Oak Hickory Forest Species

1. Red Maple

Order: Sapindales

Family: Sapindaceae

Genus: Acer

Species name: A. rubrum

Identifying characteristics: Leaves are the easiest way to identify the Red Maple. Leaves are deciduous and arranged opposite on the twig. Leaves have 3-5 lobes with serrated edges. Leaf stalks are usually red in color.

Special Adaptations: Red Maples to well in many different soils and climates, which is why it is one of the most widespread species of trees. It can also grow in many differ

ent conditions of moisture in the soil, which also makes it so adaptable to many different regions.

2. American Hackberry

Order: Rosales

Family:Ulmaceae

Genus: Celtis

Species name: C.occidentalis

Identifying characteristics: Easily distinguishable because of its cork-like bark. Leaves are

asymmetrical and have a course texture.

Special Adaptations: Can withstand a variety of climates. Is able to grow in drought conditions which make it suitable for many different places and soil types.

3. Spicebush

Order: Laurales

Family: Lauraceae

Genus:Lindera

Species name: L. benzoin

Identifying characteristics: Leaves are alternates and oval shaped. Very aromatic smell when leaves are crushed.

Special adaptations: Successfully grows and reproduces in a wide variety of light conditions. This is good because it is typically an understory plant. It will completely grow and reproduce in a closed canopy, but open canopy will increase its growth and reproductivity.

4. American Elm

Order: Urticales

Family: Ulmaceae

Genus: Ulmus

Species name: U. americana

Identifying characteristics: Texture of leaves makes it easily identifiable. Sandpaper like on top and smooth or rough on bottom

Special adaptations: The tree is hermaphroditic and capable of self pollination.

5. White Avens

Order: Rosales

Family: Rosaceae

Genus: Geum

Species Name: G. canadense

Identifying characteristics: Each flower is about 1/2 inch across and has 5 bright white oval petals. Sepals are the same length as the flowers.

Special adaptations: Can cling to animals or humans which helps to distribute the flower far and wide and continue its growth in many different places.

6. May Apple

Order: Ranunculales

Family: Berberidaceae

Genus: Podophyllum

Species name: P. peltatum

Identifying characteristics: long stem with usually 2-3 lobed leaves with 5-6 deep lobes. Looks almost like an umbrella.In summer, the apples that form are easy to identify.

Special Adaptations: Like moist soils but can grow in dryer soils, although they may appear to die, but will return once soil is moist.

7. Enchanted Nightshade

Order: Myrtales

Family: Onagraceae

Genus: Circaea

Species Name: C. quadrisulcata

Identifying characteristics: small white flowers. Petals deeply 2-lobed. Leaves shallow toothed, 2-4" long. Leaves are egg-shaped and long-stalked, opposite. 2 petals, 2 stepals, 2 stamen, makes it different from other in genus.

Special Adaptations: Blooms during summers in shaded woods and thickets.

8. Chinaquapin Oak

Order: Fagales

Family: Fagaceae

Genus: Quercus

Species Name: Q. muehlenbergii

Identifying characteristics: think, scaly or flaky bark. sharply toothed leaves.

Special Adaptations: Grows in associations with other trees. Found in well-drained soils. Usually in limestone soils along streams.

9. Wood Frog

Order: Anura

Family:Ranidae

Genus: Rana

Species Name: R. sylvatica

Identifying characteristics: Brown, tan, or rust colored usually with dark eye mask.

Special Adaptations: Freeze tolerance which enables the wood frog to live in many different areas. Vernal ponds in wetlands are very important for breeding.

10. Mushroom

standard name: Agaricus bisporus

Identifying characteristics: fungi with stem, cap and gills.

Special adaptations: grow well in dark moist places.