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Bald Head Woods is part of the N.C. Coastal Reserve located in the central
portion of Bald Head Island and is managed by the Division of Coastal
Management. This 173-acre maritime forest is notable for the presence of
cabbage palmetto trees. This palm is the major semi-tropical component of
the forest and is found in no other North Carolina maritime forests. The
reserve features scattered areas of shrub swamp and interdune ponds adding
diversity to the forest. The canopy of the maritime forest averages about
20-30 feet on the seaward side rising gradually to 50-60 feet adjacent to
the salt marshes. Live oaks, laurel oaks and loblolly pines encompass the
canopy and wild olive, Carolina laurel cherry and beauty berry are found
on the understory. Development of the island is gradually taking over the
maritime forest located outside of the reserve. |
Live Oak
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