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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.
NPS Photo 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. 
NPS Photo 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. 
NPS Photo 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. 
NPS Photo 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. 
NPS Photo 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. 
NPS Photo 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