese (Lonicera japonica) 41-B The Japanese Honeysuckle is a vine native to Asia but is now naturalized across North America and common to backyards nationwide. The semievergreen leaves are opposite and the fragrant white to pale yellow flowers are two-lipped and tubular. Many people have tasted the sweet nectar and enjoyed the pleasant fragrance of the Japanese Honeysuckle flowers which bloom April through June. Most birds eat the fruit of the Japanese Honeysuckle, and it is an important browse plant for whitetailed deer and our eastern cottontail. This honeysuckle species is a fastgrowing invasive vine that often replaces the native vegetation of an area. Beech, American (Fagus grandifolia) 42-B The American Beech is a large tree with heights of 60 80ft. It has blue-gray and smooth bark and elliptical leaves. A distinctive feature of the beech is the long, pointed, cigar-like terminal bud. The leaves of the American Beech turn bright yellow in autumn, then brown and remain on the tree throughout the winter. The fruit of the American Beech consists of nuts enclosed in four-cleft burs and is an important food 13

21 source for wildlife. A tree rooted deep in the history of our country, the American Beech at one time occupied vast expanses of forest throughout the eastern U.S. For years, people have been tempted to carve in the smooth bark of the American Beech. For example, Daniel Boone recorded one of his feats on a large beech tree in Washington County, Tenn. It read "D. Boone, Cilled a Bar, On Tree, In Year 1760." That tree fell in 1916 after growing 28ft. in girth and 70ft. tall. Scientists estimated it to be 365 years old. Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) 43-B Yaupon is an evergreen shrub found on a variety of sites. It grows abundantly in pine understories, and people use it widely as an ornamental plant. Along with the American Holly, the Yaupon is also a member of the holly family, which is native to much of the eastern United States. The Yaupon has small leaves with toothed edges. The stems of the Yaupon are white, stiff, and thorny. In the spring, small, white, four-petaled flowers bloom. Yaupons are dioecious, meaning the male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The Yaopon s prominent red berries mature in the fall. The plant s scientific name comes from its ancient use as a tea to purge the system. Oak, White (Quercus alba) 44-B (70-C) The White Oak is among the widest ranging of the American Oaks and can grow very large except for on very wet or very dry sites. Its bark is slightly grooved with loose scaly plates. Its name is derived from its white, ash-gray bark and pale wood. The leaves are dark green on top and more pale underneath. They have 7 9 lobes that tend to be shallowly cut in the shade and very deeply cut in the sun. Its leaves lack bristles, like others in the white oak subgenus (Leucobalanus). Its acorns are medium-sized with bowl-shaped knobby caps and lower tannin levels than those of red oaks, making them a favorite of many wildlife species. Throughout history, the White Oak has been the most commercially used of all the oaks. Because of its hardness and durability, it has been used for such things as furniture, flooring, log cabins and wooden bridges. While Red Oak wood is porous, White Oak wood is not, so people often use it for tight cooperage, such as barrels and buckets. Artisans favor the White Oak for weaving baskets as well as chair seats and backs from thin strips of its wood. 14

