Cashew Family Learn how to identify this plant, it grows almost everywhere! All parts of the plant contain the rash-inducing oil, so it should be avoided. Remember the saying: "Leaves of 3, leave it be!" Many other plants have 3 leaflets too, so it is important to know the characteristics of Poison Ivy. The middle leaflet is on a long petiole (leaf stem), the 2 lower leaflets have very short petioles. The petioles (stems) of the lower leaflets are often a reddish color. The older vines are grayish-brown and hairy. Younger vines have smooth, light brown stems. In the fall the berries are a brownish-white. These were found in Oak Ridge. Perennial Where seen: Just about everywhere!
Phlox Family April 15, 2005 This Phlox spreads by above-ground runners called "stolons". The plants can form large mats which are quite colorful when they are in bloom. The petals are more round than the blue phlox. I found these blooming along the Schoolhouse Gap trail in the Smokies in late April. Some of the flowers were a light mauve color. Perennial Where seen:Great Smokies NP, Frozen Head SP, Great Smoky Mountains NP
Waterleaf Family March 27, 2005 This pretty purple flower with the mottled leaves is quite common in many spring woodlands. The flowers have orange anthers. Biennial Where seen:Oak Ridge Greenways, Norris Dam State Park, Piney River SNA
