Flora & Fauna

South Carolina is a state revered for its rich botanical heritage. Its distinct geographical area and an abundance of water provide habitat for a diversity of flora and fauna which rivals anywhere in the world.

"South Carolina is blessed with having a tremendous diversity of plant life. For its size the state contains more biodiversity than most states. Over 3200 species have been identified as either native or naturalized in South Carolina. Unfortunately, out of these 3200 species, 707 are currently considered to be rare within South Carolina and 78 of these rare species are either federal endangered, threatened or species of concern. Thus, approximately 22% of all of our species are rare within South Carolina."  --Excerpt from The Rare Plants of South Carolina by Patrick McMillan

Nature has also endowed South Carolina with a wide variety and abundance of trees. No image of Charleston would be complete without the silvery-gray threadlike masses of Spanish Moss dripping like witch's hair from ancient oak trees and the stately silhouettes of the cabbage palms (official state tree of South Carolina) jutting in the sky. The collective fragrance of the tiny Spanish Moss flowers is most noticeable in the Lowcountry night air, from April to July. Yellow jessamine, South Carolina's state flower, releases its sweet-smelling yellow flowers all around Charleston early in the spring.

Purple martins can be seen in the area, filling the predawn and evening skies each day, in Lake Murray, South Carolina. Like the massive flock of vacationers descending on the South Carolina coast each summer, legions of these satiny feathered guests are drawn to the midlands of the Palmetto State. Over a period of weeks, their numbers grow dramatically. The state bird of South Carolina, the Carolina wren, is slightly smaller than the English sparrow. Its cheerful song can be heard in all areas of the state, from the mountains to the coast.

The waters are filled with shrimp, crabs, oysters, clams, and fish that provide nourishment for both man and animal. The range of living creatures is wide and depending on where you choose to tour can include, minks, otters, dolphins, alligators, deer, raccoons, eagles, osprey, wood storks, and, if you are lucky, an occasional manatee. 

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Last updated: Monday, 20 June 2005