22 Honeysuckle, Trumpet (Lonicera sempervirens) 45-B For a description, refer to #4-A. (Pictured on page 2). Maple, Red (Acer rubrum) 46-B For a description, refer to #13-A. (Pictured on page ii) Persimmon, Common (Diospyros virginiana) 47-B For a description, refer to #16-B. (Pictured on page 8) Myrtle, Wax (Myrica cerifera) 48-B For a description, refer to #8-A. (Pictured on page 4) Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) 49-B The Sweetgum is one of the most distinctive and versatile trees. It grows fast and thrives on a variety of sites, ranging from intermittently flooded bottomlands to somewhat dry uplands. The Sweetgum has starshaped leaves with five pointed lobes arranged like fingers radiating from a palm. Crushed Sweetgum leaves exude a strong, rather pleasant odor. The Sweetgum bears spiny, woody balls that litter the ground underneath the large trees. These balls produce tiny, winged, winddisseminated seeds. After someone cuts down a Sweetgum, the tree s stumps sprout vigorously. A circle of sprouts from shallow roots can span 1 10ft. (or more) from the original tree. Because of these reproductive characteristics, the Sweetgum reproduces easily. Like its scientific name describes, the Sweetgum tree exudes a sticky, slightly sweet sap when wounded. This sap thickens and dries over time to an amber color. People can chew this strong tasting gum at the right consistency. Confederate doctors during the Civil War used the gum to treat skin sores and dysentery. During World War II, the gum served as an important base for salves, adhesives, soaps and tobacco flavoring. At that time, a Sweetgum tree-tapping industry developed in southwestern Alabama. Workers scraped, then heated, strained and canned the gum. The light-colored wood, termed sap gum in the timber trade, is soft and light and has commercial uses for veneer, trim, pallets and paper pulp. However, some large Sweetgum trees that grow in bottomlands develop a deep red heartwood. The deep red heartwood is much more valuable, and furniture manufacturers use it for more expensive furniture and veneer. 15

23 Pine, Shortleaf (Pinus echinata) 50-B For a description, refer to #20-B. Oak, Post (Quercus stellata) 51-B For a description, refer to #27-B. Oak, Water (Quercusnigra) 52-B The Water Oak is one of the most common oaks in the Alabama Piedmont region and grows widely throughout the South. As its name implies, this tree achieves its best growth and largest size on bottomlands, but it also grows well on a wide range of upland sites. People also frequently plant Water Oak along city streets. The tree s leaves vary, even on the same tree. The Water Oak usually includes leaves with a characteristic tapering with a wedged-like base and broad, unlobed or threelobed blade end. Scientists classify the tree as a Red Oak, but unlike most Red Oaks, the Water Oak has leaves without very noticeable bristles. However, as with other Red Oaks, the acorns of the Water Oak take two seasons to mature and require cool, moist storage for germination. Like the Southern Red Oak, the Water Oak has small acorns. The size of the acorns allows some birds, especially blue jays, to widely disseminate the species. The Water Oak s acorns provide an extremely valuable source of food for wildlife, especially for deer, ducks, wild turkey and squirrels. Hydrangea, Oak-leaf (Hydrangea quercifolia) 53-B Named for its oak-like leaves, the Oak-leaf Hydrangea is the state wildflower of Alabama. This species of hydrangea is native to the Southeast, and people widely plant it as an ornamental plant. While its leaves turn orange and red in the fall, most people consider the Oak-leaf Hydrangea s flowers to be the prettiest part of the plant. The Oak-leaf Hydrangea has white flowers that bloom in early summer and grow on large spikes. These flowers remain into the winter, turning reddish and then tan. The bark peels throughout the year. 16

24 Olive, Autumn (Elaeagnus umbellate) 54-B The Autumn Olive is an exotic species (a plant or animal that is not native to the area). Although people usually plant it for its fragrant spring flowers, the Autumn Olive also provides excellent food and cover for wildlife. However, it can also spread quickly and occupy areas where more desirable native species would normally grow. The Autumn Olive has thorny branches and leaves with silvery undersides. (Note: #61, Thorny Elaeagnus Elaeagnus pungens) Plum, Chickasaw (Prunus angustifolia) 55-B This shrub or small tree flourishes in disturbed areas and along fencerows. The Chickasaw Plum consists of fragrant, white blooms that cover the entire tree before the leaves emerge. The plant s leaves often fold upwards with a sharp point on the end and red glands at the base. Its twigs are red-brown in color and shiny with thorns. Its bark is also red-brown and shiny and becomes scaly with age. The plant s sweet red plums mature by late summer, and a number of animals consume them. People also use the plums in making jellies. When in thickets, Chickasaw Plum trees also provide ideal nesting and cover for song and game birds. Blueberry, Elliott (Vaccinium elliottii) 56-B Sometimes called Mayberry or Huckleberry, this medium-sized branchy shrub stands out because of its light green stems. The shrub has small, thick, and glossy leaves that have fine, sharp serrations (teeth) along the edges. The leaves often turn bright red in the fall. The vase-shaped white or pink flowers appear in early spring. The fruit resembles a small blueberry. Many animals enjoy eating the berries, and deer often munch on the leaves of the Elliott Blueberry plant. Sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum) 57-B The Sparkleberry is related to the Blueberry, and it can grow to either a bush or a small tree. Its oval or roundshaped leaves appear alternately arranged on the stem and turn golden to red in the fall. Clusters of small, white, bell-shaped flowers appear in spring to early 17

