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Cross Timbers Conservancy Preserving one of the least disturbed ecosystems in Texas
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Flora of the Cross Timbers
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Trees
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Post Oak (Quercus stellata) is a very slow growing tree, well adapted to the sparse and irregular rainfall of the region. A tree with only a 24” diameter trunk can be 100 years old. It has a tendency to lean, and have a rugged appearance. Deer and squirrels feed on its acorns. If you cut one down, it could not be replaced in your lifetime. Blackjack Oak (Quercus marilandica), as its name implies, has a dark, rough textured bark. It also is well adapted to sparse rainfall and generally poor conditions. Deer and wild turkey eat the acorns, which take 2 years to mature. Black Hickory (Carya texana), frequently growing in dry upland areas with post oak and blackjack, has a sweet nut inside a hard, thick shell – food for wild hogs and squirrels. Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) typically grows in creek bottoms, attains a large size and an old age. The wonderful nut is prized by man, squirrels, raccoons, and even crows and blue jays. Sugar Hackberry (Celtis laevigata), or sugarberry, a rapidly growing and hardy tree, provides nourishment for birds and squirrels. American Elm (Ulmus Americana) is commonly found along stream bottoms. Deer, opossum, squirrels, and rabbits browse the twigs and foliage. Birds eat the tiny fruits in early spring. American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) grows along streams. The tiny seeds of these large trees, packaged in a round ball, are eaten by many types of birds. The hollows of old trees provide shelter for raccoons and squirrels Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoids) is a large, fast-growing tree found in wet areas. Osage Orange or B’ois Darc (Maclura pomifera) has been introduced to the area from the east. While poisonous to humans, the seeds of the large fruit are edible to squirrels and quail. Red Mulberry (Morus rubra) is known for its edible berries, favored by birds, squirrels, and other mammals. Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) yields an edible fruit that moves from astringent to sugary as it matures, and is attractive to raccoons, opossums, deer, squirrels and birds. Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana) has pretty pink to white flowers that attract butterflies and bees. The plum is edible, and appreciated by birds and small mammals. Redbud (Cercis canadensis) has beautiful pink flowers, that along with the new seed pods, are edible. Ashe Juniper (Juniperus ashei), incorrectly known as Cedar, is spreading invasively throughout the region. The blue fruits or “berries” provide food for birds and mammals.
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Grasses
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Early settlers described the native grasses in the Fall of the year as “knee high to as high as a man’s head”. Only when a deer jumped, could it be seen over the grass. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoprium), the primary grass of the Cross Timbers. Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans), our second most important native grass. Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardi), does best north of the Red River in deeper soils. Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum) likes poor drainage areas. Brushy Bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus) is found in wet areas near springs and ponds. Splitbeard Bluestem (Andropogon ternarius), often found growing with little bluestem. Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), the state grass of Texas, is a component of short and midgrass prairies.
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Shrubs and Vines
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Shrubs provide forage for browsing mammals, nesting sites for birds, and food from seeds and fruit. Coralberry (Symphoricarpus orbiculatus) dominates the midstory. Other shrubs include Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum, Possumhaw, Smooth and Skunkbush Sumac, Elbowbush, and Mexican Buuckeye. Vines also provide important cover for wildlife habitat, as well as nesting sites for birds, forage for browsers, and food from seeds, fruits, and berries. Vines include grape, blackberry, honeysuckle, greenbriar, and poison ivy.
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Cross Timbers Conservancy P.O. Box 246 · Forestburg, TX 76239
© 2006, all rights reserved |
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The gently rolling and hilly woodlands of the Cross Timbers
are an oak savannah with areas of predominately post oak and blackjack oak
mixed with grassland, ranging from an open park-like character to dense
mid and understory. The area is the e