NPS Photo Trees and Shrubs Walk the trails of Moores Creek National Battlefiled and enjoy the majestic trees of the Cape Fear Region!
Water oaks can be found on most soils as long as they receive sufficient sunlight. One of many oak species in the park, water oak can be distinguished by its teardrop shaped leaves. This species plays an important role in supporting butterfly and moth larvae. Look for young trees as you walk the Tarheel Trail!
Baldcypress is an obligate wetland species, meaning that is almost always (>99% of the time) occurs in a wetland. These unique trees develop a wide base (buttress) and roots that stick up out of the wet ground or water. The cypress “knees” are believed to serve the purpose of supporting the tree in wet and unstable soil. Look for cypress roots while walking along the boardwalk!
Unlike long leaf pine, loblolly pine trees prefer moist, acidic soils with poor drainage. Loblolly pines have outcompeted long leaf pine trees in the lowlands of the park where soil is poorly drained.
At the time of The Battle of Moores Creek,longleaf pine were the dominant overstory. Today, they can be found in the uplands of the park. As you drive in to the park, look for pine trees with very long needles and large pine cones. Long leaf pine can be confused with loblolly pine, which has needles almost half as long as those of long leaf pines. This species has thick bark and a life cycle that makes frequent prescribed burns beneficial for its growth.
Sweet pepperbush can be identified from July to August by its peppercorn-like fruit that sticks up from the top of the shrub. Pepperbush can be found as you move toward the lowlands of the park in swampy or sandy areas.
Buttonbush can be found along Moores Creek, and anywhere that has moist, rich soil and plenty of sunlight. Fragrant white flowers that resemble a pincushion bloom from June to September, making it easy to identify. Look for any pollinators, mammals and birds reaping the benefits that this shrub provides!
This evergreen shrub can be found in the park’s upland pine forest where soil is well drained. Wildlife are attracted to yaupon for its signature translucent red berries, although they are poisonous to humans. Look out for these little red berries from during the winter
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Last updated: July 30, 2021