Wildflower Guide

for the

Wilderness Road Campground

and Vicinity

Including:

Greenleaf Nature Trail

Colson Lane

Honey Tree Spur Trail

Lower portions of Gibson Gap and Lewis 

Hollow Trails

By:

John W. Graves

March 16, 2007
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

2

Rue Anemone (Anemonella thalictroides). The flowers range from pink to 

white and have from 5 to 10 petal-like sepals. There are no petals. It is common in rich woods throughout the southeast. Rue Anemone was thought to 

have great healing powers and was adopted by the Persians as a symbol of disease. Although no special powers are attributed to it today, several of the species have a substance in their sap that has been shown helpful for some foot 

diseases6

. Blooms from March through May.

Wood Anemone (Anemone quinquefolia). Legend has that the original home 

of this flower was Mt. Olympus and that only the winds of spring could open the 

flower. The name anemone comes from the Greek god of the winds, Anemos. 

The Chinese refer to this plant as the “death plant” and plant it on the graves of 

loved ones6. It can be found in rich, moist woods and along the lower portion of 

the Gibson Gap trail.

Beaked Corn Salad (Valerianella radiate). The name 

comes from European settlers that collected the leaves 

and plant tops ate them as a salad2

. A colony of this 

plant is found on the lower end of the Honey Tree Spur 

Trail off the Greenleaf Nature trail. It prefers moist soil 

and along streams. Typically blooms between April and 

May.

Bedstraw (Galium aparine). The common name comes from the practice of 

early pioneers of using this plant to stuff mattresses and pillows because the 

stems remained flexible even after drying. When dry, it had the scent of hay 

and was useful for repelling fleas. The genus name comes from the Greek 

word gala meaning milk. The plant contains an enzyme that causes milk to 

curdle and was used by the cheese industry at one time to speed the curdling 

of milk. The small dried fruits have been used as a coffee substitute6

.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

3

Southern Blackberry (Rubus argutus) Can be found in open fields, thickets, 

disturbed areas and roadsides throughout the park. Blackberries differ from 

other similar berries in that the stems are erect and have a brown color. Wild 

Raspberry has frosty bluish green stems. Dewberry is a vine running along 

the ground. It typically blooms between May and June.

Beetleweed / Galax (Galax urceolata) In the Virginia mountains this plant is 

known as Carpenter’s Leaf. It was believed to be of benefit in the healing of 

cuts and wounds1

. The genus name is from the Greek word gala meaning 

milk and referring to the flower color3

. This plant prefers open acidic woods 

and typically blooms between May and July.

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) Native Americans used the bright red 

sap of this plant as a face and body paint. It was also used as a dye for baskets and clothing and an insect repellant. A drop of sap on a lump of sugar 

was used by pioneers as a cough medicine6

. A form of the root that has been 

dried and crushed is included in the United States Pharmacopoeia with uses 

as expectorant and treatment of chronic bronchitis1

. This plant is found in rich 

woodlands. The genus name is from the Latin sanguinarius meaning bleeding3

. Since this is an early blooming plant susceptible to frost, the leaf accompanying the solitary bloom often clasps the flower stem offering some protection from frost. The flower opens in sun and closes in dark and lasts a relatively short time. Typical blooming period is March and April.

Star Chickweed (Stellaria pubera). The genus name comes from the Latin 

word stellar meaning star-like in reference to the flower shape. This plant has 

been used as a very good spinach substitute, especially when gathered prior 

to blooming. It is also a very good source of vitamin C. The flower has been 

used to predict the weather as it is believed if the flower is fully open, then no 

rain for at least 4 hours, but if closed, a raincoat will be needed6

. This plant 

prefers rich woods and rocky slopes on nearly every trail in the park. It typically blooms between April and May.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

4

Sweet Cicely (Osmorhiza claytonia). Was used by early settlers as a substituted for Chevril from the herb garden1

. The root has the smell and taste of 

anise. This plant is found in many places in the park and especially on the 

lower portion of the Gibson Gap Trail. The small inconspicuous white flowers 

make it an easy bloom to overlook. It typically blooms between April and 

June.

Wild Comfrey (Cynoglossum virginianum). This 

plant is found in rich deciduous woods. Flowers 

are small and similar to a forget-me-not with 

very large basal leaves similar to Virginia bluebells. It can be found on the Greenleaf Trail. 

The typical blooming period is May through 

June.

Cow Wheat (Melampyrum lineare). This small native, woodland annual has 

flowers that seem to resemble a snake’s head. The genus name is from the 

Greek for black wheat and refers to the black seeds3

. This plant can be found 

on most trails in the park in dry or moist woods and rocky areas. It typically 

blooms between May and July.

Carolina Cranesbill (Geranium carolinianum) The genus name is from the 

Greek geranos meaning crane3

. The common name comes from the bill-like 

seed capsules. This plant can be found along roadsides, trails and disturbed 

areas of the park as well as Greenleaf. It typically blooms between May and 

August.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

5

Oxeye Daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum). It was believed that the 

flower could keep lightening away and was hung indoors for this purpose6

. 

The flower has been used to determine love when petals are picked individually saying he/she loves me and on the next petal he/she loves me not until all 

of the petals are used. Whatever the last petal indicates the state of your 

love-life. It is disliked by dairy farmers because it can produce an unwanted 

flavor in milk when eaten by cattle3

. This plant is found throughout the park 

along roadsides, trails and meadows. It typically blooms between June and 

August.

Southern Dewberry (Rubus trivialus) A close relative to the blackberry. It 

creeps along the ground and lacks the brown colored stems of the blackberry. 

The fruit is very similar to blackberry, except perhaps more tart in taste. It is 

found along roadsides, trails and acidic soils in open woods. It typically 

blooms from May through June.

White Flowering Dogwood, White Cloud (Cornus florida). The flowers are 

actually the small four pedaled green flowers in the center of the showy large 

bracts which are characteristically notched in the center. Leaves turn scarlet 

in the fall. The hard wood is very shock resistant and is used in the making of 

spools, pulleys, mallet heads and jeweler blocks. Native Americans used the 

aromatic bark and roots as a remedy for malaria and extracted a red dye from 

the roots4

. It prefers moist rich and acid soils. Blooms in March – April.

