April 05, 2024

7 Smoky Mountain Wildflowers You’re Likely to See

Spring brings vibrant life and beauty to the Smoky Mountains. Not only is wildlife becoming more active, but plants are blooming in brilliant colors all around. There are more than 1,600 types of flowering plants in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and many of them bloom in spring. Here’s a list of some of the common Smoky Mountain wildflowers you’re likely to spot during your visit.

1. Dwarf Crested Iris

The dwarf crested iris is one of the Smoky Mountain wildflowers that you’re likely to see in spring. These plants typically bloom in April and can be found in colonies close to the forest floor. The dwarf crested iris is smaller than other irises and reaches only four to nine inches tall. These flowers have three blue-purple petals above three petal-like sepals. Each sepal has a yellow crest, giving this plant its name. You’re likely to spot these flowers in the low to mid elevations of the national park.

2. Blue Phlox

Blue phlox is another of the Smoky Mountain wildflowers that can be found in the low to mid elevations of the national park. This plant has five notched petals that radiate out from a narrow tube. These petals can range from light blue to deep purple. This is an April-blooming wildflower and is one of several varieties of phlox in the Smokies. Another common name for blue phlox is woodland phlox. Impressive displays of this wildflower can be found covering acres of the forest floor.

3. Trillium

Ten different species of trillium grow in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The most common types include yellow trillium, white trillium, painted trillium, Catesby’s trillium, Vasey’s trillium, and others. These Smoky Mountain wildflowers typically feature three petals, three sepals, and three leaves. However, each species of trillium has its own unique features and colors. Trillium can be yellow, white, red, maroon, pink, and multi-colored depending on the species. These flowers are commonly found along hiking trails in spring.

4. Bloodroot

Bloodroot is an early Smoky Mountain wildflower that tends to bloom in March. These blooms last only a short time, meaning there’s only a small window in which you can see these flowers. This flower has narrow white petals surrounding a center of yellow stamens. Bloodroot has veiny, deep-lobed leaves below the flower. This plant gets its name from the orange-red sap that colors its roots. This sap was used by Native Americans to dye clothing, baskets, and war paint as well as to repel insects.

5. Fire Pink

The fire pink is a member of the carnation family and tends to bloom from April through summer. Its five notched petals are bright red, and its slender stem is covered in short, sticky hairs. These Smoky Mountain wildflowers can grow up to 31 inches tall. The fire pink is often found in open wooded areas and along rocky slopes in the national park. This plant is a favorite food source for ruby-throated hummingbirds, one of their primary pollinators.

6. Spring Beauty

The spring beauty is a sign that spring has arrived. These Smoky Mountain wildflowers are early bloomers, typically blooming in March or early April. This flower is easy to identify with its unique pink stripes on white or pale pink petals. The spring beauty has a pair of dark green, oval leaves halfway up the stem. This plant only grows to about three to four inches tall. It’s common to see the spring beauty over a wide range of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

7. Flame Azalea

The flame azalea tends to bloom at low elevations in April and at high elevations in June and July, making this one of the later blooming spring wildflowers. This flower is found throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, most notably on Andrews Bald and Gregory Bald. The flame azalea can be identified by its bright orange, red, or yellow flowers that grow on shrubs in clusters of five to ten.

Where to Find Smoky Mountain Wildflowers

Now you know more about some of the common Smoky Mountain wildflowers you may get to see this spring. Other wildflowers that you could spot include pink lady’s slippers, daisies, violets, bleeding heart, Jack-in-the-pulpit, phacelia, hepaticas, mountain laurel, and more. Check out these top 5 places where you can see wildflowers in the Smoky Mountains so you can enjoy as many of these colorful beauties as possible!