what trees are native to mississippi

The state of Mississippi is home to many species of trees that are native to this southeastern location. Trees, such as the tulip tree

and southern magnolia, thrive in the state’s hardiness zones of 5 through 10.

Full Answer

What are the different types of trees in Mississippi?

The state of Mississippi is home to many species of trees that are native to this southeastern location. Some varieties such as the red maple are found in older woodlands and both wet and dry soil areas, while others, such as the swamp dogwood, grow in river bottoms, creeks and swamps. Look to see if the Mississippi tree is deciduous or evergreen.

Is there a magnolia tree in Mississippi?

Mississippi is one of only two states (the other being Virginia) where the state flower and the state tree are one in the same. A long lived evergreen species, southern magnolia is found throughout the southeastern United States. The glossy leaves are dark green on top and yellowish-beige to rich brown on the underside.

What is Mississippi's state flower and state tree?

It became the state tree in 1938 after a vote among school children, beating out oak, pine, and dogwood as possible options. Mississippi is one of only two states (the other being Virginia) where the state flower and the state tree are one in the same.

How do you identify a tree in Mississippi?

Other characteristics of the tree that will help with identification include twigs, bark, flowers and fruit, size and shape, and where they grow. Extension Publication 146, “Know Your Trees” has more information about identifying trees, as well as a description of more than 60 common tree species native to Mississippi.

What is the most common tree in Mississippi?

The loblolly pine (P. taeda) has become the most frequently planted tree in Mississippi, growing to between 80 and 100 feet tall and routinely measuring 2 feet across, although diameters can occasionally go as high as 4 or 5 feet.

Are oak trees native to Mississippi?

Mississippi has quite an extensive list of native oak trees. With 34 different species found in the state, you may wonder how to tell which is which. Although there are many ways you can identify each oak, the trees' acorns are a great indication of species.

What is the oldest tree in Mississippi?

Friendship OakFriendship Oak is located on the front lawn of the University of Southern Mississippi campus in Long Beach. Dating back to 1487, the tree is a whopping 532-years-old! Over the centuries, it's survived several severe hurricanes, including Hurricane Camille and Hurricane Katrina.

How many different species of native trees are there in Mississippi?

200 native tree speciesForests dominate the natural landscape in much of Mississippi and include approximately 200 native tree species.

Where is the largest tree in Mississippi?

Madison, Mississippi Just north of Belzoni off Highway 7 is one of the biggest bald cypress trees in the world. It's over 46 feet in circumference! Located at the Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area.

Are palm trees native to Mississippi?

Mississippi is home to a variety of palm trees, including the Mississippi palm, the saw palmetto palm, and the cabbage palm. These palms can be found growing wild in many parts of the state. The Mississippi palm is a small palm that typically grows no more than 15 feet tall.

Where is the 500 year old tree?

The Comfort Maple Conservation Area is devoted to what is widely believed to be the oldest and sugar maple tree in Canada. Located in the Town of Pelham, this 530 year old tree towers about 80 feet at its crown with a trunk circumference of 6 meters (20 feet) and symbolizes Canada's strength and tradition.

What are the big trees in Biloxi Mississippi?

BILOXI, MS (WLOX) - The magnolia is the state tree of Mississippi, but many South Mississippi residents would argue that another species deserves consideration. Live oaks are a favorite tree along the coast.

What is the tallest tree east of the Mississippi?

So, if size truly matters to you—locals claim the Buttonball Tree is the biggest tree east of the Mississippi—pay a visit to the roadside sycamore.

What trees grow fastest in Mississippi?

Fast-Growing: The oak tree is one of the fastest growing trees in Mississippi. It can grow up to 80 feet tall and only takes a few short years to provide shade for your yard.

Are pine trees native to Mississippi?

Four tree species dominate Mississippi's pine forests: loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.), slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engem. var. elliottii), and longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.). Loblolly pine grows throughout the state except for the Mississippi River bottoms.

Where is the largest magnolia tree in Mississippi?

Smith County, MississippiSmith County, Mississippi, boasts the nation's largest Southern magnolia on record, measuring 122 feet tall and more than six feet in diameter.

What are the big trees in Biloxi Mississippi?

BILOXI, MS (WLOX) - The magnolia is the state tree of Mississippi, but many South Mississippi residents would argue that another species deserves consideration. Live oaks are a favorite tree along the coast.

What is the prettiest oak tree?

What Is The Prettiest Oak Tree?Scarlet Oak Tree– this is an excellent shade tree that is rather attractive to all sorts of wildlife thanks to all its foliage. ... Red Oak Tree– a highly adaptable variety that combines beauty and stability, as it can live over 500 years (about 200 years longer than many other oaks.)More items...

Do elm trees grow in Mississippi?

Native from Texas to Mississippi and northern Mexico. Fairly fast growth to 5075 feet tall and 4060 feet wide.

What is Mississippi's animal?

White-Tailed DeerThe White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was designated the State Land Mammal of Mississippi by Senate Bill No. 2324, General Laws of Mississippi of 1974. The male deer, or buck, grows antlers each year. These antlers are used as weapons during mating season and then are shed.

