This is the Blue Ridge Parkway Wildflower report for June 2008. This is a month of transition from spring blooms to a more summer look among the park wildflower population. Catawba Rhododendron is still showing in places here in the first week of June, along with Mountain Laurel, but both are waning except at higher elevations.
In Virginia, near the state line along the Blue Ridge Music Center, look for Yarrow, Chicory, Queen Anne’s Lace, Sourwood, Mountain Laurel, and Fire Pink. Further south, in the Doughton Park area, many of the same species are being reported: Longwood, Golden Ragwort, Spiderwort, and Upland Aster. From Linville Falls through the Gillispie Gap area and Crabtree Meadows, Rosebay Rhododendron are showing. These are the larger, white blossom varieties seen this time of year.
Mountain Laurel is also in bloom along with Catawba Rhododendron and smaller ground varieties, such as Fire Pink, Whorled Loosestrife, Indian Cucumber Root, Star Chickweed, and Jewel Weed.
Enjoy your Parkway visit and as we always remind visitors, enjoy the view, but watch the road.
Weekly updates at 828-298-0398 will keep you informed of what’s being reported throughout the Parkway.
Have a safe parkway visit! Enjoy the view, but watch the road.