5 Common Smoky Mountain Wildflowers You Could See This Spring

There are more than 1,500 species of flowering plants in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is more than any other national park in the United States! These flowers come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. While different species bloom at different times of the year, spring is the most popular time to spot wildflowers. Here are some of the common Smoky Mountain wildflowers that you could see this spring:

1. Spring Beauty

Spring beauty is one of the early blooming Smoky Mountain wildflowers. These flowers tend to start blooming in March to early April. Spring beauty is only three to four inches tall and is distinguishable by its five white or pale pink petals with pink stripes. It also has dark green, oval leaves halfway up its stem. They grow over a wide range of the Great Smoky Mountains and are often found in large groups covering the forest floor.

2. Blue Phlox

Another one of the common Smoky Mountain wildflowers is blue phlox. This flower is one of several species of phlox that grow in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It tends to bloom in April and May. Blue phlox has five notched petals surrounding a narrow tube, and the petals can range from light blue to deep purple. These flowers primarily grow in clusters and can be spotted along hiking trails and roadways in the Smoky Mountains.

3. Trillium

There are ten different species of trillium that grow in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The most well-known varieties include yellow trillium, white trillium, and painted trillium. White trillium is most common, with yellow trillium as a close second. As the names suggest, these Smoky Mountain wildflowers can range in color from white to yellow to pink and more. These flowers have three petals and are often seen along hiking trails starting around April.

4. Flame Azalea

One of the most vibrant Smoky Mountain wildflowers is flame azalea. This flower tends to bloom in April at low elevations and as late as June or July at higher elevations. Flame azalea can be recognized by its bright red, yellow, or orange flowers. It grows on shrubs in clusters of five to ten. This flower can be found throughout the Great Smoky Mountains, though it’s most popularly found on Gregory Bald and Andrews Bald.

5. Dwarf Crested Iris

Another one of the Smoky Mountain wildflowers that blooms in spring is dwarf crested iris. This flower grows in colonies close to the forest floor, and it typically blooms in April. Dwarf crested iris has three blue-purple petals above three petal-like sepals with yellow crests. This variety is smaller than other irises and grows four to nine inches tall. These flowers are commonly spotted in the low to mid elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Ways to Enjoy Smoky Mountain Wildflowers

You’ll love seeing these and other Smoky Mountain wildflowers this spring! Need help finding these natural beauties? Check out these top ways to enjoy Smoky Mountain wildflowers during your spring trip to the Smokies!

The post 5 Common Smoky Mountain Wildflowers You Could See This Spring appeared first on Whitewater Rafting in Tennessee - White Water Attraction near Gatlinburg TN - Pigeon Forge Rafting.