Common Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis). This soft, woody species 

yields fruit which makes tasty jelly and wine. It is an important food source for 

many song and game birds. The genus name comes from the Greek sambuce, an ancient musical instrument, and refers to the soft pith, easily removed from the twigs to make flutes and whistles3

. This plant is found in low, 

wet areas and the borders of fields. It has been seen along the road leading 

to the Wilderness Road Campground. It typically blooms between June and 

July.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

6

False Solomon’s Seal (Smilacina racemosa). When both this plant and 

Solomon’s Seal are in bloom it is easy to distinguish between the two, otherwise it can be difficult. The berries that ripen in late summer are favorites of 

Ruffed Grouse. The common name refers to the similarity to Solomon’s Seal, 

but is a misnomer as there is nothing false about this plant. Many people consider it prettier than the “true” Solomon’s Seal6

. It typically blooms between 

May and June.

Field Speedwell / Thyme-leaved Speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia). This 

small plant is often found in mown grass and lawns. In the park, it is found in 

the campground where the grass is mown, especially near the amphitheater. 

The genus name is derived from the Greek words vera, meaning true, and 

eicon, meaning image. This alludes to a legend concerning the true image of 

Christ received by Saint Veronica, for whom the flower is named3. It typically 

blooms between April and July.

Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron annuus). The fleabanes were used by early pioneers to repel fleas and other insects. It was used as a mattress and pillow 

stuffing along with bedstraw2

. The rays, or petals, may vary in color from pale 

pink to white. It prefers open areas like roadsides, trails and grassy areas. 

The petals on Daisy Fleabane are much wider than on Common Fleabane. It 

typically blooms between June and October.

Common Fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus). An old superstition says that if 

a pregnant woman wants to know the sex of her coming baby, she should 

plant the seed of a fleabane. If the flowers from the planted seed are tinged 

with pink, it will be a girl, if tinged with blue, it will be a boy6

. The genus name 

comes from the two Greek words rei, meaning early, and geron, meaning old 

man3

. This likely is in reference to it being an early bloomer and has fine, 

dense down, like an old man’s beard, on the stems. It typically blooms from 

April through July.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

7

Foam Flower (Tiarella cordifolia). Common in rich woods throughout the Appalachians. The common name comes from the delicate white flowers which, 

to some, looked like a stick of foam. The genus name means “little tiara” because the yellow pistils look somewhat like a golden crown, or, as the Greeks 

called them, tiaras. The Greeks often picked these and presented them to the 

lady of their choice as tokens of their love6. The freshly gathered leaves were 

used on scalds and burns1

. It spreads by underground stems and forms colonies. Typically blooms from April through May. 

Indian Pipes (Monotropa uniflora). The sap of this plant was used by the 

American Aborigines to relieve sore eyes1

. This non-green, waxy plant gains 

its nourishment from decayed organic material through a fungal relationship 

(mycorrhiza) associated with the roots3

. This plant is found in rich, often 

moist, woods. It is found throughout the park and typically blooms from June 

through August.

Umbrella Magnolia (Magnolia acuminata). A sub-canopy tree with very large 

leaves and very large white flowers. The flowers open in April through May. 

The tree can be found in moist soils and of mountain valleys in hardwood forests, generally on the southern side of Cumberland Mountain. The arrangement of the large spreading leaves resemble an umbrella, hence the common 

name.

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum). Easy to identify by the large and conspicuous twin umbrella-like leaves. The fruit that ripens in May is the size of a 

small lemon and is edible but bitter. Other common names include hog apple, 

wild lemon, umbrella leaf and raccoon berry. The leaves, roots and seeds are 

poisonous and the Shawnee Indians used the boiled root as a very strong 

laxative. It was once used to treat warts. Today, two drugs are taken from the 

plant. Podophyllin is a strong cathartic. Peltatine has been used experimentally to treat cancer. Podophylin is the drug of choice for treating genital warts 

and small cell carcinoma1

. An old mountain saying says that a girl that pulls 

up the root of the Mayapple will soon become pregnant6

. Blooms April 

through June.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

8

Four-Leaf Milkweed (Asclepias quadrifolia). Flowers are typical of milkweeds 

and white to light pink. It prefers dry open woods, trail and roadsides. It can 

be found on the lower portion of the Gibson Gap trail. It typically blooms between April and June.

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia). Native Americans often used the wood 

from the branches and roots to make small dishes, spoons and other utensils1

. It is a showy shrub often forming dense thickets. The leaves are shiny, 

leathery and evergreen. The bowl shaped flower clusters are composed of 

many small cup-shaped pink to white flowers. As the flowers mature, the stamens pop out of the petal pouches or can be dislodged by a visiting insect, 

spraying pollen on its back. Found in rich rocky woods. Blooms May through 

July.

Mountain Stonecrop (Sedum ternatum). This is the only Stonecrop found on 

the Greenleaf trail. This plant is found on rocks, logs and moist soil of open 

woodlands. It typically blooms between April and May.

Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens). The leaves of this plant were used by 

Native Americans to make tea that was believed to aid childbirth. The tea was 

also used to treat coughs and colds6

. The berries are a favorite food of quail 

(partridge)1

. Berries are edible, but are dry, seedy and tasteless. Flowers 

can be white to pink. The four petaled flowers are found in twin like clusters at 

the end of a creeping stem. The flowers are different so they cannot self fertilize and both flowers must be fertilized to create a single berry. Fruit a single 

red berry with two “navels”. It prefers rich deciduous woods. Blooms May 

through July.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

9

Pennywort (Obolaria virginiaca). The genus name comes from the Greek 

obolos, meaning a small coin, and relates to the paired roundish leaves of this 

plant. The common name also reflects the coin-like appearance of the 

leaves3

. This small inconspicuous plant does not appear to be common in the 

park, but can be seen on the upper portion of the Greenleaf Nature Trail. It 

prefers moist hardwoods and typically blooms between March and May.

White Fringed Phacelia (Phacelia fimbriata). The white form is very uncommon and listed as rare and locally abundant by some authors8

. This plant is 

found on the lower portion of the Gibson Gap Trail. It prefers open rich woods. 

It typically blooms between April and May. 

Queen Anne’s Lace / Wild Carrot (Daucus carota). As a means of survival, if 

the flowers are not pollinated and it rains, the flower head bends to protect the 

un pollinated flowers. Pollinated flower heads remain upright in the rain. An 

old woodsman trick, with merit, is to grate the root of this plant and apply it to 

burns. The root contains carotin which has been shown to help relieve burns6

. 

The cultivated carrot is a descendant of this plant. The name comes from 

Saint Anne, the Virgin Mary’s mother. Saint Anne is the patron saint of lacemakers1

. A solitary purple to black flower occurs in the center of the main 

flower. Found on roadsides, trails and waste places. Typically blooms May 

through October.

