Gentian Family Virgin Falls State Natural Area, DeRosset, TN May 31, 2009 I had seen these plants at Virgin Falls when Kenny and I hiked there at the beginning of May. They were in tight bud, nowhere near being ready to bloom. I sent photos of the plants to a botanist friend who told me they were American Columbo. Unfortunately, we were a little late to see them at their peak 4 weeks later. I did manage to find a few late-blooming flowers, such as this one. The plants area HUGE, up to 10 feet tall! I'm not sure what the fuzzy glands are on each leaf, and my book doesn't tell why they are there either.
Spring City, TN (Piney River Trail) May 26, 2008 I was photographing another flower when this one caught my eye. We have hiked the Piney River Trail numerous times at different times of the year, but this was the first time I had seen this flower blooming in the woods. In fact, it was the first time I had ever seen it! This makes #701 on this website and #2108 on my lifelist. I love finding a new flower to add to my list! :)
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