What is the impact of forestry in Mississippi?

The forestry and forest product industry represents a large economic benefit to the state of Mississippi. Forestry has a $12.3 billion economic impact on the state of Mississippi and represents almost 70,000 jobs. Sixty-four percent of Mississippi’s total land area is covered in forested acres and timber is second only to poultry in terms of agricultural production values in Mississippi.

What is common tree identification?

Next. Common tree identification is a necessity for those who work in forestry and related fields. The forestry and forest product industry represents a large economic benefit to the state of Mississippi.

When is Arbor Day in Mississippi?

Arbor Day became an official day of observance in Mississippi in 1926. Later, the second Friday in February was firmly adopted as the day on which the state would annually observe Arbor Day. February 12-19, 2016 is also Tree Planting Week in Mississippi as designated by Governor Phil Bryant’s Arbor Day / Tree Planting Week Proclamation.

Why are trees important in Mississippi?

The use of native trees in homes, gardens, and communities is not new to Mississippi. Indigenous trees form the very fabric of our surroundings and create our state’s own unique regional identity. Even noted Mississippi authors Eudora Welty and William Faulkner recognized the importance of Mississippi’s native flora and landscapes to help create a sense of place in their writings. Selecting native trees for the home landscape is a wise choice. In addition to their beauty, there are several additional reasons to use Mississippi’s native trees. • Native trees are better adapted to Mississippi’s soils. Mississippi’s predominantly acidic mineral soils make it difficult for many ornamental trees from other areas to perform well. Native trees are better adapted to our varying soil types. • Native trees are better adapted to Mississippi’s climate. Local trees are better suited to the average temperature and rainfall patterns found in our state. Weather patterns arising from the Gulf of Mexico bring occasional floods, droughts, freezes, heat waves, and even strong winds that many native trees can withstand. • Native trees are critical for wildlife. Many species of butterflies, birds, and animals are specific to the types of trees they use for food, shelter, and nesting space. Using native trees in the home landscape will often increase the amount of animal life in the yard. • Native trees require less maintenance. Because they are well adapted to the soil and climate, native trees established in the proper locations do not require as much fertilizer, insect and disease control, or irrigation as some exotic plants.

What is a Florida maple tree?

Florida maple is a deciduous (seasonal shedding of leaves) understory tree that grows to 40 feet in height. Occasionally found in rich woods and along streams, the Florida maple grows with dogwood, redbud, and silverbell. Numerous small flowers appear from March through April, followed by winged samaras (fruit) in June. In the Deep South, this maple tends to have the most reliable red or yellow fall color. Florida maple makes an excellent specimen tree in the landscape. Sunlight needed: Full to partial Wildlife value: Medium Soil type: Dry to moist Flowering: Spring flowers Tree type: Deciduous Fruits: Showy winter fruits

What is an indigo bush?

Indigo bush is a small deciduous tree with an open, loose form that grows up to 15 feet tall. Found along streams and wet woods, indigo bush grows next to summersweet, Virginia willow, and buttonbush. Showy lavender flower spikes with yellow stamens appear in April through June, followed by small, kidney-shaped seedpods in late summer. Indigo bush is tolerant of both wet and dry soils and is most visually effective when grouped in masses in the landscape. Sunlight needed: Full to partial Wildlife value: Medium Soil type: Wet to moist Flowering: Spring flowers Tree type: Deciduous Fruits: Summer fruits

What is a swamp red maple?

Swamp red maple is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 60 feet tall. Found in wet, alluvial soils, swamp red maple is distinguished from red maple by dense hairs on the underside of the leaf and the greater prominence of its five lobes. Trees that grow with swamp red maple include sweet bay magnolia, pond cypress, and black gum. Red flowers appear from January through February, followed immediately by red samaras. Branches are susceptible to breakage in windstorms. Sunlight needed: Full to partial Wildlife value: Medium Soil type: Dry to wet Flowering: Winter flowers Tree type: Deciduous Fruits: Showy winter fruits

What is swamp dogwood?

Swamp dogwood is a deciduous understory tree growing to 30 feet. It is found in wetland soils, and its habitats include creeks, swamps, and river bottoms. Titi, tupelo gum, and swamp red maple are associated plants. White, flat-topped flower clusters appear in May, and blue, fleshy fruits appear in summer. It is an exceptionally small tree for heavy, clay soils and wet areas. The multi-stemmed form is upright and oval, which makes the tree suitable for courtyards and other small areas. Sunlight needed: Partial sun to shade Wildlife value: High Soil type: Wet to moist Flowering: Spring flowers Tree type: Deciduous Fruits: Summer fruits

What is an ironwood tree?

Ironwood is a deciduous understory tree that can grow to 40 feet in height. Native to rich woods, river terraces, and stream bottoms, ironwood is associated with American beech, Southern magnolia, and witch hazel. Its form is typically rounded with irregular, horizontal branching. Of particular interest are the muscle-like ripples of its smooth, gray trunk and its yellow leaves in autumn. Ironwood is sensitive to disturbance of its shallow lateral roots. Sunlight needed: Partial Wildlife value: Low Soil type: Moist to dry Tree type: Deciduous Other features: Ornamental bark

How tall does a red maple tree get?