Downy Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera pubescens). This is perhaps our 

most common orchid and is found in woods throughout the park. The genus 

name comes from John Goodyer, a 17th century botanist. The common name 

comes from the unusual markings on the leaves which bear some similarity to 

the markings of a rattlesnake. The seed pods also resemble the rattles of a 

rattlesnake. Native American women believed that if they rubbed their bodies 

with this plant, their husbands would love them even more6

. Early settlers 

used the leaves in a decoction to cure skin diseases1

. The specie name, pubescens, means hairy as this plant is covered with tiny hairs. This plant can 

be found in nearly all environmental types in the park. It typically blooms from 

May through September.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

10

Plantain Leaf Pussy-toes / Dog-toes (Antennaria plantaginifolia). Pussytoes are often found with few plants growing near them. This is because they 

secrete a growth inhibitor to insure they get their share of nutrients and water. 

Some country folks used the flower heads in a shampoo to get rid of lice. The 

flowers were also packed away with winter clothes to keep moths away6. Native Americans used a potion made from this plant to cure rattlesnake bites1

. 

The staminate flowers are known as Dog-toes where the pistillate flowers are 

known as Pussy-toes. Typically blooms April through May.

Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora). This plant is very common throughout the 

region and is considered an invasive for its ability to reproduce and dominate 

local flora. This small flowered rose is sold as a living hedge by nurseries. It 

forms dense impenetrable masses and provides excellent wildlife cover. This 

plant prefers borders of woods, fields, trails, roadsides and other disturbed 

areas. Very prolific. It blooms between May and June. 

Sharp Lobed Hepatica / Liverwort (Hepatica 

Americana). Prefers shady woodlands. Early 

herbalists used this plant to treat liver and lung 

problems. Farmers would know that it was time 

to plant crops when they saw this early bloomer. 

Flower color can be quite variable from white to 

a dark blue. Closer examination of the first 

blooms reveals dense hairs on the emergent 

leaves and flower stem to protect it from frosts. 

This plant is found in the ancient document 

“Document of Signatures” where plants with 

parts resembling a human body part were believed to have healing qualities for that body part. Hepatica has leaves that somewhat resemble the liver in 

both shape and color. An old saying says that when a farmer sees hepatica blooming, he knows it is time to 

plant6

. The usage of this plant to treat liver ailments was so great in the late 1800’s that the plant became 

so scarce it had to be imported from Europe. Records indicate that about 450,000 pounds of this plant was 

imported in 18831

. It can be found on the lower portion of Greenleaf and Gibson Gap trails. Typically 

blooms between March and May.

Spotted Wintergreen / Pippsissewa (Chimaphila maculate). Perhaps the 

name of this plant should have been “striped wintergreen” for the prominent 

light green stripe on the leaves. The common name Pippsissewa is a Creek 

Indian word for “juice breaks stone in bladder into small pieces” and refers to 

their belief that the plant could cure kidney and bladder stones6

. The genus 

name comes from two Greek words cheima and phileo which together mean 

“winter loving”. Since the plant is evergreen, it is quite appropriate. It has also 

been listed in the USP as a diuretic1

. This plant thrives with light fire3. It prefers dry woods and typically blooms between June and August.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

11

Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana). The cultivated strawberry (Fragaria 

ananassa) is the offspring of this plant and Beach Strawberry (Fragaria 

chiloensis) in an accidental hybridization that occurred in Holland in the 

1750’s1

. Found in patches in fields and dry openings and near the amphitheater on the Greenleaf. This plant produces the finest, sweetest, albeit small, 

wild strawberry. It typically blooms from April through June.

Squawroot (Conopholis Americana). Flowers are white to yellow. Plant contains no chlorophyll and derives its energy as a parasite upon the roots of 

trees, mainly oaks. This plant has a pine cone-like, scaly stalk that becomes 

dry and brown with age. Found in dry woods usually under oak trees. Typically blooms between April and May.

Canada Violet (Viola Canadensis). This violet is found mainly along southern 

Canada, the northern United States and the mountains3

. It is a fragrant violet. 

It prefers open woods and typically blooms between April and June.

Sweet White Violet (Viola blanda). Very similar to the Northern White Violet 

(Viola pallens), but the Northern White Violet grows in wet woods, near 

streams and does not have reddish stems. This is perhaps the most common 

white violet in the park. The Northern White Violet can be found in the park on 

the ridge trail, near Martin’s Fork. Typically blooms between April and May.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

12

Virginia Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica). Common in moist rich woods 

from Quebec to the Georgia mountains. It is one of the earliest flowers to 

bloom in the spring. It is not only people that look forward to the blooming of 

the Spring Beauty. The flowers and leaves are eaten by elk and deer and the 

roots are dug by rodents and bears. The raw roots are edible and have the 

sharp taste of radishes. Boiled or baked, they are said to taste like between 

baked potatoes and roasted chestnuts. This plant is most often pollinated by 

bees and butterflies, but as many as 71 different species of insects have been 

recorded visiting the Spring Beauty6

. Blooms from March through May. 

Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum). The genus name ornithogalon comes from ornis meaning bird and gala meaning milk in Hebrew 

and Arabic. This may come from the bright white of a cluster of blooms resemblance to bird droppings1

. The flowers do not open until late morning and 

close early, especially on cloudy days. It is found in lawns, fields and disturbed places as well as in the campground. It typically blooms between 

March and May.

Broadleaf Toothwort (Dentaria diphylla). Some Native Americans thought 

the roots of this plant were good medicine for the stomach if first cleaned, 

sealed air tight and allowed to ferment internally for 4 to 5 days1

. This plant 

has only two leaves but each is deeply divided to give the appearance of two 

sets of three leaves. The toothworts get their common name from the way 

their roots resemble teeth. Found in moist woodlands and typically blooms 

between April and May.

Cut-leafed Toothwort (Dentaria lacinata). There is a whorl of three leaves, 

each of which is divided into three segments near the top of the stem. The 

flowers range from pink to white. Found in rich moist woods. Other common 

names include: Lady’s Smocks, Crinkleroot, Milkmaids, Cut Leaf and Pepperwort. The name Pepperwort comes from the fact the root has a peppery flavor 

raw and the plant is a close relative to horseradish. The roots resemble teeth 

and as such were believed by early pioneers to help cure toothaches6

. It 

blooms from April through May.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

13

Slender Toothwort (Dentaria heterophylla). Found in rich moist woods and 

blooms between March and May.

Large Flowered Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum). Native Americans believed 

the different trilliums had qualities that would aid reproductive abilities. White 

was believed to aid women and the red trilliums were believed to aid men. 

