Appalachian Spring

Jack and I spent this past weekend in the North Carolina Mountains up towards Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. It was Jack’s annual indulgence in allowing me to spend hours crawling around on my knees, magnifying glass in hand wallowing in wildflowers. It was glorious! The flowers, for the most part, can speak for themselves. If you’re interested in reading more about these (and other wildflowers), check out my latest book A Naturalist’s Book of Wildflowers, available at numerous online sources. For a link, click on “Books” from the menu at the left. Enjoy.

Being typical Appalachia, there were many beautiful streams, each with their own unique flora.

Stream violets, with stems 6 – 10 inches tall were beautiful.

Brooks lettuce was growing right in the water. This is the only place I’ve seen it growing.

Trillium grandiflora covered acres of woodlands.

Painted trillium was not as abundant but individual flowers were stunning.

Toadshade has a peculiar odor, beloved by certain pollinators.

Purple trillium also has an unpleasant scent but a beautiful blossom!

Though it has leaves similar to the trillium, Jack in the Pulpit is a distinctly different wildflower.

Large-flowered bellwort has gorgeous yellow flowers that never quite open

Dwarf crested iris is a miniature version of our cultivated bearded irises – and a treat to see in nature.

Indian pink is not named for the color (obviously) but because the petal edges are notched or “pinked” as with pinking shears.

Though it was too early for Lady’s slippers, we did see this showy orchis, just beginning to open.

We only saw Trout Lily on one trail but it covered the hillsides.

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