Trees

Trees are the most important plants of the mesic mixed hardwood forest and basic mesic forest that dominates Kings Mountain National Military Park. They are also some of the most important plants in the park, in terms of both the natural environment and the outcome of the battle of Kings Mountain. While we like to think that our trees are the best, you can check some other iconic trees of the National Park Service here.
 
A branch with star shaped green leaves
Sweetgum

NPS Photo

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
Where to find it: It grows at middle elevations in various mountainous areas where the climate is humid and more temperate.
Pollination Season:
Spring to Fall
Does it have a Fruit or Nut:
Yes
Rarity in Park:
Uncommon
Fun Fact:
Currently considered to be the most valuable ornamental tree in the southeastern United States.
 
A narrrow green leaf with large margins
White Oak

NPS Photo

White Oak (Quercus alba)
Where to find it: These trees are fairly tolerant of a variety of habitats, and may be found on ridges, in valleys, and in between, in dry and moist habitats, and in moderately acid and alkaline soils.
Pollination Season:
Late March to May
Does it have a Fruit or Nut:
Yes
Rarity in Park:
Abundant
Fun Fact:
Some specimens have been documented as having reached 450 years old.
 
Colorful red and green and yellow leaves along a small branch.
American Beech

NPS Photo

American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
Where to find it: This shade tolerant tree is typically found on moist, well-drained slopes and rich bottomlands.
Pollination Season:
April to May
Does it have a Fruit or Nut:
Yes
Rarity in the Park:
Uncommon
Fun Fact:
An American beech tree in what is now Louisville, Kentucky’s Iroquois Park, "D. Boone kill a Bar 1803" carved into it. The beech fell over in 1916 during a storm and is now on display at the Filson Historical Society.
 
Blue seeds are on small green needles.
Eastern Red Cedar

NPS Photo

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Where to find it: Typically grows in a wide range of climatic and soil conditions.
Pollination Season:
Late Winter to Early Spring
Does it have a Fruit or Nut:
Yes
Rarity in Park:
Common
Fun Fact:
These trees have a potential lifespan of over 900 years.
 
Leaves with three points and a red stem.
Red Maple

NPS Photo

Red Maple (Acer rubum)
Where to find it: Typically found growing in swamps, on poor, dry soils, and almost anywhere in between.
Pollination Season:
Spring
Does it have a Fruit or Nut:
Yes
Rarity in the Park:
Abundant
Fun Fact:
As a result of the loss of Native American land management practices and logging, there are now more Red Maples than when Europeans first arrived in North America.
 
A pine cone hangs from a branch with green needles.
Virginia Pine

NPS Photo

Virginia Pine (Pinus virginiana)
Where to find it: Typically prefers dry forested areas with well-drained loam or clay, but will also grow on very poor, sandy soil. Pollination Season: March through May
Does it have a Fruit or Nut:
Yes
Rarity in the Park:
Abundant
Fun Fact:
It was used historically as mine timbers, for railroad ties, and for fuel and tar. Today, it is being planted in reclamation sites for coal mining operations.

Last updated: July 25, 2025

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