Some Native Americans believed a love potion could be made by boiling the 

root and putting it in the food of the desired love6

. The Menomini Indians 

used the root of this plant in a poultice to reduce the swelling of the eye. They 

also used it to treat irregular menses by grating the root into simmering water 

and drinking1

. It prefers rich woods with neutral or basic soils and typically 

blooms between April and June.

Trailing Arbutus / Mayflower (Epigaea repens). The flowers are somewhat 

variable in color from white to dark pink. The flowers are often inconspicuous 

and hidden under the plant leaves as a means to protect its delicate flower 

parts from frost. Legend has it that, upon landing at Plymouth, Massachusetts, the Pilgrims saw this flower and named it after their ship, Mayflower1

. 

This plant prefers sandy or rocky acidic woods and very sensitive to environmental changes, which may account for its increasing scarcity3

. It is likely that 

fire is detrimental to this sensitive plant. It has been found on the Gibson Gap 

trail and the trail from the Wilderness road campground to the Lewis Hollow 

trail. It typically blooms from February through April.

Wood Vetch/ Carolina Vetch (Vicia caroliniana). Spring Vetch A common 

vetch found in the woods in springtime. Vetch, especially Crown Vetch, is 

commonly used as ground cover and soil improvement. There is a bacteria 

that grows on the roots of the vetch, as well as most members of the bean 

family, that can convert free nitrogen into a usable form that is stored in the 

soil6

. Found in moist woods and along trails. It typically blooms between April 

and May.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

14

Cream Violet (Viola striata). Found in rich woodlands and stream banks, often 

weedy8

. Typically blooms between April and June.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Soldier’s-Woundwort is a name from the Civil 

War when the crushed plant was applied to battle wounds. Native Americans 

used it to treat bruises, sprains, swollen tissues and to heal wounds and relieve rashes and itching. It is also known as Old Man’s Pepper as it was believed to have aphrodisiac properties1

. It can be found along roadsides and in 

old fields. Typically blooms between June and September.

Yucca, Spanish Bayonette, Adam’s Needles, Silk Plant (Yucca filamentosa). This plant is common around old home sites as early settlers and Native 

Americans had many uses for it. The sharp point on the leaves of some 

plants was sharp and strong enough to be used as a needle and the fibers in 

the leaves a very strong thread and fishing line. This plant was first described 

by Thomas Harriot in 1590 in Virginia1

. The flowers are edible either raw or 

cooked. Found in old fields and old home sites as well as along roads. Typically flowers from June through September.

Large-Leaf Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum macrophyllum). Leaves appear water 

spotted or mottled. This plant prefers rich moist woods and can be found on 

the lower portion of the Greenleaf trail. It typically blooms between May and 

June.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

15

Asiatic Dayflower (Commelina communis). The family (Commelinaceae) 

was named after the Dutch botanists Johan and his nephew Caspar Commelijn who are represented by the two large petals, and Caspar’s son, represented by the small lower petal since he died young “before accomplishing 

anything in botany”1. It is an imported weed that is differentiated from other 

Dayflowers by its small white lower petal. The leaves of the plant are edible 

either fresh or boiled. The individual flowers last only a day, as the name implies. Typically found in open disturbed areas, roadsides and wooded borders. It typically blooms from June through October.

Gray Beardtongue (Penstemon canescens). This is one of the more numerous Beardtongues. It gets its name from the streak of stiff hairs down the center of the flower tube, giving the appearance of a hairy tongue. It can be found 

on the upper portion of Greenleaf near the amphitheater. This plant prefers 

dry or rocky ground and typically blooms May through June.

Gray Beardtongue (Penstemon canescens). This is one of the more numerous Beardtongues. It gets its name from the streak of stiff hairs down the center of the flower tube, giving the appearance of a hairy tongue. It can be found 

on the upper portion of Greenleaf near the amphitheater. This plant prefers 

dry or rocky ground and typically blooms May through June.

Purple Bluets / Summer Bluet (Houstonia purpurea). Is found in dry open woods, barrens and 

rocky places along most trails in the park. It typically blooms between April and June.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

16

Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium augustifolium). The tiny blue flowers with the 

golden stamen are often lost among the grass-like leaves. There are six 

pointed sepals. The flowers range from light blue to purple to white. Common 

throughout the Southeast. Actually, this is not a grass but the smallest member of the iris family6

. This plant prefers roadsides, trails and meadows. It 

typically blooms from May through July.

Chicory (Chichorium intybus). Chicory is probably best known as a coffee 

substitute. The root is roasted until it split then the dark brown centers were 

ground down and stored until used. Native of Europe. The flowers open early 

in the morning facing the sun and wilt by midday. Only a few flower heads 

open at a time and each lasts only a day3

. The German name for this plant 

means ‘watcher of the road’. This comes from an old legend where a beautiful 

girl waited everyday for the return of her lover and died of a broken heart by 

the road. Chicory grew in the place she died6

. Chicory can be found on roadsides and open trails. It typically blooms from June through October.

Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum). German botanist Sprengel first discovered pollination by insect with this plant. It is impossible for it to self pollinate since the pistil matures after the stamens. The flowers can only be pollinated by insects, usually honeybees. Legend says this plant is a descendant 

of the mallow. The story goes that once the prophet Mohammed washed his 

shirt and laid it on a bed of mall to dry. The flowers blushed deep pink at their 

distinction and have been called geraniums ever since6

. This plant is found in 

woods, thickets and meadows. It typically blooms from April to June.

Heal All (Prunella vulgaris). This plant gets its common name from the ancient 

belief it had healing powers. Since the flower appears to have a mouth and 

throat, it was once believed to cure ailments of the mouth and throat and was 

included in the ancient doctrine of signatures. No medicinal value has been 

found for any part of the plant. It is different from most other members of the 

mint family in that it doesn’t possess a strong mint scent6. This plant can be 

found on roadsides and trail edges. It typically blooms from May through September.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

17

Dwarf Crested Iris (Iris cristata). Common during the spring in rich forests 

throughout the Southeast. The plant was named by the Greeks for the goddess of the rainbow, Iris, because of the multicolored flower. Since Iris was 

responsible for leading the souls of women to the Elysian Fields after death, 

the Greeks often decorated the graves of women with iris blossoms6. WARNING! All Irises are poisonous. DO NOT EAT3

! This plant is found on hillsides 

and ravines, especially on the Greenleaf Nature trail. It typically blooms from 

April through May.

Pink Lady’s Slipper / Moccasin Flower (Cypripedium acaule). The way this 

flower is pollinated is somewhat unique in that bees are attracted to the pink 

color and follow the pink lines through a hidden slit in the front of the flower. 

