This time of year, visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway can expect to see many of the common summer varieties of our beautiful blooming flowers.

In Virginia at the north end of the Parkway, near Milepost 30, Queen Anne’s Lace, Spotted Knapweed, Black-Eyed Susan, Goldenrod, Ironweed, Yarrow, Common Fleabane, White Snakeroot, Pokeweed, Flower Spurge, Small Wood Sunflower, Red Clover, Jewelweed, Coreopsis, and Chicory are all blooming.

In North Carolina between Moses Cone and the Linn Cove Viaduct, there are reports of blooming Sourwood, Thinleaf Sunflower, Snakeroot, Beebalm, White Bergamot, Coneflower, Tall Bellflower, Queen Anne’s Lace, Red Clover, Daisy Fleabane, Yarrow, Large-flowered Coreopsis, Spotted Knapweed, Bull Thistle, and Phlox.

Further south, between Linville Falls and the Minerals Museum, there are blooming Black-Eyed Susan, Goldenrod, Joe Pye Weed, Foxglove, Jewelweed, Morning Glories, and Mullein.

Heading south on the Parkway from Asheville, we have blooms of Sourwood, Black-eyed Susan, Coreopsis, Heal-all, Joe Pye Weed, Jewelweed, Coneflower, White Snakeroot, Wideleaf Sunflower, Calico Aster, Evening Primrose, Mullein, and Goldenrod.

The Parkway is a beautiful place to spend your summer, but it is not like most other roads, so take some special precautions while driving. Above all, slow down and take your time. Use the overlooks to let traffic that backs up behind you go by. Enjoy the view, but watch the road.