East Texas hardwood forests

Steep slopes and gullies in East Texas shelter forests of tall pines and hardwood species such as white oak and hickory.

While most of East Texas is still forested, most of these "forests" are in reality commercial pine plantations which have been logged and replanted in a single species. Meanwhile, stands of natural forest are rapidly vanishing from East Texas. In remnants of natural forest, pines share the tall canopy with oaks, hickories, maples, elms, and many other hardwood trees. The understory is open and easy to walk through. Dogwood, redbud, azalea, and other trees add spring color. Beech, blackgum, hornbeam, and magnolia trees grow in wetter areas. Bottomland forests are entirely dominated by hardwoods, with more than 100 species of trees and shrubs present. Bottomlands provide vital habitat for deer, turkey, migratory songbirds, and other species.

More than 180 species of trees and shrubs grow in mature East Texas forests.

Important areas of hardwood forest still remain in river bottoms of East Texas. Bottomlands along the Neches River, one of the longest freeflowing streams in the state, are primarily owned by hunting clubs and a few timber companies, and there are large tracts still in natural condition. But most areas of East Texas bottomland forest, and the valuable timber they contain, are threatened by proposed reservoir construction. Remaining stands of mature, hardwooddominated upland and slope forests are even more rare and threatened, as most areas have been clearcut and replanted in commercial pines. Only a few small examples of natural forest are preserved in parks and wildlife areas. Unless more of these rich habitats are preserved, East Texas will soon lose much of its natural diversity, which is crucial to the regions economy and cultural heritage.

Rare wildflowers such as yellow ladys slipper orchid, Carolina lily, and trout lily grow on slopes and terraces around bottom-lands in East Texas.

Places to see East Texas hardwood forests: Protected Acreage of Hardwood Slope Forests in Texas: Kirby Trail, Big Thicket National Preserve, Kountze Less than 10,000 acres Indian Mounds Wilderness Area, Hemphill   Caddo Lake State Park, Karnack   Atlanta State Park, Atlanta