Cross Timbers facts for kids

The Cross Timbers is a unique natural area found in the southern Great Plains region of the United States. It stretches like a long, narrow belt from southeastern Kansas, through central Oklahoma, and into central Texas. This area is often described as a "semi-savanna," which means it's a mix of open grasslands and patches of forest, rather than being entirely one or the other.

What Makes the Cross Timbers Special?

The Cross Timbers is a really interesting place because it's where two different types of landscapes meet. To the west, you have the wide-open prairies of the Great Plains. To the east, you find the denser forests of the eastern United States. The Cross Timbers acts as a natural border or transition zone between these two worlds.

A Mix of Trees and Grass

What makes a "semi-savanna" different? Imagine a landscape where you see tall grasses growing, but also scattered trees or small groups of trees. That's what a savanna looks like. In the Cross Timbers, the main trees you'll find are different types of oak, especially Post Oak and Blackjack Oak. These trees are tough and can handle the drier conditions and occasional wildfires that happen in this region. The grasses are usually tall prairie grasses, like Big Bluestem and Indiangrass.

Why the Trees Grow Here

The reason trees grow in some spots and not others in the Cross Timbers has a lot to do with the soil and how often fires happen.

• Soil: The soil in the Cross Timbers is often sandy or rocky, which isn't always great for farming but can support these hardy oak trees.
• Fires: Natural wildfires, often started by lightning, have always been a part of this ecosystem. These fires help keep the grasslands open by burning back young trees, but the oak trees in the Cross Timbers are often able to survive these fires.

Plants and Animals of the Cross Timbers

This unique environment supports a variety of plants and animals adapted to both forest and grassland habitats.

Common Plants

Besides the Post Oak and Blackjack Oak, you might also see Eastern Redcedar trees, especially in areas that haven't had recent fires. Many wildflowers bloom in the spring and summer, adding splashes of color to the landscape. The tall grasses provide food and shelter for many creatures.

Wildlife You Might Find

The Cross Timbers is home to many animals.

• Mammals: You might spot White-tailed Deer, Coyotes, Bobcats, Raccoons, and various types of Rabbits and Squirrels.
• Birds: Many bird species live here, including Northern Bobwhite (a type of quail), Wild Turkey, and various songbirds. Birds of prey like Red-tailed Hawks also hunt in the open areas.
• Reptiles and Amphibians: Snakes, lizards, and frogs are also common, especially near water sources.

History of the Cross Timbers

The Cross Timbers has played an important role in the history of the region.

A Natural Barrier

For early travelers and settlers moving west, the dense, tangled patches of oak trees in the Cross Timbers were often difficult to cross. This is partly how the area got its name – it was a "cross" or obstacle of "timbers" (trees). Many historical trails and routes had to go around or find gaps in this wooded belt.

Home to Native Americans

Before European settlers arrived, many Native American tribes lived in or near the Cross Timbers. The area provided resources like wood for shelter and tools, and the mix of forest and grassland supported a variety of game for hunting.

Today, the Cross Timbers remains an important natural area, offering a glimpse into the unique ecosystems of the southern Great Plains.

Images for kids

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  A landscape in eastern Jack County, Texas, typical of the Western Cross Timbers