This is the Blue Ridge Parkway spring wildflower report for May 22. With the arrival of May this is traditionally the best month for viewing wildflowers along the Blue Ridge. In addition, abundant rain has given us full creeks and nice waterfalls tumbling down toward the Piedmont.

Trillium, Pink Azalea and Catawba Rhododendron are showing north of Roanoke. Rhododendron between Roanoke and Peaks of Otter is in bloom now and Mountain Laurel is nice around the Roanoke Mountain Loop Road near the campground. Around Mabry Mill look for bright orange Flame Azalea along with Pink Azalea. Purple Trillium, Fire Pink and some Yellow Lady Slipper and Hawthorne are also being reported.

If you take a hike into Rock Castle Gorge you’ll likely be rewarded with displays of Dwarf Iris and Mayapple, Devils Root, False Soloman’s Seal, some Jack in the Pulpit. Fraser Magnolia and Pink and Flame Azalea and Fire Pink are common near the Blue Ridge Music Center in Virginia.

Trillium may still be blooming nicely especially from Linville Falls to Crabtree Meadows in the North Carolina portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. From Boone and Blowing Rock traveling south look for Dogwood and Fraser Magnolia. Witch Hobble, Azalea, Speedwell and various types of violets are also out.

Carolina Rhododendron is especially nice around Bear Den Overlook at milepost 323. Bluets and Trout Lilies, Wake Robin and Trillium are still visible around Moses Cone and Price Park area and Mountain Laurel is showy at Linville Falls. Enjoy the holiday weekend on the Blue Ridge Parkway!

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.