25 summer. The red bark on the mature Sparkleberry shreds. Wildlife does not enjoy the Sparkleberry s blueberry-like fruit because of its gritty texture. However, certain butterflies and caterpillars prefer its nectar and leaves for food. Maple, Ashleaf; Box-elder (Acer negundo) 57a-B This tree has an opposite, pinnately compound leaf arrangement. Since the ash tree has the same leaf arrangement, observers may mistake the Box-elder for an ash. However, the Box-elder is a member of the maple family. The leaflets number three to five (commonly 3, more rarely 7 9). When only three leaflets are present, the foliage often resembles poison ivy. The Box-elder s winged fruit ( samara or key ) and the placement of the leaves on the stem (directly opposite each other) liken it to other maples. This medium-sized tree has smooth, bright green twigs which sometimes have a whitish coating that rubs off. Squirrels and songbirds love the Box-elder s fruit, and artisans use the tree s soft white wood for making boxes and other items. Devil s Walking Stick (Aralia spinosa) The prickly bark and twigs of this plant give it the names Devil s Walking Stick or sometimes Hercules Club. A native shrub, Devil s Walking Stick has large bipinnately compound leaves. Creamy white flowers appear at the top of the shrub between July and August. The plant bears a purple berry, a favorite of songbirds and other wildlife. Landscapers often use Devil s Walking Stick as a border plant. 58-B (63-C) Maple, Florida (Acer barbatum) B (88-D) People often notice the Florida Maple for its dangling clusters of small yellow flowers in the spring and its brilliant colors of red, orange, and yellow in the fall. The leaves are palmately three to five-lobed with smooth, somewhat rounded, edges and white pubescent (hairy) undersides. The fruit of this maple is a double-winged samara (seed) that forms a 100-degree angle. Tappers can extract the sap of the Florida Maple for making syrup much like the famed Sugar Maple s of the north. Because of this and other similarities, people often call the Florida Maple Southern Sugar Maple. (Notice young Florida Maple behind longleaf pine Kiosk)

26 Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) 60-C For a description, refer to #7-A. (Pictured on page iii) Elaeagnus, Thorny (Elaeagnus pungens) 61-C (90-D) The Thorny Elaeagnus draws its name from the sharp thorns on its twigs. As with Autumn Olive, the Thorny Elaeagnus is also an exotic invasive species. Its distinct leaves have wavy edges and are dark green on the topside and silver with brown scales underneath. The plant blooms during the fall, displaying its creamy white to brown tubular flowers that have a strong but pleasant fragrance. Its fruits are red with silver dots. Gardeners often plant Thorny Elaeagnus on reclamation areas or as hedgerows because it grows fast, tolerates drought, and does well in a wide variety of soils. Thorny Elaeagnus bushes can indirectly cause hazardous traffic situations. Cedar waxwing birds sometimes gorge themselves on the plant s berries and become too heavy to fly. The fattened birds then enter roads, and oncoming traffic often swerves to avoid hitting them. (Notice #54, Elaeagnus umbellate) Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) 62-C The American Sycamore is one of the largest of the eastern hardwoods. It often grows on stream banks and in bottomlands. The bark peels off in large flakes, revealing patches of a whitish, mottled color. Buttonmakers once made buttons from the core of the Sycamore s ball-shaped fruit. (Large specimens have not been found near a trail) Devil s Walking Stick (Aralia spinosa) 63-C For a description, refer to #58-B. (Pictured on page 18). Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) 64-C Sassafras is usually found in the understory of forests but can also grow to be a large tree in wetter areas. The strong spicy or licorice aroma of its leaves, twigs, bark and roots serves as indicators of the tree s location. The leaves of sassafras trees have three distinct shapes: zero lobes (oval), one lobe (mitten), or three lobed. Dark blue berries appear in early fall and are enjoyed by a variety of wildlife. A delicious tea can be made by boiling the outer layer of the roots. Sassafras oil extract is used in soaps, perfumes, and candy flavorings. 19

