This is the Blue Ridge Parkway wildflower report for August 7. Here in late summer along the Parkway the meadows are filled with Coreopsis and Black Eyed Susan, Queen Anne’s Lace, Butterfly Weed and Joe Pye Weed. All of those late summer blooms that fill the meadows with color this time of year.
In the high plateaus south of Roanoke, Virginia, an area that includes Rocky Knob, Rakes Mill Pond, Mabry Mill, look for Daisy Fleabane, Ox Eyed Daisy and Yarrow, Milkweed, Butterfly Weed, Black Cohosh, Jewelweed, Coreopsis and the beautiful Turks Cap Lily. Yellow Fringe Orchid and Foxglove are showing up for the first time this week.
In North Carolina in Doughton Park look for Ironweed and Butterfly Weed, Common Milkweed, Spiderwort, Ox Eyed Daisy, Black Eyed Susan, Coreopsis and Goldenrod. A sure sign that fall is just a month or so away. Around the Moses Cone area many of the same species are reported. But in addition you may find Deptford Pink and Hawkweed, St. John’s Wort, tall Bellflower, Joe Pye and Indian Pipe.
Hiking the Beacon Heights trail look for some remaining Trillium, Whorled Loosestrife, Fetterbush and Woodland Sunflower. Sundrops and Evening Primrose and Beebalm are seen commonly along the roadside throughout this area. Beebalm is still blooming at the Linville Falls picnic area. Along the trails in the Linville River, Queen of the Meadow can be seen behind the Mineral’s Museum.Iron weed is in many places along the Parkway from milepost 331 to 316 and Turks Cap Lily is showing up very nicely around milepost 321.
On the far end of the Parkway from Mt. Pisgah to Cherokee many of the same species are available but the higher elevation will make some difference. Look for Spiderwort, Fly Poison, Turks Cap Lily and some remaining Fire Pink. Black Cohosh, Wild Hydrangea, Sundrops, lost of Phlox, Morning Glory, Green Headed Sunflower and a variety of different species of Goldenrod.
It’s a busy time on the Parkway here in August so watch out for those built in distractions like great views, wildlife, extra traffic and bicyclists.
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.