Cornus florida
The understories of the cove hardwood forest contain dozens of species of shrubs and vines. Dominant species in the Smokies include the Eastern redbud ("Cercis canadensis"), flowering dogwood ("Cornus florida"), Catawba rhododendron ("Rhododendron catawbiense"), mountain laurel ("Kalmia latifolia"), and smooth hydrangea ("Hydrangea arborescens").