BACKGROUND:
The cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda) is probably the most
valuable red oak for landowners desiring both wildlife and timber.
This oak is a more massive, better formed tree than the
closely-related southern red oak, and often reaches heights of 100
to 130 feet, with a diameter of three to five feet. This puts it
amongst the largest of southern oaks. Other common names for the
cherrybark oak are bottomland red oak, Elliott oak, swamp red oak,
and swamp Spanish oak. This tree is found in many different
bottomlands, but develops best on loamy ridges or on rich but
well-drained soils of old fields.
The associated species are many, but the most typical include
sweetgum, water oak and swamp chestnut oak. This tree is weakly
tolerant to flooding and can survive saturated or flooded soils for
relatively short periods of a few days to a few weeks during the
growing season. Mortality is high if flooding persists longer, as
this species does not adapt a flood tolerance.
The cherrybark oak disseminates its seed from September through
November and the acorns are highly suitable for waterfowl, deer,
turkey, and other wildlife. This tree is also very good from a
timber aspect. It is prized for high value in face veneer. Other
uses are factory lumber, cooperage, and cross ties.
Good success has been achieved through planting, interplanting,
and direct seeding when the correct site is available. Cherrybark
oak is especially plentiful in the lower Mississippi Valley and
because of its fast growth, clear bole, and the superior quality of
the wood, it is rated as the best red oak of this region.
THE CACHE:
The park remains open from 6am to midnight, so plan your hunt
accordingly. Be sure to obey the posted signs by parking only in
designated areas. If you arrive after recent rainfall, you will
almost certainly get muddy and the terrain level will be bumped up
a notch.
You'll be looking for a strangely-shaped camouflaged container
that began its life as a drinking cup. True to the cache title,
it's stashed at the base of the largest cherrybark oak in sight,
although you'll see plenty of others nearly as big. Enjoy your
lesson in dendrology!
 Poison Plants  Thorns  Dogs Allowed
 Restricted
hours  Steep Hike  Mud?
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