Nutmeg Hickory
Location
County: Jasper Co.
Forest: NFs in Mississippi, Bienville NF
District: Strong River RD
View a searchable map for the Nutmeg Hickory RNA.
Related Reports and Publications
- Johnson, R.L. and T.L. Price. 1959. Resume of 20 years of hardwood management on the Delta Purchase Unit. Unpublished, Stoneville Research Center, Stoneville, Mississippi. 74p.
Ecological and Physical Description
The Nutmeg Hickory RNA is a wetland forest with an unusual association of tree species. The area has a mixed age and species component of bottomland hardwoods and a scattering of spruce pine (Pinus glabra). Canopy species present on the RNA include the uncommon nutmeg hickory (Carya myristiciformis), Durand’s oak (Quercus durandii), shagbark hickory (C. ovata), and diamond-leaf oak (Q. laurifolia).
The annual precipitation is 53.7”.
The nearest weather station is at the Bienville District Ranger's office at Forest, MS, approximately 16 miles (26.3 km) northwest of the RNA.
The RNA is underlain by the Jackson Group of Eocene Age. The Jackson group in this area is composed of the Yazoo formation and the Moodys Branch formation. The soils in this area are in the Urbo and Louin soil series.
The RNA is a relatively undisturbed wetland ecosystem. It is located in the Quarterliah Creek drainage.
Flora and Fauna
Common Plant Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinus glabra | Spruce pine | Plant Communities | ||
| Carya myristiciformis | Nutmeg hickory | Plant Communities | Uncommon canopy species. |
|
| Quercus durandii | Durand's oak | Plant Communities | ||
| C. ovata | Shagbark hickory | Plant Communities | ||
| Q. laurifolia | Diamond-leaf oak | Plant Communities | ||
| Platanthera peramoena | Purple fringeless orchid | At Risk Species | ✔ | Sensitive species. |
| Baccaris halmifolia | Common Shrub Species | |||
| Ilex decidua | Common Shrub Species | |||
| Sambucus canadensis | Common Shrub Species | |||
| Myrica cerifera | Common Shrub Species | |||
| Vaccinium elliottii | Common Shrub Species | |||
| Rhus toxicodendron | Common Herbaceous Species | |||
| Campsis radicans | Common Herbaceous Species | |||
| Carex spp. | Common Herbaceous Species | |||
| Boehmeria cylindrica | Common Herbaceous Species | |||
| Aster spp. | Common Herbaceous Species | |||
| Ludwigia spp. | Common Herbaceous Species | |||
| Panicum spp. | Common Herbaceous Species | |||
| Smilax spp. | Common Herbaceous Species | |||
| Vitis spp. | Common Herbaceous Species |
Common Animal Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sciurus carolinensis | Grey squirrel | Common Mammal Species | ||
| S. niger | Fox squirrel | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Meleagris gallopavo | Turkey | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Sylvilagus floridanus | Cottontail rabbit | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Procyon lotor | Raccoon | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Vulpes fulva | Red fox | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Urocyon cinereoargenteus | Grey fox | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Didelphis virginiana | Opossum | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Mephitis mephitis | Striped skunk | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Spiogale putorius | Spotted skunk | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Dasypus novemcintus | Armadillo | Common Mammal Species |