Natural History Wanderings

The Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association recently posted a few winter wildflower reports:

December 18

On the Low Gap Trail there are 5 Hepaticas blooming on the section of the trail from the campground (about 3/10 of a mile up) and 7 are blooming on the section of the alternative Low Gap Trail from the Hiker parking lot (short distance from the Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail going up).   There are a decent number of Hepatica buds on both trails.   A neat Christmas surprise.

December 13

On the Abrams Falls Trail today I found some Curtis Asters blooming.  On the Little Bottoms Trail I found Curtis Asters, Common Blue Violets and what I believe to be Grassleaf Golden Aster and Late Purple Aster in bloom (not a lot).  I am not positive of the identification of the last two.  On Happy Valley Road there are some Ox-Eye Daisy’s in bloom.

Follow wildflower reports in the Great Smoky Area at: Wildflower Updates | Great Smoky Mountains Association.