This is the Blue Ridge Parkway wildflower report for the late August, 2008. In Virginia, the Rocky Knob area south of Roanoke, the Cardinal Flower is the new bloom this week with some of that blooming along the edges of the pond at Mabry Mill. In addition, the leftovers from previous weeks include Lanceleaf Coreopsis, Queen Anne’s Lace, Black-eyed Susan, Ox-eye Daisy, Daisy Fleabane, Spotted Touch-Me-Not, Yellow Wood Sorrel, some Turks-cap Lily, and the tall purple headed Joe-pye Weed.
Doughton Park in North Carolina reports Feather-fleece, Black Cohosh, Coreopsis, Joe-pye Weed, Ironweed, Boneset, and Blazing Star. In the area of Grandfather Mountain, Price and Cone Park, many of the same species are reported, with a few additional blooms, such as Indian Pipe, Woodland Sunflower, Virgin’s Bower, and Common Milkweed.
Blueberries are ripening in the high elevations down south of Ashville and there will be small showing of Mountain Ash in the Pisgah campground before long and scattering chances of that along the road all the way south to Cherokee.
Don’t be in too big of a hurry to squeeze in one last trip for summer. The parkway is meant to be a slow, relaxing drive. Watch out for the built in distractions such as bicyclists, wildlife, and fantastic views. Have a safe visit to America’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.