Swamp Thistle; Cirsium muticum

Aster Family Aquatic I found this plant blooming at Frozen Head State Park in early September. This thistle has large, deeply cut leaves. It is not as spiky as other thistles. Biennial Where seen: Frozen Head SP

Beechdrops; Epifagus virginiana

Broomrape Family Great Smoky Mountains NP Sept. 16, 2007 This is one of those plants you have to look for closely to find blooming in the late summer and early fall. Beechdrops are parasitic on the roots of Beech trees, they are monoecious plants, this one is a female. Perennial Where seen: University of Tennessee Arboretum, Great Smoky Mountain NP, Frozen Head SP, Cherokee National Forest, Warriors' Path SP

Slender Gerardia; Agalinis tenuifolia

Snapdragon Family I found this beautiful, dainty pink wildflower growing in Big Ridge State Park in September. Annual Where seen: Great Smoky Mountain NP, Big Ridge SP, Warriors' Path SP

Indian Pipes; Monotropa uniflora

Heath Family These pink plants were an anomaly, they are normally pure white. I found these in Pickett State Park in early September. They reminded me of candy canes! (oddity)

Cardinal Flower; Lobelia cardinalis

Bluebell Family Aquatic Cardinal flower is a brilliant red, a favorite of hummingbirds. This plant likes to grow in damp areas, it is often found along creek banks. Perennial Where seen: Great Smoky Mountain NP, University of Tennessee Arboretum, Frozen Head SP, Oak Ridge Greenways

Beech Drops - whole plant