Once inside, the insect, often a bumblebee, cannot exit the same way it entered and walks toward an opening in the top of the flower where pollen is 

brushed from the insect as it exits the top opening. The hairs that cover the 

flower and stem contain a fatty acid poisonous to many animals and people. 

The reaction is similar to that from poison ivy6

. That is one reason to not pick 

the flower. Another is that if the stem is pulled from the base that water can 

then enter the bulb and begin deterioration that eventually kills the plant. The 

numbers of this plant are diminishing partly because of the pine beetle infestation. This plant prefers acidic and shady locations which are typical of pine 

stands. As the pine trees die off, the canopy opens and the conditions become unfavorable for the survival 

of this delicate plant. Transplantation is rarely successful because this plant requires the presence of a specific fungus in the soil to survive. It typically blooms from April through July.

Dwarf Larkspur (Delphinium tricorne) Flowers 

maybe either blue or white. The species name 

references the triangular seeds and three ovaries8

. It is found in damp to dry woods and barrens 

as well as the lower portion of the Gibson Gap 

trail. It typically blooms between March and May.

Miami Mist (Phacelia purshii). This is a very pretty little flower. It forms large 

colonies and is found in rich moist woods, fields and roadsides. It is found on 

both Greenleaf and Gibson Gap lower portion trails. It typically blooms between April and May.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

18

Purple Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum). Found in open areas, fields and 

waste places. It can be found along most open trails in the park. It typically 

blooms between April and October.

Showy Orchis (Galearis spectabilis) The genus name is derived from a Latin 

word meaning helmeted, referencing the way the petals cover the flower3

. It is 

easy to spot the leaves long before the bloom appears. This plant prefers 

open deciduous woods where rich basic soil is available. A few plants can be 

found on the Greenleaf Nature Trail near the horseshoe bend. It typically 

blooms from April to June.

Field Pansy / Johnny Jump Up (Viola rafinesquii). Is found in fields, open 

woods, road and trailsides. It can be found on the lower section of the Gibson 

Gap trail. It typically blooms between March and April. 

Passion Flower, Apricot-vine, Maypops (Passiflora incarnate). The extracts 

of this plant were used as an antispasmodic and sedative. It is still listed in 

the pharmacopeias of France, Spain and Italy1

. A tendril climbing vine found 

in open woods and old fields. The edible fruits are called maypops. Pioneers 

made jelly from the ripe, yellow fruits as well as eating them raw. Found along 

unkempt roadside borders, sandy thickets and open areas. It is believed to be 

the same flower growing on the cross as seen in the vision of St. Francis of 

Assissi6

. Some Native Americans believed the fruit would cure insomnia and 

soothe nerves. When the Jesuits found the Native Americans eating the fruit, 

they took it as a sign they were hungry for Christianity and began, with great 

zeal, to convert them. The State Flower of Tennessee. Blooms May through 

July.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

19

Periwinkle / Myrtle (Vinca minor). This introduced plant, now escaped from 

cultivation, frequently forms extensive patches in the woods. It is considered 

invasive, but it doesn’t multiply like most very prolific invasives. Its dense 

patches will crowd out all plants trapped under its leaves. It is found in abandoned home sites, road and trail edges and in landscaping as found around 

the restroom at the Lewis Hollow trailhead. It typically blooms between April 

and May.

Downy Phlox (Phlox pilosa). Common in dry woods or open places throughout the Southeast. The phloxes are native to North America and were exported to Europe where they were cultivated. Phloxes were not cultivated in 

North America until they were reintroduced from Europe. Early settlers often 

crushed and added to water to cure ailments as an upset stomach, sore eyes 

and skin diseases6. Prefers open rich woods on the Greenleaf. Blooms from 

April through June.

Woodland Phlox / Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata). This plant is common on 

the Greenleaf Nature trail. It prefers rich moist woods. It typically blooms between April and June.

Deptford Pink (Dianthus armeria). The common name comes from where 

the plant was first documented in Deptford, England by Gerard in 16331

. This 

plant is found in dry open areas and along the road into the campground as 

well as trail edges. It typically blooms from May through September.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

20

Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis). A relatively small sub-canopy tree 

with very showy pink flowers on leafless twigs that typically bloom between 

March and April. It is found in moist soils of valleys and slopes in hardwood 

forests throughout the park. The flowers can be eaten as a salad, or fried. 

According to a myth, Judas Iscariot hanged himself on the closely related Judas tree of western Asia and southern Europe, after which the white flowers 

turned red with shame or blood4

.

Downy Skullcap (Scutellaria incana). This plant is common on most trails 

within the park. It is on Greenleaf and the Honey Tree spur trail. It typically 

blooms between June and August.

Lyre Leaf Sage (Salvia lyrata). Early settlers used the fresh leaves to remove 

warts and the leaves and seeds were made into an ointment to cure wounds 

and sores1

. The exposed lower lip of these flowers provides an excellent 

landing platform for bees. When a bee lands the 2 stamens are tipped, and 

the bee is doused with pollen3

. It is found along roads and trails, virtually any 

open area. I have even seen this plant deep in the woods. It typically blooms 

between April and June.

Bird’s-eye Speedwell (Veronica persica). Introduced from southwestern Asia 

and is infrequent in this area8

. It is found in lawns, roadsides and waste 

places. Within the park, it has been found in the Wilderness Road campground. It typically blooms between April and August.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

21

Teasal (Dipsacus sylvestris). Teasal was cultivated by wool manufacturers. 

The dried heads of Teasal was used by early settlers to tease cloth to raise 

the nap. The dried heads were placed on spindles to raise the nap on wool3

. 

It has been suggested that the hooked spines of Teasal were the inspiration 

for the invention of Velcro1

. It can be found along the road into the campground and other open areas. It typically blooms between July and October.

Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia). Young boys would “fight” with violets in 

a fight called “chicken fight” or “fight rooster” where the curved stems of two 

violets were hooked and pulled until the loser’s Violet is decapitated1

. The 

flower is typically more violet than the one shown here, but the color can be 

quite variable. Violet leaves are high in vitamins A and C and can be used in 

salads or cooked as greens. The flowers can be made into candies and jellies3

. It can be in damp woods, meadows and roadsides. It typically blooms 

between March and June.

Marsh Violet (Viola cucullata). Found in rich 

moist places. It typically blooms between April 

and June.

Woodland Violet (Viola palmata). The plant is very mucilaginous and was 

used by many families in the south for making soup and was called wild okra1

. 

This is a common violet on the trails within the park, including Greenleaf and 

Gibson Gap. Typically blooms between April and May.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

22

Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellate). This is a 

very common plant in the campground area. It 

has an abundance of bright red berries in the 

fall. It is a very prolific invasive. The abundance 

of flowers in the spring bring an abundance eyeitching, nose running pollen. Typically blooms 

between April and May.

