This is the Blue Ridge Parkway wildflower report for June 5. An abundance of rain in the region here in late spring has given us full creeks and nice waterfalls tumbling down to the Piedmont along with a prolific wildflower bloom.
On the Parkway June means rhododendron, the Catawba variety. Virtually every area of the Parkway is reporting good blooms along with Mountain Laurel. Catawba Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel and Goat’s Beard are nicely in bloom in the northern end of the Parkway this weekend.
Through the Otter Creek section a slow drive will also show displays of smooth Foxglove, Phlox, Winter Cress, Yellow Hawkweed and Tulip Poplar. Crossing Apple Orchard Mountain between the James River and Peak of Otter in Virginia the Catawba Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel are at their peak. Flame and Pink Azalea are past peak but still visible in a few locations along with the Rhododendron.
Especially nice displays of Mountain Laurel are on the 4 mile loop around the Roanoke Mountain Area. Near the Blue Ridge Music Center, Mountain Laurel is nicely in bloom along with roadside varieties of Ox-Eye Daisy, Goat’s Beard and Flame Azalea. Fraser Magnolia also continues to be nicely in bloom throughout that area.
In North Carolina, Doughton Park is reporting rhododendron along with some Hawkweed, Cardinal Flower and some remaining Flaming Azalea and Mountain Laurel showing strongly. Through the Grandfather Mountain corridor the beginning of Mountain Ash is visible.
In the Price Park and Moses Cone area look for Mayapple and Fire Pink, Yarrow, Soloman’s Seal, Ox-Eye Daisy, some Black Locust, Flame Azalea, Catawba Rhododendron are all visible throughout this entire section of the Parkway. The great displays of rhododendron at Craggy Gardens north of Asheville are about one week away; we’re looking for them to be in good bloom next weekend.
Regular updates for color reports will be posted to our web site home page. You can also use the National Park Service information line at 828-298-0398 to keep informed of what’s being reported on the Parkway.
Have a safe Parkway visit! Enjoy the view, but watch the road.