Natural Community: Basic Oak – Hickory Forest
In broad brush strokes, the Basic Oak – Hickory Forest is a forest of oaks, hickories, and spring-blooming understory trees, all growing on a steep rocky slope.
Credits
Created by Kerry Skiff, Explore Natural Communities Intern, Summer 2017. NatureServe.
Music: Bumbly March by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 3.0.
Photo: Basic Oak – Hickory Forest by Stephanie Bilodeau, NatureServe. Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0.
Transcript
Podcast time: 2:31 minutes
If I could paint a forest, I think I'd do a self-portrait. After all, as the Basic Oak – Hickory Forest, I represent the epitome of a natural community. When you think of a forest, I bet you picture me!
First, I'll paint the forest floor in a dark brown to represent my rich soil, which is full of nutrients. I'll put myself on a steep hill with some rocks, since that's where I like to grow. And let's add in some rain to set the scene. This will hint at my generous nature, because I send most of the moisture to the communities downslope. But don't worry about me, I have enough water; I just prefer being high and dry.
Let's see...then, I think I need broad strokes of gray for the strong oak and hickory trees that I have. But I'll have to switch to a smaller brush for the green leaves, so you can tell them apart. After all, a northern red oak and a white oak look very different, and I can't have shagbark and pignut hickories looking the same! Hmm, maybe I'll need a taller canvas, ‘cuz my trees are pretty impressive.
Now for color. I know, I'll add in the flowering trees! Eastern redbuds, serviceberry, and flowering dogwoods will brighten the understory nicely and provide a cheery focus. On second thought, maybe I shouldn't paint their flowers or berries, since those aren't around all year. Art is timeless, after all.
Now, one more layer...well, there's not much to add on the forest floor, since I don't have any invasive Japanese stiltgrass, unlike some other communities. It would add a nice, bright green, but since it tends to take over, I don't regret having to leave it out. I'll just put in my white wood-aster, enchanter's nightshade and sweet cicely. Aren't those poetic names?
Well, that looks nice! I'll have to speak to the visitor's center about framing it for their wall. Creativity must be shared, and they can't say no to such an iconic natural community as the Basic Oak – Hickory Forest. But if they want to see the real thing, they can find me high on the slopes of Brooks Hill. Oh, did I mention I'm photogenic?