Parsley Family April 24, 2005 Look for this plant on the Cumberland Plateau. It looks much like the Smooth Meadow Parsnip (next picture), however the leaves are softer and more deeply notched. Perennial Where seen:Frozen Head SP, Piney River Trail, Haw Ridge Greenway, Great Smoky Mountains NP
Parsley Family The flowers of this plant is are much like the Hairy Meadow Parsnip, but the leaves are different. The leaves are smooth, shiny, and not as toothed. As the species name "trifoliatum" indicates, the upperleaves are composed of three leaflets. The Meadow Parsnips are in the Parsley or Carrot Family. I found these blooming at Frozen Head in early May. Perennial Where seen:Frozen Head SP, Ijams Nature Center
Barberry Family This is not a common wildflower, it is usually found as a garden escape. Mine came from a friend's yard 24 years ago. The "grape" in the name comes from the small juicy fruits that appear in the fall. The pretty yellow clusters of flowers can bloom as early as mid-January. On a warm winter day honeybees may be seen foraging for nectar. The stiff leaflets are sharp and spiky like holly. I have been jabbed more than once when cleaning up dead leaves below the plant! Ouch! Perennial - Shrub Where seen: Oak Ridge, Knoxville
