Natural History Wanderings

The Great Smoky Mountains Association had the following new wildflower reports

March 24 – In Cades Cove, visitors can find the daffodis blooming at the site of Civilian Conservation Camp # 5427, which operated in the cove in the 1930s. Through the years, the daffodils have spread, but if you have a very good eye, and a better imagination, you can see “CO 5427” spelled out by the flowers. According to Tom, “The daffodils at the old CCC camp across the road from the Missionary Baptist Church are in full bloom at this time. In fact it is one of the best displays that I have observed there. The letters are fairly clear and only the numbers 4 and 2 are somewhat difficult to make out.”

March 21 – Rabbit Creek Trail (From Abrams Creek Ranger Station to Hannah Mountain Trail) – Really nice Hepatica blooms about a half mile up the trail on the left.  Some Trailing Arbutus and Plantain Leaf Pussy Toe in bloom.  Also 2 Spring Beauty blooms and one Common Blue Violet bloom seen.  Some of the Trailing Arbutus have beautiful pink blooms (very rich pink).   SPECIAL NOTICE:   ABOUT A QUARTER OF A MILE UP THE TRAIL (ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER CROSSING THE FOOT LOG BRIDGE OVER ABRAMS CREEK THE DISPLAY OF THE DAFFODILS (IN FULL BLOOM NOW)  FOR AROUND 100 FEET ARE A REAL TREAT TO ENJOY. Hannah Mountain Trail (From Rabbit Creek Trail to Campsite #14) – A few Trailing Arbutus and Plantain Leaf Pussy Toe in bloom.

See older reports at:  Wildflower Updates | Great Smoky Mountains Association.