July 23, 2010
Here in mid-summer Parkway meadows are filled with the beautiful blooms of summer that remind us that just about any time of year or season the Parkway is a wonderful place for those who love wildflowers.
North of Roanoke, Virginia, which includes Peaks of Otter and the high elevations across Apple Orchard Mountain, visitors will find Milkweed, Yarrow, Ox-Eye Daisy, Tall Coreopsis, Queen Anne's Lace, Black Eyed Susan, Woodland Sunflower and Tall Bellflower.
Visiting Mabry Mill or Rocky Knob you're likely to find Butterfly Weed, Milkweed, Heal All, Jewelweed, New York Ironweed, Coreopsis, Deptford Pink and the beautiful tall Turks Cap Lily.
Spotted Knapweed and Joe-Pye Weed are new blooms this weekend around Mabry Mill. Rosebay Rhododendron is still showing some blooms but on the decline.
Around the Moses Cone area in North Carolina look for beautiful white Water Lilies on Bass Lake and Oswego Tea along the Flannery Fork Road by Trout Lake. Find some Turks Cap Lily, Green-headed Coneflower, and Queen Anne's Lace as well.
Between Asheville and Mt. Mitchell Dodder is in full bloom, a few Fire Pink can still be found and Phlox, according to some, is about as good as it can get. Columbine is very showy in the Craggy Gardens picnic area and Coreopsis, Tall Coneflower, Goldenrod, and Black Eyed Susan are showy in many areas.
In this 75th Anniversary year the Parkway is crowded with visitors, especially on the weekends. Please don't be in a hurry and enjoy your visit to America's Favorite Drive.
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.
For more nature and science information, visit our virtual resource center, http://www.virtualblueridge.com/parkway/general/nature.asp, which will provide you with much more information.
Click here to listen to the latest wildflower report.
Click here for the full Blue Ridge Parkway bloom schedule.
Click here to view our wildflower gallery on High Country Photos.
Have a safe Parkway visit! Enjoy the view, but watch the road.
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J. Scott Graham's newest set of note cards feature wildflowers found along the Blue Ridge Parkway. From dazzling Pink Lady's Slipper to dramatic Bluets, these cards will add a splash of color to anyone's day.
Shop for these and other great Parkway gifts at the Blue Ridge Book Store!
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