It’s August in the Blue Ridge and that means fields of Yarrow, Sunflowers, Goldenrod, Black-Eyed Susan, and Queen Anne’s Lace along most roadsides throughout the Parkway. Turks-cap Lily and Butterfly Weed add a touch of orange in many areas. On the farm at Humpback Rocks, Black Cohosh and Ox-eye Daisy, Deptford Pink, Butter and Eggs, all of these are being reported as very common right now.

If you’re attending demonstrations at Mabry Mill and are admiring the beautiful yellow wool used for spinning, remember that Coreopsis is used for natural dye and there is a beautiful patch of Coreopsis along the road about a half mile south of mill. A few Day Lilies, Burdock, and Sneezeweed are opening this week right in the middle. Rosebay Rhododendron is still in bloom in this section of the Parkway along with Butterfly Weed Black-eyed Susan, Sunflower, Ox-eye Daisy, and Daisy Fleabane.

A few new varieties are showing up this week include Virginia Rose, Swamp Dewberry, and Spotted Touch-Me-Not. Blackberries are ripening as well and visitors are welcome to pick up to a gallon for personal use. In North Carolina and Doughton Park, staff is reporting a few remaining Rosebay Rhododendron along with Coreopsis, St. John’s Wort, Queen Anne’s Lace, and Blazing Star.

Further south in the Grandfather Mountain quarter through Linville Falls, look for many of the same species, along with some Carolina Lily, Spiderwort, the tall purple Joe-pye Weed, tall Bellflower, Turks-cap Lily, and a few remaining Fire Pink. In the far south end of the Parkway, the high country south of Asheville, Turks-cap Lily is very prevalent, along with orange Jewel Weed and St. John’s Wort.

At Waterrock Knob, Phlox is very common along the roadsides. Beebalm and lots of other varieties are also being reported. Also, the blueberries are beginning to ripen along the Graveyard Field and in the Mt. Pisgah area. Picking a gallon of these for personal consumption is also allowed.

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.