The Many Trees of the Maritime Forest
Story by Leila Gable, Kiawah Island Community Association Land Management Supervisor
Except as otherwise noted, all photos by Justin Core.
Although the majestic live oak may be the most iconic tree in Kiawah’ s maritime forest, it does not stand alone. Sout hern red cedars, Hercules clubs, wax myrtles, southern magnolias, red bays, yaupon hollies, and cabbage palms are all present in significant numbers. Most of these trees pop up naturally. Of these, only the red bay is unavailable through a nursery, so we must especially appreciate its natural presence as we stroll through our beautiful woods.
Yaupon Holly
The berries are covered with wax that can be used to make fragrant candles( hence the name!). The powdered root bark was an ingredient in“ composition powder” once used as a folk remedy for chills and colds; its root bark was also used to make an astringent tea and an emetic. Wax myrtle is a fast growing and aromatic species. Its dense foliage provides cover for a variety of wildlife year round, but particularly during harsh weather. Songbirds are drawn to the waxy fruit, and it serves as a host plant for several varieties of hairstreak butterfly.
The southern magnolia( Magnolia grandiflora) is a large, fast growing evergreen tree that produces beautiful, fragrant white flowers. It too is widely available in nurseries. There are multiple cultivars that vary in size. Local residents enjoy the alley of magnolias that bloom along both sides of Maybank Highway near the Charleston Municipal Golf Course as a sure herald of the arrival of spring. At Christmas time you may notice the magnolia’ s leaves in festive wreaths as their lower
Wax myrtle( Myrica cerifera), commonly found in nurseries, is widely used in the Kiawah landscape as a shrub or small tree. It grows to about 25 feet and is also evergreen.
Wax Myrtle
Southern Magnolia
rust-colored surface provides a nice contrast to the shiny green above. Its seeds, which are high in nutritious fat, are an important food source for migrating birds. Its protein rich pollen is a major attraction for pollinators.
Our southern red cedar( Juniperus silicicola) is an aromatic evergreen tree that can grow as high as 40 to 60 feet. Its essential oil makes it durable and resistant to fungi or insects.
Photo by Tina Schell
46 Naturally Kiawah