Rhododendron leaves curl in tightly during very cold weather. The morning I took this picture the temperature was in the mid-teens. Fortunately, it is just outside my front door, so I didn't have to go far! :)
Buttercup Family I found this plant blooming along a trail at Newfound Gap in the Smokies. The wind was blowing quite steadily when I took the picture. A man saw me aiming my camera and he asked what I was taking a picture of. When I answered, "That flower," he said, with a bit of disgust, "God Almighty, I thought you was takin' a picture of a 'bar'(bear)!" I didn't even try to explain about my website, I knew he wouldn't get it! :) Perennial Where seen: Great Smoky Mountains NP, Warrior's Path SP, Oak Ridge Formerly known as: Thalictrum polygamum (story)
Aster Family Rare - Endangered in TN This may not be the most "beautiful" of the highland wildflowers, but it is worth looking for due to its limited growing areas. This plant was growing on the trail to Andrews Bald in the Clingmans Dome area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the highest point in Tennessee at above 6600 feet in elevation. I photographed it in early July. It is a Composite flower, note the "Y" shaped pistils. Perennial Where seen: Great Smoky Mountains NP {Formerly known as: Cacalia rugelia; Senecio rugelia} map...
