Census of the Delta State University woody plant community and its implications for ecosystem health

Abstract

Native plant communities support a diverse biota of invertebrates, birds, and other wildlife, and are therefore essential to the health of ecosystems. Agriculture and urban development have eliminated most native plant communities through forest clearing and introduction of exotic, invasive plants. Prior to European settlement, bottomland hardwood forests prevailed along broad floodplains within the lower Mississippi alluvial valley. Dominant taxa included Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. (bald cypress), Quercus spp. (oaks), Carya spp. (hickories), Fraxinus pennsylvanica (green ash), Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum), Celtis laevigata (sugarberry), Ulmus spp. (elms), and Nyssa spp. (gums). Much of this forested area, however, has been cleared and used for agricultural purposes or urban development. Bottomland hardwood forests, situated along the Mississippi River, are associated with the Mississippi Flyway, a bird migration route heavily utilized by migratory waterfowl, songbirds, and shorebirds for food, water, and shelter. In this preliminary study, woody plant species (trees and shrubs) occurring on the 134 hectare Delta State University campus (33°44.756′N, 90°44.026′W) were identified and documented. At present 46 families, 77 genera, and 125 species have been recognized. Only 66 species are native to the state of Mississippi. Only 41 species are native to the Mississippi Delta. We encourage the planting of more native woody plants representative of bottomland hardwood forests that will benefit migratory wildlife and enhance native habitat and food availability.