Cedar Barrens

Natural prairies communities in East Tennessee are primarily cedar barrens. These barrens are characterized by the presence of either annual or perennial native grasses and nonwoody herbaceous plants (e.g., wildflowers, legumes) interspersed with a few cedar trees. The shallow, dry, limestone, soils where such prairies naturally occur prevent most tree species from becoming established.

Although globally rare, cedar barrens are relatively common on the ORR where they are found in small, drought-prone openings in the forest. Cedar barrens on the ORR include Raccoon Creek Barren, located near the western border of the ORR, and two others located adjacent to Bethel Valley Road. Plants found in the barrens on the ORR include little bluestem, broomsedge, dropseeds, prairie goldenrod, prairie dock, ear-leaved false-foxglove, side-oats grama, buckthorn bumelia, prickly pear cactus, ironwood, milk vetch, and adder's-tongue fern. Some uncommon plants also thrive there, including the world’s largest population of the Tennessee-listed tall larkspur (Delphinium exaltatum) and whorled mountain-mint (Pycnanthemum verticillatum). All of these plants have evolved to survive in harsh conditions and thrive in these unique areas. (ORNL Photo #4381-83)