27 Oak, Laurel (Quercus hemisphaerica) 65-C Nearly every evergreen present in the preserve is a laurel oak. This species is often found on relatively dry, sandy, or upland sites. Narrow, bristle-tipped leaves that are oblong appear on this tree, and its acorns are small and round with flat-topped caps that cover only about ¼ of the nut. Laurel oaks are often planted as a landscape trees due to their shiny evergreen leaves. Azalea, Wild (Rhododendron canescens) 66-C Wild azaleas typically grow along streams and in moist woods. This woody shrub, sometimes called wild honeysuckle, grows to 4 5ft. high with light pink, sweet smelling flowers. Mark Catesby discovered the wild azalea around Magnolia, Southern (Magnolia grandiflora) 67-C The southern magnolia, an evergreen with a straight trunk, grows best in moist soils in both valley and low upland regions. This species is a popular ornamental tree that is planted around the world in temperate climates. The southern magnolia, which is one of the state s most beautiful native trees, can grow as tall as 80ft. with a diameter of 3ft. The southern magnolia produces large, white flowers and cone-like fruit. The wood from this tree is used for furniture, cabinetwork, boxes, and doors. In addition, the large, glossy leaves are often used by florists in floral arrangements. Oak, Black (Quercus velutina) 68-C The black oak is one of the large upland oaks commonly found in the Piedmont region. This species was named because of the rough, dark bark found on the lower trunk of larger, older trees. The black oak s thick leaves have 5-7 broad lobes with bristle tips that are either shallowly or deeply lobed. These leaves are sometimes slightly rough on the upper surface with a hairy underside. The medium-sized acorns that appear on the black oak have scales on their bowl-shaped caps with a slightly loose, downward fringe on their edges. The black oak is classified in the red oak subgroup, Erythrobalanus, which can be identified by bristle-tipped leaves and acorns that take two seasons to mature. This tree is the only member of 20

28 the red oak subgroup that has an orange to deep yellow inner bark compared to the pink to red inner bark of the other trees in the red oak family. The black oak s wood is useful for flooring, trim, cabinets and furniture. In addition, its inner bark has been used in making a yellow dye. Oak, White (Quercus alba) 70-C Also appears #44-B. (Pictured on page 14). Catalpa, Southern (Catalpa bignonioides) 71-C The southern catalpa grows well in rich, moist soil and often grows next to ponds and riverbanks. The tree has large, heart-shaped leaves along with trumpet-shaped flowers that are white with purple and yellow markings. Its pods hang on the tree throughout the winter then split open and release winged seeds that float in the wind. Because of the tree s location, fishermen often use the catalpa worm for bait. The southern catalpa is also known as the "cigar tree" because of its long pod-like fruit. Willow, Black (Salix nigra) 72-C The black willow has one of the most extensive ranges across the country. This tree grows on wet soils, especially along stream and lake banks. This deciduous species has shiny, green, narrowly lance-shaped leaves. Sometimes called swamp willow, this plant often has multiple, leaning trunks and can grow to be 100ft. tall. The wood is classified as a soft hardwood and is used for millwork, cabinetry, and boxes. Black willows are often planted because they are fast-growing shade trees, and they also are used for stabilizing soils along rivers, ponds, and streams. During the pioneer era, the wood was converted into charcoal for gunpowder. Dogwood, Flowering (Cornus florida) 73-C The flowering dogwood is considered to be one of the most beautiful trees in eastern North America. The tree has dark reddish-brown bark that is broken into small square plates. The leaves are elliptical with slightly wavy edges and turn scarlet in the fall. This dogwood, which can reach heights of up to 30ft., has a short trunk and a crown of horizontal branches. The flowering dogwood has very ornate early spring flowers as well as small, elliptical, shiny red berries that many wildlife species rely on for food. The wood of the flowering dogwood is extremely shock 21

