This is the Blue Ridge Parkway Wildflower Report for the third week of July. According to some lovers of wildflowers, summer is the best season of all, and the meadows of blooms brighten the Parkway experience seemingly around every turn.

Yarrow, Sunflowers, Goldenrod, Black-eyed Susan, and Queen Anne’s Lace are being commonly reported in the northern end of the Parkway. Turk’s Cap Lily and Butterfly Weed add a touch of orange in many areas. On the farm at Humpback Rocks, one may find Black Cohosh, Ox-eye Daisy, Deptford Pink, and Butter and Eggs. All of these are very common here in July.

Many of the same species are reported around James River and on the climb across Apple Orchard Mountain north of Peaks of Otter. Some Ironweed, varieties of Daisies, orange Day Lilies, and Common Milkweed are also reported. Rosebay Rhododendron is showing as the Parkway flattens out into the high plateaus south of Roanoke through Rocky Knob and Mabry Mill. Rosebay is also prominently showing along the Blue Ridge Music Center.

The agricultural scene here always reveals fields of Daisies, Black-eyed Susans, Queen Anne’s Lace, and Butterfly Weed. The high elevations in North Carolina, especially around Grandfather Mountain and Linville Falls, mean a few leftovers from the late spring, such as Fire Pink, Spiderwort, Jewel Weed, Daisy, Fleabane, Rosebay Rhododendron, Bellflower, Yarrow, and Milkweed.

Lots of traffic is expected on the Parkway this weekend as a special event is taking place adjacent to us. Specifically, they are Bele Chere in Asheville and Floyd Fest in Virginia.

Watch for those built in distractions such as bicyclists, hikers, wildlife, and gorgeous views. As we always say, 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.