Chuquatonchee Bluffs

Relatively undisturbed forest with high diversity and several rare and sensitive species.

Steep mesic oak-hickory slopes and ravines and a calcareous prairie-like area on the bluff.

Plant Communities: Yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) occurs in the coves and north facing slopes and several large yellow poplars and sweetgums (Liquidambar styraciflua) occur in the drain bottoms. Site qua1ity changes from the steep cove bottoms up the slope toward the ridge tops and as a result white oak Quercus alba, northern red oak (Q. rubra) black walnut (Juglans nigra) and other associated hardwoods increase in number.

At Risk Species: Several herbaceous species and one arborescent species considered sensitive by the Mississippi Natural Heritage Program occur on the steep north facing bluffs and adjacent areas located above Chuquatonchee Creek floodplain. Some of these are known only from a few sites in Mississippi. Butternut (Juglans cinerea) represented by several individuals that grow near the drains is probably near the southern 1imits of its range in the United States. Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens), Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium reutans) and wi1d ginger (Asarum canadense) are rare in Mississippi and are at the southern 1imits of their range. Other rare species include enchanter’s nightshade (Circaea lutetiana), 1iverleaf (Hepatica acutiloba), ginseng (Panax quinquefo1ium) and strawberry bush (Euonymus atropurpureus).