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Tag: Wildflowers
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Wildflowers 101: Non-traditional Blooms
Story and images by Tom Harrington
When one gets into wildflowering, often they will find that it involves continuously learning new facts. In doing research for this article, I learned new things about hearts-a-bustin’ and Jack-in-the-pulpit. Today we will examine these flowers as well as leather vase vine. I thought it would be
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Wildflowers 101: Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron
Story and images by Tom Harrington
How many of you enjoy seeing mountain laurel and rhododendron in bloom? In this issue we will examine mountain laurel and Catawba rhododendron since they bloom in May and June.
As of the second week of May, mountain laurel was blooming on Ace Gap Trail in large numbers. Many were at peak bloom
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Wildflowers 101: Trillium
Top: Painted trillium, Bottom: Nodding trillium
Story and images by Tom Harrington
As one gets into “wildflowering” in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, they will most likely develop some favorite wildflowers or become fascinated with certain species. One of my favorite wildflowers is trillium, of
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Wildflowers 101: Berry Blooms
Please remember that picking plants is prohibited in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but some fruits, berries, nuts, and certain mushrooms may be gathered for personal use within limits. Take care not to disturb the rest of the plant, and only eat what you can identify as safe.
Story by Tom Harrington
What is your favorite jam or jelly
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The Smokies in Your Backyard: Crested Dwarf Iris, Foam Flower, and Columbine
By Steve Kemp & Janet Rock
It’s impossible not to get excited about wildflowers at this time of year. Out of the 1,600 species of flowering plants that can found in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, here are some that should thrive around your home if you reside in the Southeast, central Appalachians, and parts of the
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National Park Week: Transformation Tuesday
By Sarah Shiver
When you think about the transformations Great Smoky Mountains National Park has undergone, what comes to mind? Chances are you imagine the park’s creation—how it has changed from an area once populated by various communities to a swath of protected land that has largely been reclaimed by nature. But the park’
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How Oconee Bells Created a 200-Year Wild Botanical Goose Chase
by Frances Figart, Creative Services Director
This is the time of year when visitors flock to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see a plethora of wildflowers such as bloodroot, hepatica, phlox, rue-anemone, spring-beauty, trillium, trout lily, and a variety of violets. Several celebrated Smokies wildflowers—such as Rugel's ragwort (
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Wildflowers 101: Blooming Shrubs
Story and images by Tom Harrington
Many wildflowers in the Great Smoky Mountains have very unique fragrances that can be helpful in identifying them. As an example, let’s examine dog-hobble and witch-hobble. These plants are technically shrubs, but their gorgeous blooms are worth searching for around this time of year.
Dog-
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Wildflowers 101: Spring Beauty
Story and image by Tom Harrington
Over the years it has been most fulfilling, delightful, and exciting to start locating wildflowers in the Great Smoky Mountains during mid to late February into March. There is something about spotting the bloom of a wildflower in late winter and early spring that sparks a ray of hope in one’s
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Wildflowers 101: Late Winter Wonders
Story and photos by Tom Harrington
Searching for, finding, and identifying wildflowers in the Great Smoky Mountains enables one to expand their horizons and add new chapters to their national park experience through beauty and an enjoyable, healthy activity.
Trailing arbutus
When you hear the word spring, you may associate
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