Violet Family April 24, 2005 These blue violets have unusually patterned leaves. I found these at Piney River State Natural Area. Perennial Where seen:Oak Ridge Greenways, Piney River SNA, Haw Ridge, Formerly known as: Viola triloba
Forget-Me-Not Family The leaves of this plant are large and quite fuzzy, very similar to the related (maroon-flowered) "Hounds Tongue." The large, round, flat seeds are hooked and can often be found on hikers' socks in the fall. A close look at the flower lets you know it is in the Forget-Me-Not Family. The flowers are usually a light blue, but they can be white. There were lots of these plants blooming at Norris Dam State Park on Mother's Day. Perennial Where seen:Norris Dam SP, University of Tennessee Arboretum, Haw Ridge Greenway, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Warriors' Path SP
Orchid These leaves are included in the "spring purple and green" section because at this time of year only the leaves are visible. The lower side of the leaf is a brilliant purple. The brown orchid flowers (see Summer: Woodland - Pink, Red, and Brown Flowers) resemble several craneflies on the stalk. The leaves are gone by the time the flowers appear in late summer. A close relative, Putty-root, has similar leaves, however the leaves are strongly ribbed with parallel white veins. These are common at Big South Fork in Campbell County. Perennial Where seen:Oak Ridge Greenways, Frozen Head SP, Big South Fork NRRA