29 resistant and has been useful throughout the years. It has been used for making weaving shuttles, mauls, wedges, spindles, hayforks, chisel handles, and golf clubs. Native Americans used the aromatic bark and roots as a remedy for malaria and red dye was extracted from the roots. Beautyberry, American (Callicarpa Americana) 74-C Named for its beautiful fruit, the American Beautyberry produces bright purple berries, which are clustered around the stem at regular intervals, in the fall after pale pink flowers appear in the middle of the summer. The leaves are opposite, meaning they grow directly across from each other on the stem. The fruit is a favorite of more than 40 species of songbirds and numerous mammals. Jessamine, Yellow (Gelsemium sempervirens) 75-C Yellow Jessamine is a native vine that has semi-evergreen, slender leaves and a red-brown woody stem. Its bright, golden color is extremely visible in the crown and branches of smaller trees. The Yellow Jessamine s fragrant, funnelshaped flowers are one of the first flowers to appear at the beginning of spring. Its fruit is a dry capsule that remains throughout winter and late spring. Hummingbirds and butterflies frequently visit the flowers for their nectar, but all parts of the Yellow Jessamine, including the nectar, are poisonous to humans. Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) 76-C Also appears in #37-B. (Pictured on page 12). Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus) 77-C Both the glossy leaves (when crushed) and the burgundycolored flowers live up to the name of the sweetshrub. They exude a very sweet and pleasant fragrance reminiscent of strawberries or bananas. The elliptical shaped leaves, which are opposite each other, have a waxy, white underside. The flowers bloom between March and May, while the seedy fruit transform into enlarged, fleshy tubes that mature between August and April. This young colony of sweetshrub has become a welcoming sight in the preserve the bushes have started to grow through the rocky outcropping. 22

30 Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica) 78-C Also appears in #15-B. (Pictured on page 6). Alder, Hazel (Alnus serrulata) 79-C The hazel alder is a small tree found along stream banks and in other wet areas. You will notice them in many areas surrounding the pond. It is known as a nitrogen fixer, and this characteristic allows the tree to occupy wet areas where the soil is of poor quality. A beautiful thicket of hazel alder can be seen in the area where the spring enters the pond. Hazel alders are able to survive natural disturbances such as frequent flooding. This tree has alternating broad leaves with wavy outside edges or margins. An interesting feature of the hazel alder is the presence of both male and female flowers on the same tree. The male flowers are long, drooping catkins whereas the female flowers are short, erect spikes. The hazel alder s fruit is enclosed in a woody cone that becomes mature in the fall and remains on the tree through the winter. 23