Birdfoot Trefoil (Trifolium campestre). Came from Europe. This plant has 

over 70 common names in the British Isles2

. The pod arrangement suggests 

a bird’s foot, hence the common name. Its pea-like flowers are found in fields 

and roadsides, especially the road to the campground. It typically blooms between June and September.

Large Flowered Bellwort (Ulvularia grandiflora). The twisted petals separate 

this plant from its close relative, the Perfoliate Bellwort. It can be found on the 

lower portion of the Greenleaf Nature trail and other rich moist woods habitat. 

It typically blooms between April and May.

Perfoliate Bellwort (Uvularia perfoliata). The genus name includes “uvula” 

because the flower is shaped like and hangs like the uvula in the back of the 

throat. Early settlers used the root in a salve for healing wounds and ulcers1

. 

It was also believed that it could cure throat problems based upon the flower 

shape resembling the uvula according to the doctrine of signatures6

. The typical habitat is in rich deciduous woods. Blooms from April through June.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

23

Yellow Buckeye (Aesculus octandra). A potentially large tree found in rich, 

moist deep soils. It is the largest of the buckeyes and is quite abundant in the 

southern Appalachian mountains. The seeds are poisonous and the young 

shoots are toxic to livestock. Native Americans made a nutritious food from 

the seeds after removing the toxicity by roasting and soaking4. The seeds or 

nuts are believed to bring good luck to the bearer. Typically blooms in April 

and May.

Bulbous Buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus). This plant gets its name from the 

shape of the roots. At the base of thye petal is a distinctive scale under which 

the nectar is hidden. Most of the common species of buttercups are somewhat poisonous and will affect animals if eaten fresh, but not when dried and 

eaten in hay. However, milk produced by cows that have eaten the plants has 

an unpleasant flavor or reddish color3. Found in fields and roadsides or in 

mown areas of the campground. It typically blooms between April and June.

Kidney Leaved Buttercup (Ranunculus abortivis). A decoction of this plant 

was drunk as a remedy for syphilis1

. Note the kidney shaped basal leaves. 

With its small petals it does not look like a typical buttercup, but its many pistils and stamens are typical buttercup. It is found in shady moist areas and 

along the loop roads in the campground. It typically blooms April through August.

Common Cinquefoil (Potentilla simplex). As the genus name implies, cinquefoils were believed to posses strong medicinal powers. It had a variety of 

uses from mouthwash to determining the sex of an unborn child to uses in 

witch’s brews and as a witch repellant, and even as fish bait. None of these 

were ever proven6

. Found in fields, lawns, dry woods, waste places and on 

most trails within the park. It typically blooms between April and June.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

24

Dwarf Cinquefoil (Potentilla Canadensis). Potentilla means “little powerful 

one”1

. Cinquefoils have been used as an antiseptic and a gargle for mouth 

ailments and toothaches. This species is very similar to Common Cinquefoil 

(above) but the leaves of the Common are much larger. Both species are indicative of poor soil3

. Found in dry open soil and typically blooms between 

March and June.

Lance Leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata). This native species has 

branching stems at the base and often forms sizable colonies along roadsides 

and old fields. The genus name comes from two Greek words koris meaning 

bedbug and opsis meaning resembles. A close look at the seeds reveals they 

have two horns and, with imagination, resemble a bedbug. Ironically, the 

early pioneers used this plant in their mattresses to repel fleas and bedbugs6. 

The blooming period typically occurs in May and June.

Two Flowered Cynthia (Krigia biflora). It is 

found along trails and in open moist woods. It 

typically blooms between May and August. It is 

a close relative of Hawkweeds, but the stem of 

this flower is smooth and without hairs.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). The name dandelion is French meaning 

the tooth of the lion. This name or its equivalent is used in every country 

where this plant is found and is descriptive of the amount of sunlight the plant 

gets. If the plant is in full sun, the leaves will be deeply lobed, while in shade 

the leaves will be only slightly lobed or entire. It will only bloom if it gets adequate sun. Because it contains high amounts of vitamins A and C, it was used 

as a general antidote, but also for specific ailments such as rheumatism. An 

old mountain saying says that if you drink a cup of Dandelion tea every morning and evening, you would never have trouble with rheumatism. Wine is often made from the leaves. In the southern US, it is believed that if a child can 

blow all of the seeds off the seed head (also known as blowballs or parachute 

heads) with a single breath, their wish will come true6

. Blooms from February 

through September.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

25

Oregon Grape (Mahonia repens). This is the state flower of Oregon. There 

are only a few of these plants known in the park. The ripe berries are eaten 

raw and make a juice that tastes like grape juice. California Indians used the 

berry decoction to stimulate the appetite. A yellow dye was also made from 

the bark and wood1. It typically blooms between March and April.

Yellow Pimpernel (Taenidia integerrima). This plant is often found in rocky 

woods and along outcrops. It is a common plant on trails within the park, including Gibson Gap and Greenleaf. It is very easy to overlook the small yellow flower that typically blooms between April and May.

Balsam Ragwort (Senecio pauperculus). This plant and its close cousin, 

Southern Ragwort, can be found in the area. Both plants characteristically 

bloom later than their early cousin, Golden Ragwort. Balsam (less than 20 

flowers on a stem) flowers are a bright yellow and the stems are light green 

and the very similar Southern Ragwort (20-100 flowers on a stem) differs 

mainly by the number of flowers present on top of the stem. It typically 

blooms between May and July.

Golden Ragwort (Senecio aureus). Known to some Native Americans as 

‘squaw-weed’ as the plant was used as a general female remedy. All parts of 

the plant were used to make a tea to ease the pains of childbirth and to hasten 

the birth1

. It has found to have anti hemorrhagic properties. This plant is 

found in moist woods and on the Greenleaf Trail. Look for the reddish purple 

stems early in the blooming season. It typically blooms between April and 

July.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

26

St. Andrews Cross (Hypericum hypericoides). In 1728 William Byrd observed 

an abundance of this plant through Virginia. He noted that Native Americans 

used the plant to cure their horses of rattlesnake bites1

. Found in dry and 

moist areas along the trail between the campground and the Skylight Cave 

trail. It typically blooms between June and August.

Yellow Stargrass (Hypoxis hirsuta). This is a small grass-like plant with yellow flowers of the Amaryllis family. It can easily be confused as a grass 

unless the flower is seen. It prefers open woods and dry fields. The flower 

consists of three petals and three sepals all of the same size and color. The 

genus and species names are Greek with Hypoxis being two Greek words 

meaning “sharp beneath” referring to the very sharp seeds. Hirsuta means 

“hairy” and refers to the downy properties of the stem and undersides of the 

petals and sepals6

. It typically blooms between April and June.

