Saxifrage Family Height: To 56" April 24, 2005 This plant is often found growing on rocky cliffsides. It has mottled leaves with stiff hairs. The flower stalks can grow up to 56 inches tall. See following photo for close-up of flowers. Perennial Where seen:Piney River, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Warriors' Path SP, Haw Ridge
Mustard Family Aquatic Height: up to 6" April 24, 2005 If you find this plant growing in a clean stream, you could pick the leaves and mix them in a salad, they have a sharp peppery taste. Water cress is in the Mustard family. Perennial Where seen: Oak Ridge, University of Tennessee Arboretum, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Warriors' Path SP
Violet Family Sweet White Violets are "stemless" violets; the stems come directly from the roots instead of from the plant stem. I liked the way these plants grew from a crack in this boulder at Frozen Head State Park in April. Note the reddish stems of the flowers and leaves. Perennial Where seen:Frozen Head SP, Great Smoky Mountains NP
