Have you journeyed through Arkansas? Trust me, you will be mesmerized by its breathtaking landscapes and create such memories that will be cherished forever. Arkansas is blessed with a wide range of tree species, flourishing in dense forests and open woodlands. These trees are crucial for the ecosystem of the state. Moreover, it offers habitats for animals, resources for construction, and sustenance for wildlife. Not all the trees found in Arkansas are native to the region, some of them were introduced by human intervention. Let’s explore the ten most popular tree species of Arkansas,
Trees Of Arkansas
1. Loblolly Pine Tree
Loblolly pines are prevalent across the southern United States. You can trace them all the way stretching from Arkansas to New Jersey. They thrive in swampy and low-lying regions, which is the reason why Arkansas is a common home for them. These trees are characterized by their impressive height. Can you believe they can reach up to fifty feet? Another intriguing feature about them is their dark bark which is pretty thick. These trees have an average lifespan of around two hundred years and are long-lasting inhabitants of these areas.
Also Read: 10 Types Of Colorado trees
Image Source: Wikimedia
2. Eastern Red Cedar Tree
Eastern red cedars are scientifically known as Juniperus virginiana. They are native to the eastern half of the United States, which includes states like Arkansas as well. These trees have some quite interesting features, one of them being their distinctive scale-like leaves and sport grey bark. Speaking of their size, they are medium-sized and tend to be shorter than evergreen. But when compared to the deciduous trees, they are taller.
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3. Oak Tree
Oak trees truly stand out in Arkansas with a remarkable diversity of 29 distinct variations. Do you know what Oaks are renowned for? It’s their sturdiness and grandeur, make them perfect for offering much-needed shade during the hot summers in the state. Among the various oak species found here, the black oak stands out as one of the most prevalent. As it matures, its bark turns a dark shade of black. It further develops deep furrows, which look quite similar to the wrinkles on a human face. Another noteworthy oak tree is the white oak. Comparatively, it has a slow growth but boasts impressive longevity.
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4. Maple Tree
Maple trees are highly valued for their stunning autumn foliage. It is such a treat to the eyes to witness these trees. Red maples are known for their vibrant red leaves. They are frequently chosen for planting around homes due to their rapid growth and mesmerizing beauty. They can be found throughout the state as they are widely distributed in various areas. On the other hand, sugar maples are native to Northwest Arkansas. They represent the southernmost point of a broader range that extends across the northern and eastern regions of the United States.
5. Devil’s Walkingstick Tree
Hiking enthusiasts and environmentalists often find joy in seeking out peculiar things like trees. This tree resembles a thorny walking stick. It is a small, shrub-like tree that has a slender trunk adorned with sharp spines. Its shape and pattern make it a fascinating sight in the wilderness. During the fall season, the tree bears purple berries. Though it may look beautiful, it cannot be consumed. It can be harmful to humans if ingested and can result in some serious digestion issues. So it’s essential to remain observant and cautious while wandering through the woods.
Also Read: 12 Different Types of Leaves With Pictures
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6. Osage Orange Tree
Osage orange is also known as bois d’arc and hedge apple. It is a distinctive tree that is easily recognizable by its large green fruit. It drops from the tree during September and October. The tree is full of thorns, adding to its unique characteristics. In the past, farmers utilized this tree by planting it in rows to create a dense and formidable thorny barrier. This was before the use of barbed wire fences came to the market. These trees are originally native to southwest Arkansas. However, Osage orange has spread throughout the state and can now be found in various regions.
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7. Hickory Tree
Hickory trees are a common sight in the forests of Arkansas. It is often growing alongside oaks and shortleaf pines, which are abundant in the region. The black hickory is particularly prevalent in the Ozarks and the Ouachita Mountains. It blooms easily on mountainsides. These trees are easily recognizable by their tear-shaped leaves. These leaves turn a beautiful yellow hue during the fall season. The nuts produced by hickory trees are edible. However, you have to compete with squirrels to get your hands on them.
Also Read: 10 Types Of Underwater Plants In The World
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8. Red Buckeye Tree
The red buckeye is scientifically known as Aesculus pavia. It is a deciduous tree or shrub that originates from the southeastern United States, which includes Arkansas as well. Generally, it attains a height of 15-20 feet. However, under optimal conditions, it can grow up to 30 feet. This tree has a rounded and broad shape. Moreover, it displays a lush canopy of green leaves. The leaflets have an oval or oblong shape and exhibit a glossy green hue on their upper side. The underside of the leaf has a slightly lighter shade as compared to the upperside.
Image Source: Wikimedia
9. Red Mulberry Tree
The red mulberry is scientifically known as Morus rubra. Just like the Red Buckeye, it is a deciduous tree and is native to the eastern United States, including Arkansas. It has an average height ranging from 30 to 50 feet and has a broad and spreading canopy. The tree is easily recognizable by its dark gray or black, deeply furrowed bark. Its branches are thick and have a slight drooping. The leaves of the red mulberry are simple and have a glossy green color with a slightly serrated margin. These leaves typically measure 4 to 8 inches in length and are arranged alternately on the branches of the tree.
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10. Kentucky Coffeetree
Here comes another interesting tree species, the Kentucky coffee tree. It is native to the eastern and southern parts of the United States. This tree can grow as tall as 50-70 feet and has a 40-foot wide canopy that can be a perfect place for people looking for shade in extreme heat. The branches of this tree are thick and sturdy and it has a majestic appearance.
Image Source: Wikimedia
These are the 10 most popular trees of Arkansas in the world. Kindly share and do post your comments.