Indian Strawberry (Duchesnea indica). It is easy to confuse the plant with 

Wild Strawberry when the bloom isn’t present. The Wild Strawberry has white 

blooms and a delicious fruit. The fruit of this plant is tasteless full of seeds. 

Native Americans crushed the berries and made a mask for improving facial 

complexion. They also made a tea from the roots that was helpful in relieving 

diarrhea and stomach cramps6

. The name comes from the plant being introduced from India. Found in disturbed areas and along trails. Typically blooms 

between April and June.

Pale Touch-me-not / Jewelweed / Silverweed (Impatiens pallida). The plant 

gets the name Jewelweed for the way dew beads up around the edge of the 

leaves as the dew refracts light in colorful ways. The name Silverweed comes 

from the leaf color upon submersion in water. The Touch-me-not name comes 

from the sensitive triggering of seeds from the ripe seed capsule. Early settlers found the sap of both of the common Touch-me-nots as a remedy for 

skin rashes, Poison-Ivy and Nettle stings1

. Prefers wet shady areas like 

Colson Lane and lower Greenleaf. Typically blooms between June and October.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

27

Trout Lilly / Dogtooth Violet (Erythronium americanum). Common in rich 

woods from Nova Scotia to Alabama. The Trout Lily got its name from the 

resemblance the mottled leaves have to trout and that the flower blooms during trout season. Other common names include Faun Lily because the leaves 

resemble fawn ears; Adder’s Tongue because of the long extruded stamens6. 

The name Dogtooth Violet comes from the roots look like a dog’s teeth1

. 

Blooms between February and May.

Tulip Poplar / Yellow Poplar / Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera). A large, 

handsome, and commercially important tree easily recognized by its characteristic leaf shape and the brilliant orange and green tulip-like flowers. A native of the eastern United States, they are typically found in rich or damp 

woods. Introduced into Europe from Virginia by the earliest colonists. Very 

tall trees with massive trunks existed when the settlers arrived but were cut for 

the valuable soft wood. Pioneers hollowed out single logs to make long light 

weight canoes4

. Typical blooming period is from April through May.

Wood Betony / Forest Lousewort (Pedicularis Canadensis). The name 

Lousewort comes from England where it was believed that cattle grazing on or 

among the European Lousewort became covered with lice1

. Native Americans used the plant as an anti-inflammatory. It is semi-parasitic and gets 

some of its nourishment from the roots of other plants3

. A sizable colony can 

be found on Colson Lane. It typically blooms between April and June.

Common Yellow Wood Sorrel (Oxalis europaea). Sorrels are easy to recognize. The sour taste of the heart-shaped leaves is distinctive and may be 

used in salads, but sparingly because of the oxalic acid content3

. This plant 

can be found along trails, roadsides and grassy areas. It typically blooms 

between May and October. 
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

28

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana). A shrub or small tree with small yellow 

flowers that typically bloom from October through December. This tree can be 

found in moist soil as an understory of hardwood forests like the lower 

Greenleal and Gibson Gap trails. This tree can also be seen in the parking lot 

of the Visitor Center in Middlesboro, KY. The aromatic extract of leaves, 

twigs, and bark is used in mildly astringent lotions and toilet water. A myth of 

witchcraft held that a forked branch of Witch Hazel could be used to locate 

underground water4

.

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberose). This plant is also known as chigger 

weed and pleurisy root. Many Native American tribes used the roots of this 

plant for many different purposes including rheumatism, bronchitis and as a 

poultice for wounds and sores. Native Americans and pioneers used an extract of the root to treat pleurisy and other pulmonary ailments1

. Warning! 

This plant contains poisonous materials in the stem and roots. Do not eat!3

 A 

variable milkweed. The stems are hairy and not milky when broken. Found in 

fields and dry open soil, roadsides near campground and fields. Blooms from 

June through September.

Spotted Touch-me-not / Jewelweed / Silverweed (Impatiens capensis) The 

plant gets the name Jewelweed for the way dew beads up around the edge of 

the leaves as the dew refracts light in colorful ways. The name Silverweed 

comes from the leaf color upon submersion in water. The Touch-me-not name 

comes from the sensitive triggering of seeds from the ripe seed capsule. 

Early settlers found the sap of both of the common Touch-me-nots as a remedy for skin rashes, Poison-Ivy and Nettle stings1

. The sap has been proven 

to have anti-fungal properties. It can be found in shaded wetlands like the 

lower part of Greenleaf and Colson Lane. Typically blooms between June and 

October.

Red Columbine (Aquilegia Canadensis). Often found on steep slopes and 

prefers a dry and open environment. Another common name is 

“meetinghouse” apparently referencing the “heads in a circle” that the spurs 

suggest6

. The entire plant was used by ancient herbalists to cure a variety of 

ailments. The juice was used to cure jaundice, abdominal pains and swelling 

of the liver. It was also used to treat measles and smallpox. Native Americans used the seeds to make a fragrant perfume by crushing or chewing them 

into a paste1

. Blooms April through July.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

29

Southern Red Trillium (Trillium sulcatum). Native Americans believed the 

different trilliums had qualities that would aid reproductive abilities. White was 

believed to aid women and the red trilliums were believed to aid men. Some 

Native Americans believed a love potion could be made by boiling the root 

and putting it in the food of the desired love6. Note that the sepals are usually 

purple tinged and grooved at the tip. A nice stand of this plant lives in the rich 

moist woods on the lower portion of Greenleaf. It typically blooms between 

April and May.

Adder’s Tongue Fern (Ophiglosssum pycnostichum). This unusual, and perhaps uncommon, fern can be found on the lower portion of Gibson Gap Trail 

as well as the lower leg of the Honey Tree Spur Trail. The single curled leaf 

first appears in March and April then unfurls to reveal the spore bearing tissue. 

The leaf and spore bearing tissue are unique and distinct from all other living 

ferns. The spores germinate and grow very slowly, taking several years to 

form a sexually mature fern. The genus name means snake tongue in Greek. 

One species of this genus has bee found to have 1,260 chromosomes, the 

highest of any known living organism7

.

Common Alumroot (Heuchera Americana). The roots of this plant were dried 

and ground to a powder and used as an external remedy for sores, wounds, 

ulcers and even cancers1

. Found on wooded shady slopes and rocks. It typically blooms between April and June.