31 Hidden Falls History & Adventure 80-C We named Hidden Falls because of its secluded location, and because it was virtually hidden until 1999 when Dr. Steve Taylor, AU Biosystems Engineering Professor, brought a GPS class to the Preserve. The hidden falls were hidden no longer! Although we didn t clear a true path until several years after the discovery, those who were a bit more adventurous visited the falls every now and then. On one adventurous occasion several years ago, an elusive wildlife visitor appeared before my eyes. I was heading toward the falls, and was about ten feet off the Powerline Trail when a beautiful, big-eyed bobcat stopped in his tracks! He was about 18ft. from where I was standing. I couldn t take my eyes off this noble creature. We just stared at each other for a while, then he started to pant, which I perceived as a sign of fear. I told him that I wouldn t hurt him, thinking my voice would scare him away, but he just stood like a statue. Then, as I took one step back, he ran off, his bobbed tail disappearing into the thick vegetation surrounding the falls. This was a sight I ll never forget! We have considered clearing a path to the waterfall ever since its discovery, but there were a number of things to consider, including laborer safety and the disturbance of wildlife habitat. The decision was constantly on the back burner until the day I shared the falls with Michael, a hard working volunteer who immediately fell in love with the area! One visit was all it took to convince him, and he persuaded me that it would be a positive addition to the Preserve. He spent several long weekends in the summer of 2003 clearing a beautiful new trail. If you head north from Reptile s Rest, you ll walk across the power line to the trail s entrance. The trail follows the creek to the falls and back out to the power line, or you can walk past the falls to meet another trail, Pond View. We hope that you will sit for a while on the bench provided and enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of Hidden Falls. Margaret Holler, Coordinator 24

32 Supplejack, Alabama (Berchemia scandens) 81-C This twining native vine occurs on a variety of sites. The vine climbs high into trees and becomes more shrub-like as it ages. The Supplejack s stem is tough, smooth, wiry, and green, and the vine s shiny green leaves are pale or white underneath and have shiny green tips. The fruit, a blue-black berry, is a favorite food of Bobwhites, turkeys, and squirrels. Privet, China (Ligustrum sinense) 82-C China Privet was originally imported from China, but has now become naturalized across the southeastern United States. Although it has become an aggressive invader in many wooded areas, China Privet provides cover, browse, and berries for many wildlife species. It can be recognized by its small green leaves (which have hairy undersides and grow opposite each other along the stem). China Privet also has white clusters of flowers and small blue berries. In spring, some people can recognize it by its strong, sweet smell. The spread of non-native, invasive plants (such as Privet) is an ever increasing problem. Encouraging and planting a variety of native plants is the desired alternative. For more information on invasive plants, you can go to or pick up a free copy of Non-native Invasive Plants of the Southern Forests and/or a CD of Invasive Plants of the Eastern US at your local USDA Forest Service Office. Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) 83-D Commonly seen around old home sites, the Chinaberry was once widely used as an ornamental tree, and is still sold in nurseries. The tree is now considered an invasive species, however, since it spreads rapidly and shades out many native plants. The Chinaberry has double compound leaves that are bluish-green in color, and its purplish flowers are very showy and fragrant. The tree bears long-stalked clusters of round yellow berries which remain on the branches throughout the winter. The fruit, leaves, and bark are poisonous to most animals if eaten, although some studies show that the Chinaberry may possess antiviral and anticarcinogenic properties. 25

33 Mulberry, Paper (Broussonetia papyrifera) 84-D The Paper Mulberry was originally introduced into the area from Asia. The tree has now become naturalized, and can often be found along fences and roadsides. Paper Mulberries have often been planted as shade trees due to its rapid growth and its beautifully spreading crown. The bark is tan and smooth, or only slightly furrowed. The leaves of the plant s sprouts and seedlings tend to be more variously lobed, while leaves of the mature trees tend to be unlobed. The upper surfaces of the leaves are extremely rough (like sandpaper) and the underside is velvety. The first- and second-year twigs are especially velvety and the sap, as with all mulberries, is milky. Unlike the tasty, blackberry-like fruit of the native Red Mulberry, this mulberry s red-orange fruit is barely edible. The inner bark was once used as paper, thus giving the plant its name. Mulberry, Red (Morus rubra) The Red Mulberry is the only native mulberry in our area. Its fruit resembles dark purple raspberries and is a favorite of many birds, wildlife, and even humans. The leaves are sandpaper-like above and hairy beneath. Its leaves are generally unlobed and heartshaped, but sometimes they will have one, two, or three lobes. Milky sap will form at the wound after breaking off a leaf. The Red Mulberry s cousin, the White Mulberry, is a common source of silk a-D Cherry, Black (Prunus serotina) 85-D The Black Cherry s bark is considered one of its most distinctive features. Younger trees display a smooth, reddish brown bark with horizontal lines (lenticels). In contrast, the mature Black Cherry trees develop a darker bark with shiny silver scales. The leaves are shiny with small toothed edges and small brown hairs down the midrib on the underside. The flowers of the Black Cherry are small and white, while the fruit first appearing in early summer changes from red to purple. Because its fruit matures earlier than most other fruits and the tree continues production into October, it is a favorite of many birds and mammals. The fruit has also been used to make jelly, as well as flavoring in cordials and rum. For centuries the Black Cherry has been prized for its smooth-grained wood, which often makes beautiful furniture.

