Rose Family April 16, 2005 This is the small white-flowered tree that is often seen along the roadsides and interstates in mid-April. It is an important source of fruit for wildlife in the fall. The flowers of the plum are similar to the Wild Cherry or Chokecherry, but they are larger and not in a long cluster. I found this tree blooming at the parking area of Haw Ridge. Flowers in the Rose family have numerous pistils and stamens. The pistils are the female parts of the flower, they are attached to the ovary, the seed-producing part. The stamen are the male parts and contain the pollen-producing anthers. Pollen must be transferred from one flower to another on a plant of the same type for seed production to occur. Perennial - Tree Where seen: Haw Ridge Greenway, Great Smoky Mountains NP
Violet Family The stems and leaves of this white violet are longer than the Sweet White Violet. The flowers bloom later too, which helps differentiate between the two. I found this blooming in a low, damp area along the Piney River Trail in early May. Perennial Where seen:Piney River Trail, Great Smoky Mountains NP
Violet Family This is a stemmed violet, it is a cream color, it is not pure white. This plant is not as tall as the Canada Violet and the older petals don't turn purple. Cream Violets grow in damp soil. I found these blooming in the Smokies. Perennial Where seen:University of Tennessee Arboretum, Warriors' Path SP