Wild Flowers

There are literally hundreds of varieties of wildflowers in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Blooming begins in March and continues into early November.

In the spring, wildflowers seem to appear everywhere. Some are so tiny you can barely see them, while others seem to carpet entire hillsides.

There are too many varieties to name here, but a few are worth mentioning.

One popular wildflower found in the shady parts of the trail is the trillium. This small, low-growing plant typically has three leaves and a three-petal flower growing from the center—hence the name trillium. The flower’s color can range from white, yellow, and lavender to deep burgundy.

Another to look for is the wild violet. These small plants also thrive in shady areas, and their flowers may be white, blue, or violet.

A rarer wildflower to keep an eye out for is the lady’s slipper. This is actually a type of orchid, usually found in heavily shaded forest areas.

Not all wildflowers grow only on the forest floor.

In spring, the blooms of the dogwood tree seem to appear everywhere, offering one of the season’s most iconic sights.

Another springtime favorite is the redbud tree. Its vibrant reddish-pink blossoms put on one of the most colorful shows of the season.

So, depending on when you walk the trail, you are sure to be delighted by the diverse and beautiful wildflowers of our region.