34 Honey-locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) 86-D A member of the Legume family, the Honey-locust can be identified by its bean-like fruit, which consists of 8 18in., flat, brown pods with sweet pulp and seeds inside. The leaves are pinnately or bipinnately compound and have shiny, dark green leaflets with toothed edges. The Honey-locust s bark is iron gray in color and very smooth on younger trees. The bark on the older tree, however, has thick ridges or loose plates. The twigs and bark may have thorns, which were once used for pins, spear points, and animal traps. The tree s sweet tasting fruit makes it a favorite of cattle, deer, and other wildlife, while bees love the sweet nectar of the flowers. Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) 87-D Although people often see it growing on plantations and along roadsides throughout the South, the Pecan is not native to this area. However, it does very well in Alabama and in Georgia. Each Pecan leaf has 9 17 leaflets that are light green above and a paler green underneath. The fruit is a popular, sweet nut with a thin shell. It is thought that these trees were long unknown, far away from any shoreline, until a chance discovery. Maple, Florida (Acer barbatum) 88-D For a description, refer to #59 B. Strawberry Bush (Euonymus Americana) 89-D The Strawberry Bush is also called "hearts-a-busting" because of the showy, bright red fruits that burst out of a four-sectioned pink capsule each fall. Its stems are long and wiry with opposite (growing directly across from each other) leaves appearing near the ends. The leaves and stems are a favorite of whitetail deer. Its small yellowish-green flowers emerge from the end of the leaf axis. The bark and fruits of the Strawberry Bush are poisonous and should never be eaten by humans. Elaeagnus, Thorny (Elaeagnus pungens) 90-D For a description, refer to #61 C. 27

35 Quadrant Map A #

36 Quadrant Map B #

37 Quadrant Map C #

38 Quadrant Map D #

39 Trail Highlights This section has been added to interpret some of the sights and sounds you might (or will) experience throughout the 110-acre Preserve. Quadrant A If you look at the Quadrant A map, you will see where to find the first plant described in this guide. Number one will be found in the main parking lot area. The natural area next to the parking lot includes a winding wood-chip trail, a comfortable hexagonal bench, and many of our native plants. Some of the plants you will see do not appear in this guide (but they do have markers, providing you with the common and scientific names). Wax Myrtle Lane will bring you to the recently (2004) constructed pavilion, office/information center, and restroom. An amphitheater and two more restrooms are adjacent to the pavilion, but these are actually in Quadrant B. On Pond Way, you ll notice a Longleaf Pine Demonstration Area. The Longleaf Pine forest has greatly declined over the past couple of centuries in the southeast U.S. You can read more about this special tree and the ecosystem it provides on the kiosk at this site. Across from the natural area, mentioned above, you will see Rill and Dell. On Rill and Dell (rill: a small stream or brook; dell: a small, secluded wooded valley), you will find a variety of large hardwood trees as the trail heads down towards Fern View. 33

