Introduction to some of the Trees, Flowering Bushes and Flowers Found on WNC Trails
We are not naturalists and this is not a complete or definitive discussion of the flora to be found on WNC trails. However, in addition to the great views on these trails, the flowering bushes and trail flowers are not to be missed – especially the blueberries! There are numerous resources available that detail the timing and location of the blooms and we have included a few helpful links.
We have also included photo galleries of many of the bushes and flowers in bloom along with the time of the bloom and the trail where we took the photo. Enjoy!
Links to Other Resources
- Zen’s WNC Nature Notebook – useful for identifying trail flowers
- Southern Appalachian Wildflowers – another site for identifying trail flowers
- Blue Ridge Parkway Wildflowers – a list of wildflowers and when they bloom along the BRP
- Blue Ridge Parkway Daily – near the bottom of this page are links to a fall foliage tracker and current flower blooms
Flowering Bush Gallery – In Order of Blooming
Wild Mountain Azalea – Uncommon, First of May – North Side of Pilot Mountain and Deep Gap
Mountain Laurel – Abundant, First of June – Montreat West Ridge
Flame Azalea – Common, Early June – Grassy Ridge Bald (Roan Mountain)
Blueberry – Common, Early August – Graveyard Fields, Black Balsam/Shining Rock, Grassy Ridge Bald (Roan Mt.)
Carolina Rhodo – Uncommon, Early May – Snook’s Nose
Catawba Rhodo – Abundant, Early June – Grassy Ridge Bald (Roan Mt.)
Rosebay Rhodo – Abundant, Mid June – Everywhere
Fall Foliage – Common but spotty, Mid October – Abundant in Graveyard Fields
Tree and Bush Gallery
Trail Flower Gallery
