Aster Family (INN) Rank 3 These plants were brought to the New World by Europeans to be used as a food source. Chicory is a common roadside plant. These were found at Tremont in the Smokies in early July. Perennial Where seen: Oak Ridge, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Warriors' Path SP, widespread
Aster Family Chicory flowers bloom blue in the morning and turn white and close by evening. This plant was brought to North America by the European settlers as a food source. The dried, roasted, ground roots can be used as a coffee substitute. Perennial Where seen: Oak Ridge, Great Smoky Mountains NP, widespread
Cattail Family I photographed this cattail while the flower was still in its green stage. The yellow staminate flowers at the top of the spike are loaded with pollen, but the unfertilized green pistilate flowers have not yet turned brown. Cattails are important plants in wetlands; many animals utilize them for food and shelter. They also trap pollutants and silt to help clean water. Perennial Where seen: Oak Ridge Greenways, widespread