40 Quadrant B Quadrant B begins in the middle of Rill and Dell. Rill and Dell leads you to Fern View, where many beautiful ferns appear in mid-spring and throughout the summer. There are four overlooks along Fern View which present information about the ferns you will see. If you continue east from Fern View, the trail will intersect Tree Walk. Tree Walk then follows portions of the southern and eastern property lines toward Azalea Place. Azalea Place is especially beautiful in the early spring when the Blood Root, Trillium, Wild Ginger, Birdfoot Violet, and Carolina Silverbell flowers begin to bloom. You may choose either to continue to the north portion of the Preserve by way of the little foot bridge and N.E. Pass or walk quietly toward Reptile s Rest to see if you can spot a Five-lined Skink or a Fence Lizard sunning itself on the rock wall. As you continue north from Reptile s Rest to Powerline Trail, look and listen for some of the forest songbirds (the Yellow- Breasted Chat, Common Yellow Throat, Dark-eyed Junco, and Winter Wren are among some you might hear). Although birds love forest edges, they also need water, and both are provided at this site. At this point, you may decide either to enjoy the fall blooming wildflowers on Powerline Trail or to cut across the power line to Hidden Trail which takes you to Quadrant C. 34

41 Quadrant C Quadrant C includes many wonderful water features. A spring (which starts in Quadrant D) feeds the stream which fills the little pond where many water loving plants and creatures find a home. You may hear frogs croaking, or see turtles basking and dragonflies lighting gently on reeds and rushes. The overflow of water is released through a spillway next to the dam, which then travels down to a rocky slope which forms a delightful waterfall called Hidden Falls (if you like, sit a while on the little bench and enjoy the sounds and sights). The water that cascades into the rocky creek below will flow beside Hidden Trail, through Azalea Place, and out of the Preserve. To cross over the spillway, stepping rocks have been provided (which are always an adventure for the young visitors and the young-at-heart). Also provided is a port-o-john at the north parking lot (just off of County Road 72), and a pavilion just east of the pond in case of inclement weather. Whether you make your way up Barn Trace from the pond or follow Pond Way to Homestead Trail, you will find two wonderful areas. One, the beautiful Butterfly Garden, is kept up by several faithful volunteers (additional help is always welcome!). Get out those cameras, binoculars, and field guides as you identify the variety of butterflies that can be seen from mid-summer until mid-fall. The other, the Homestead, will bring you now to Quadrant D. 35

42 Quadrant D At the Homestead, you will find the remaining rock foundation and the original fireplace bricks from the Cooper family home. The house stood on the site before the turn of the century, until the early 1940s when it burned down. A kiosk with pictures and information give a brief history. There is also an old barn that still stands. The side of the barn closest to the vegetable garden is the original portion, and was once a smoke house. The other side was added when Louise Kreher Turner started raising cattle on the land in the late 1940s. If you head west on Homestead Trail from the Homestead, you ll want to turn on Boulder Ridge. There you ll find a beautiful outcropping of large boulders and a sloping, fairly open hardwood forest. Many White Oaks and Hickories are located on this hillside, and the spring-head can be found at the bottom of the slope. There are two benches, just off the trail, where you can sit and meditate, watch for wildlife, read poetry, or just enjoy the view. If you walk on to reach Cemetery Trail, you ll see the back side of the Farmville Cemetery where Dr. and Mrs. Watkins and Mr. and Mrs. Cooper, the first and second owners of the homestead, are buried. Also buried there is Mr. Frank Turner, who, along with his wife, Louise K. Turner, in 1993 donated the 110-acre forest preserve to the Auburn University School of Forestry (now the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences). From here you can choose either Ridge Path or Hi Lo Vista to bring you back to Pond Way (I m told if you look carefully on the north side of Ridge Path when the leaves have fallen you may see the remains of an old still). Now, heading south on Pond Way you will reach the power line. The power line and some of the surrounding area was once the main cotton field on the property. If you look down (or up, if you re looking from the east end) you will notice the terraces that were made long ago to keep the soil from washing away. 36

43 On the power line in the early fall, you can look forward to seeing the beautiful wildflowers and native grasses, which are at their peak. This is also a place where bluebirds and oftentimes titmice and chickadees set up house, thanks to the lovingly donated and placed bluebird nest boxes. These birds (and the entomologists) also love this area because of the abundance and variety of insects that buzz among the grasses and flowers. 37