Cranefly Orchid (Tipularia discolor). This plant 

has no leaves at the time of blooming. Instead, 

it sends up a solitary green on one side and beet 

red on the other side leaf in the late fall that remains until early summer. The flower stalk appears in late July or early August and blooms in 

August. It prefers no specific type of soil but, 

prefers well shaded and mature woods. The 

name comes from the way the flower resembles 

the crane fly. This plant has been seen on most 

trails in the park.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

30

Common Greenbriar / Dammit Briar (Smilax rotundifolia). This plant has 

long been a food source. It has been eaten raw or cooked. The young tender 

leaves are an excellent source of vitamin C. It gets its common names from 

the green stems and tenacious strong flattened thorns. It is found on most 

trails and prefers open woods, roadsides and waste places. The small yellowgreen flowers often appear between May and June.

Indian Cucumber Root (Medeola virginiana). As the name implies, Native 

Americans dug and ate the white tuber as a cucumber substitute. It was also 

by early settlers as a diuretic. Sorcerers once thought this plant possessed 

rare medicinal properties1

. Birds are attracted to the dark blue berries. At the 

time of fruiting, the lower half of the leaves below the berries turns bluish purple. It is found in moist woodlands like the lower portion of Greenleaf and Gibson Gap trails. It typically blooms between May and June.

Jack In The Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum). The 

cooked or dried fruit and peppery root were important foods for Native Americans and early 

settlers. When fresh, all parts of the plant contain a severely acrid juice. The action upon the 

mouths of school aged children who often 

played the trick of inviting bites of the fruit and 

roots on each other, gave rise to the common 

name “memory root” as one never forgets the 

effects1

. Native Americans used the powdered 

root on top of the head and temples as a headache remedy1

. Warning! The raw root contains 

calcium oxalate crystals which causes the intense burning sensation in the mouth. Boiling does not remove 

this property, only thorough drying can do so3

. The color can vary from pale green to dark purple with green 

stripes. It can be found in damp woods like the Greenleaf Trail. Blooming period is between April and June.

Little Brown Jugs (Hexastylis arifolia). This is 

one of several types of wild ginger found in the 

park. The flowers are often overlooked because 

they bloom beneath the leaf cover from the previous fall. The flowers are designed to be pollinated by beetles living beneath the leaf cover in 

rich moist woods. It can be found on the lower 

portion of the Greenleaf Trail. The small brown 

flowers begin to bloom between March and 

April.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

31

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum). A pretty fern on long stalks that may 

be 20 inches or more tall. This plant prefers rich shaded soil, often in ravines 

or beneath moist rocky banks5

. It can be found on the lower portion of the 

Greenleaf trail. 

Yellow Mandarin / Fairy Bells (Disporum lanuginosum). This inconspicuous down facing yellow-green flower is very easy to overlook, but is 

very common on most trails through rich woods 

in the park. It typically blooms between April 

and May.

Early Meadow Rue (Thalictrum dioicum). The roots of this plant were used by 

early settlers as a purgative and diuretic and used to treat sciatica, snake bite 

and to make spruce beer1

. This flower blooms in the early spring just as the 

trees are leafing out. The species name alludes to the fact that the male and 

female flowers are on separate plants, and is derived from a Greek word 

meaning two households3

. This plant prefers rich moist ravines like the Skylight Cave trail. It typically blooms between April and May.

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba). It was first recorded on this continent by the DeSoto expedition in the lower Mississippi Valley in 1541. It prefers moist soils 

and floodplains within deciduous forests. The fruit is edible, soft yellowish 

pulp that has the flavor of custard. Typical blooming period is March through 

April.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

32

Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum). Prefers dry woods and slightly acid 

soil. The name comes from the fact that a cross section of the stem where the 

leaf stalk joins the rootstock resembles King Solomon’s royal seal. The 

Greeks believed the plant aided in the healing of broken bones and King Solomon was the king of magic and healing. Native Americans crushed the roots 

to make flour or used them whole to make pickles. Crushed root when applied to a wound would take the black and blue away6

. It prefers dry to moist 

woods and can be found on the upper portion of Greenleaf trail near the amphitheater. Blooms between May and June.

Lily Leaved Twayblade (Liparis liliifolia). The stem is usually no more than 6 

inches tall. The nearly transparent petals and the subtle purple coloring make 

this a well hidden plant often overlooked. It inhabits open, mixed woods in 

either acid or basic situations. Plants frequently found along roadsides and 

well drainage areas. Occasionally it can be found near streams and wet 

meadow situations.2 It typically blooms between May and July.

Variable Leaf Heartleaf, Wild Ginger (Hexastylis hetrophylla). This is one of 

several types of wild ginger found in the park. The flowers are often overlooked because they bloom beneath the leaf cover from the previous fall. The 

flowers are designed to be pollinated by beetles living beneath the leaf cover. 

This plant belongs to the birthwort family as it has long been associated with 

childbirth. Mountain women often used the root to ease the aches and pains 

during pregnancies. Native American women used the root in a tea as a contraceptive. It was also used to treat whooping cough and a variety of ills6

. 

This plant is common throughout the park including the Greenleaf Nature trail. 

It typically blooms between April and May. 

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa). This is a twining vine that can be greater than 

six feet in length. It has heart-shaped leaves in whorls of 4 to 7. Male and 

female plants occur on different plants. The male inflorescence is widely 

branched with 1-4 tiny flowers at each node. The female spikes are 2-4 

inches long with solitary small white flowers at each node. It grows in moist 

woods throughout the park, including Greenleaf and Gibson Gap trails. It typically blooms between May and August.
Wildflowers of Wilderness Road Campground, Green Leaf Nature Trail and Vicinity

3/20/2007

Photos and Text by John W. Graves

33

************************************************

Bibliography

1

 Coffey, Timothy, The History and Folklore of North American Wildflowers, Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, NY, 

1993

2

 Bentley, Stanley L, Native Orchids of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, The University of North Carolina Press, 

Chapel Hill, NC, 2000 

3

 Niering, William A. and Olmstead, Nancy C., The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers, Alfred 

A Knopf, New York, NY, 1979 

4

 Little, Elbert L., National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees Eastern Region, Alfred A Knopf, NY, 

1980

5

 Cobb, Boughton, A Field Guide to the Ferns and Their Related Families, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA, 

1963

6

 Martin, Laura C. Folklore of Southern Wildflowers Décor Master Company, Decatur, GA 1978

7

 Barnes, Thomas G. and Francis, Wilson, Wildflowers and Ferns of Kentucky, The University Press of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 2004

8

 Carmen, Jack B., Wildflowers of Tennessee, Highland Rim Press, Tullahoma, TN, 2001