There are Over 1,600 Species of Plants in the Smoky Mountains! The
plants in the Smoky Mountains is one of the main reasons the Smokies
was designated a national park. The vegetation is what makes the Smoky
Mountains so unique. The variations in elevation, rainfall geology and
temperature makes an ideal habitat for over 1,600 species of plants
including 100 tree species and over 100 species of shrubs.
The Smoky Mountain National Park is
sometimes referred to as the “Wildflower National Park”.
This is because there are more flowering plants in the Smoky Mountains
than any other park in North America. The different species are so
diverse that you can see flowering plants year round in the park. But
the best time to view the beauty of the parks flowering plants is in
the spring.
Click on the link below to download a trail map of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. (PDF file - 1.4 mb in size)
 Of
the 100’s of species of flowering plants in the Smoky Mountains,
the most famous is the flowering shrubs of the Mountain Laurel,
Rhododendron and Flame Azaleas. The Mountain Laurel blooms beautiful
white and pink flowers from early May through June along the trails and
roadways of the park. The Flame Azalea flower colors range from white
to peach to orange, yellow, or red. Blooming time is April and May in
the pine and oak forests at low to mid-elevation, but not until June or
early July on the mountain tops. The Rosebay Rhododendron is the most
common type in the Smokies, blooming along streams and ravines at lower
than 5,000 feet. It’s beautiful white flowers bloom in June at
lower elevations and July in the middle elevations. The Catawba
Rhododendron is found in the mountain tops as they are found in
elevations above 3,500 feet. Their legendary beautiful purple flowers
are at their highest peak in late June.
  When
talking about the plants in the Smoky Mountains you can not forget
about the trees. Not only does the park have many species of trees that
flower during the year, the most spectacular time of the year is in the
fall. Because of the many types of trees found in the park, the
changing colors of the leaves in the park is it’s most popular
time for sightseers.Because there are so many variables it is hard to
predict the exact date of the peak color season. Fall colors develop in
elevations over 4,000 in early to mid October. At mid and lower
elevations, the fall colors reach peak about mid October to early
November. This is the most beautiful display as it includes colorful
trees like the sugar maple, red maple, hickory trees, scarlet oak and
sweetgum.
 There
are also many non flowering plants in the Smoky Mountains such as
different species of moss and ferns. These are usually found in the
moist areas of the forests and add a beautiful flavor to the forest
floor. With the beautiful trees, spectacular flowering plants, majestic
mountain ranges and relaxing mountain streams, you are sure to enjoy
nature at it’s finest in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
 "Who Else Wants to Learn Killer Mountain Biking Skills?"Click Here!
|
