This is the Blue Ridge Parkway wildflower report for the middle of July. We think of spring for the time for wildflowers along the Blue Ridge, but for many folks, summer is the best season of all. Meadows of blooms brighten the Parkway experience around every turn.
Black-eyed Susan, Deptford Pink, Oxide Daisy, Yarrow, and Queen Anne’s Lace are common almost everywhere. The Blue Ridge Music Center is reporting these blossoms just north of the state line, along with good displays of white blossomed Rosebay Rhododendron. A little further south in Doughton Park, many of the same species are visible, along with some reports of displays of Coreopsis, further brightening up the roadside.
Along Grandfather Mountain, look for St. John’s Wort, Thimbleweed, Deptford Pink, and Milkweed. Rosebay Rhododendron, Daisies, Fleabane, Bee Balm, Joe Pie Weed, Indian Pipe, are common through Linville and Gillespie gap. Things change a little in the high mountains south of Ashville as we find Bowman’s Root, Galax, Fly Poison, and Saxifrage at the higher elevations. Columbine, Fire Pink, Turk’s-cap Lily, Sundrops, Phlox, Clingman’s Hedgenettle at the higher elevations.
Around Mt. Pisgah, look for Blue Cohosh. At the high elevations, there are even a few Flame Azaleas and Mountain Laurel still remaining. The parkway has a number of built in distractions like wildlife, bicycles, and beautiful views, so keep your eyes on the road as you head down American’s favorite drive.
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.