Red maple is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 90 feet tall. Native to a wide variety of habitats, red maple is found on soils ranging from wet to dry. Although an early pioneer in old-field succession, red maple is also found in older woodlands. Showy flowers appear from February through March, followed immediately by winged samaras (typically red). With its broad, rounded canopy, red maple makes a good, fast-growing shade tree. In high pH soils, leaf chlorosis (loss of color or yellowing) occurs. Sunlight needed: Full to partial Wildlife value: Medium Soil type: Dry to moist Flowering: Winter flowers Tree type: Deciduous Fruits: Showy spring fruits

What type of trees are native to Mississippi?

The state of Mississippi is home to many species of trees that are native to this southeastern location. Trees, such as the tulip tree and southern magnolia, thrive in the state’s hardiness zones of 5 through 10.

Where can I find a Mississippi tree?

Write down the environment, such as "near a stream," where you find your Mississippi tree. Some varieties such as the red maple are found in older woodlands and both wet and dry soil areas, while others, such as the swamp dogwood, grow in river bottoms, creeks and swamps.

When do dogwood trees bloom?

The pagoda dogwood, for instance, grows whitish-yellow, flat-topped blooms in May and June.

Is Mississippi maple evergreen?

Look to see if the Mississippi tree is deciduous or evergreen. A deciduous variety, such as the ironwood, loses its foliage during the fall season, ...

What is the color of maple trees?

Noted for its spectacular fall color, Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) is a large, deciduous tree with a straight trunk, wide-spreading branches and a dense, oval to rounded crown. Its foliage of five-lobed leaves, 3-6 in. (7-15 cm) ranges from medium to dark green in summer, and changes to a brilliant palette of yellows, oranges, and reds in the fall.

How big is Achillea millefolium?

Achillea millefolium (White Yarrow) is a graceful perennial wildflower which produces an abundance of huge, flat clusters, 5 in. across (12 cm), packed with 20-25 creamy-white flowers.

What is a red buckeye tree?

Aesculus pavia (Red Buckeye) is a large deciduous shrub or small tree of rounded habit with a dense canopy of brilliant dark green leaves, each divided into 5 narrow leaflets. In mid to late spring, erect panicles, 6 in. long (15 cm), of rich red flowers appear above the foliage for a cheerful display. Read More.

What is the Acer floridanum?

Acer floridanum (Florida Maple) An attractive and versatile tree for the home landscape, Acer floridanum (Florida Maple) is a medium-sized to large deciduous tree with an oval to rounded crown of moderate density.

What is a sweet acacia?

Acacia farnesiana (Sweet Acacia) Prized for its highly fragrant flowers, Acacia farnesiana (Sweet Acacia) is a semi-evergreen multi-trunked shrub or small tree with a naturally spreading, vaselike shape.

Why are plants considered native?

A plant is considered native if it has occurred naturally in a particular region or ecosystem without human introduction. There are many benefits in growing native plants. First, these plants are better adapted to soils, moisture and weather than exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world. They need less fertilizers, pesticides ...

Preface

Know Your Trees is an identification guide to some of the commercially important or common trees native to Mississippi. While we do not identify all native trees in the state, we do cover all areas of the state. In addition, Know Your Trees covers all tree species that 4-H youth need to learn for the Forestry Judging competition.

Forest Resources

Mississippi is blessed with abundant natural resources. Mississippi’s forestland is more productive than other parts of the South and nation. Our state has fertile soils, a long growing season, and precipitation well distributed throughout the year. About 65 percent of the state’s land area—19.2 million acres—is commercial forest.

Taxonomy, Tree Types, and Names

All parts of a tree are useful for its identification. This publication will introduce readers to identification of trees and their taxonomy. Taxonomy is the science of discovery: of finding, describing, classifying, and naming organisms. Taxonomic classification is hierarchical.

Leaves

Leaves are the most notable characteristic of trees. This publication emphasizes the use of leaf characteristics in tree identification. The leaf description of each species is more detailed than descriptions of other characteristics, such as twigs, flowers, fruit, bark, or habitat.

Twigs

Twigs are useful and necessary in studying leaves. To determine leaf arrangement, for instance, a twig section is necessary. Many other twig features—such as color and size of buds, leaf scars, color, smell, taste, and presence or absence of thorns, spines, wings, or plant hair—are helpful in identification.

Flowers and Fruit

This publication does not go into great detail in describing flowers and flower parts for identification purposes. Flower size, color, arrangement, and time of appearance are the main features described. In some species, male and female flowers appear on separate trees (dioecious).

Bark

The bark of most trees is distinctive, but bark characteristics are difficult to describe. In addition, there is variation in bark of the same species. Also, bark characteristics may change dramatically with age. Site quality where the tree grows may also affect bark appearance.