A Guide to the Region’s Wildflowers
By Julie Matthews
When the temperatures warm and the snow melts, the High Country’s natural beauty really blossoms with bright hues from greenery and wildflowers covering its mountainside. During the spring and summer, flowers are in full bloom—including the region’s native flower, the rhododendron, and its different varieties—and what a sight to see! These colorful wildflowers appear all over the area, particularly along the Blue Ridge Parkway and on Grandfather Mountain, with bloom time depending on elevations.
Below is a list of some of the High Country’s wildflowers, which can be spotted at overlooks, nature trails, waterfalls, roadsides and many other places.
Spring
Trillium (April-May) – White flowers
Pinxter Flower (April-May) – Light to dark pink flowers
Fire Pink (April-June) – Bright red flowers
Flame Azalea (May-June) – Yellow to red flowers
Bluets (May-August) – Light to dark blue flowers with a yellow center
Summer
Catawba Rhododendron (June) – Pink to purple flowers
Rosebay Rhododendron (June-July) – White to pink flowers
Mountain Laurel (June-July) – Light pink to white flowers
Bee Balm (July-August) – Bright red flowers
Turks Cap Lily (July-August) – Yellow to orange flowers
Hit the trails and enjoy the beautiful wildflowers in the High Country!
