The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its diverse and abundant plant life, with over 1,800 species of vascular plants, including trees, shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, and more. From the iconic “Little Sweet Betsy” to the rare “Possumhaw,” the park’s vegetation is a key feature that attracts visitors from around the world.
Wildflowers of the Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains are home to a stunning array of wildflowers, each with its own unique beauty and ecological significance. Some of the most notable native wildflowers include:
| Wildflower | Description |
|---|---|
| American Lily of the Valley (Convallaria pseudomajalis) | A delicate, bell-shaped flower that blooms in the spring. |
| Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense) | A small, white flower that carpets the forest floor in early summer. |
| Eastern Trillium (Trillium undulatum) | A striking three-petaled flower that emerges in the spring. |
| Fringed Phacelia (Phacelia fimbriata) | A delicate, lavender-colored bloom that thrives in moist, shaded areas. |
| Painted Trillium (Trillium undulatum) | A vibrant, three-petaled flower with a distinctive painted appearance. |
| Southern Appalachian Trout Lily (Erythronium umbilicatum ssp. monostolum) | A yellow, lily-like flower that blooms in early spring. |
| Bowman’s Root (Gillenia trifoliata) | A white, five-petaled flower that adds a touch of elegance to the forest understory. |
Shrubs and Trees of the Smoky Mountains
In addition to the stunning wildflowers, the Smoky Mountains are home to a diverse array of native shrubs and trees. Some of the most notable species include:
Shrubs
- Minnie Bush (Menziesia pilosa)
- Hobblebush (Viburnum lantanoides)
Trees
- Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis)
- Striped Maple (Acer pennsylvanicum)
- Mountain Silverbell (Halesia tetraptera)
Other Notable Plants
The Smoky Mountains are also home to a variety of other native plant species, including the Rattlesnake Fern (Botrypus virginianus), a unique and ancient fern species.
Threatened and Endangered Species
While the Smoky Mountains are home to a vast array of plant life, some species are facing threats and have been designated as threatened or endangered. These include the Spreading Avens (Endangered) and the Virginia Spiraea (Threatened), as well as the Rock Gnome Lichen (Endangered).
Conclusion
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a true botanical wonderland, with over 1,800 species of vascular plants calling the park home. From the delicate wildflowers that carpet the forest floor to the towering trees that define the landscape, the park’s diverse vegetation is a key feature that draws visitors from around the world. Whether you’re an avid botanist or simply a nature enthusiast, the Smoky Mountains offer a wealth of plant life to explore and appreciate.
References
- Walter-Fromson, A. (2022). Botanizing with Friends in the Great Smoky Mountains. North Carolina Native Plant Society. https://ncwildflower.org/botanizing-with-friends-in-the-great-smoky-mountains/
- Wildflower Search. (n.d.). Great-Smoky-Mountains-National-Park-Wildflowers. https://wildflowersearch.org/search?oldstate=gmc%3A35.68%2C-83.53%3Bgms%3A12%3Blocation%3AGreat-Smoky-Mountains-National-Park%3Belev%3A1526%3Btitle%3AGreat-Smoky-Mountains-National-Park-Wildflowers%3B
- National Park Service. (2021). Plant Species List – Great Smoky Mountains National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/plant-species-list.htm
- iNaturalist. (n.d.). Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Trees & Shrubs. https://www.inaturalist.org/guides/4277
- National Park Service. (2019). Plants – Great Smoky Mountains National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/plants.htm