Magnolia Family The Tulip Poplar is the State Tree of Tennessee. Note the magnolia-like pistils and stamens in the flower. In the fall the hard center develops into seeds. The flowers, leaves and twigs are often found on the ground under the tree; for some reason squirrles nip the twigs off. I found this one at Piney River State Natural Area. Perennial - Tree Where seen:Oak Ridge Greenways, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Frozen Head SP, Piney River Trail, Big South Fork NRRA, Pickett SP, Warriors' Path SP
Violet Family These violets have not only the colorful, easily seen flowers, but also "cleistogamous" --- closed, self-pollinating --- flowers that grow near the ground. The seed pods of these flowers later mature, split open and throw their seeds. These were blooming in the woods in Oak Ridge. Perennial Where seen:Oak Ridge Greenways, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Haw Ridge, Ijams Nature Center, widespread
The leaves look similar to morning glories, but the plant is in the Yam family. This plant is a nasty weed that chokes out native plants, it is causing serious problems in the Smoky Mountains. I photographed these plants at the University of Tennessee Arboretum. The plant reproduces by small brown, potato-like tubers on the vine. Perennial Where seen:Oak Ridge Greenways, University of Tennessee Arboretum, Great Smoky Mountains NP
