Wildflower Report for Blue Ridge Parkway – 6/15/09

The wildflowers are very prolific this year, thanks to the unusually large amounts of rain we’ve received this spring.  Here at the north end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mountain Laurel is in full bloom, and Goat’s Beard is starting to show.  There are still a few Catawba Rhododendrons with blooms, but they are quickly waning.

 

As you drive south toward Otter Creek and the James River area, Mountain Laurel is peaking, along with Princess Tree, Tulip Poplar, and Cherry Trees.  Also visible are Yarrow, Golden Groundsel, Queen Anne’s Lace, and Japanese Honeysuckle.