Bracted Plantain (Plantago aristata Michx.)

Plantaginaceae (Plantian Family) Synonym(s): Largebracted Plantain, Buckthorn Base Flower Color: WhiteReproductive Phenology: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov For more information about this plant, Click Here.

Showy Gentian (Gentiana decora Pollard)

Gentianaceae (Gentian Family) Synonym(s): Showy Gentian, Appalachian Gentian Base Flower Color: BlueReproductive Phenology: Sep, OctBloom Notes: Flowers may be blue, purple, violet, white, or white with blue, purple, or violet stripes. For more information about this plant, Click Here.

Dog Hobble (Leucothoe fontanesiana (Steud.) Sleumer)

Ericaceae (Heath Family) Synonym(s): Highland Doghobble, Drooping Leucothoe Base Flower Color: WhiteReproductive Phenology: Apr, May For more information about this plant, Click Here.

Striped Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata (L.) Pursh)

Ericaceae (Heath Family) Synonym(s): Striped Prince’s Pine, Spotted Wintergreen Base Flower Color: WhiteReproductive Phenology: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept, OctBloom Note: Sometimes mistaken for Pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellata (L.) W.P.C. Barton) For more information about this plant, Click Here.

Star Chickweed (Stellaria pubera Michx.)

Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family) Base Flower Color: WhiteReproductive Phenology: Apr, May, JunBloom Notes: Sepals are obtuse to acute, shorter than petals. For more information about this plant, Click Here. Similar Species: Tennessee Starwort (Stellaria corei Shinners)

Russian Princess (Lobelia × speciosa)

Campanulaceae (Bellflower Family) Lobelia × speciosa is a hybrid designation that covers plants developed from L. fulgens, L. cardinalis and L. siphilitica. Base Flower Color: MagentaReproductive Phenology: July to September For more information about this plant, Click Here.

Spring Ladies’ Tresses (Spiranthes vernalis Engelm. & A. Gray)

Orchidaceae (Orchid Family) Synonym(s): Spring Ladies’-tresses, Spring Lady’s Tresses Base Flower Color: WhiteReproductive Phenology: Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul (I have seen it as late as Sept.)Notes: It can be distinguished from other Spiranthes species by the pointed tips of the hairs on its inflorescence. For more information about this plant, Click Here and Here.

American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana Lour.)

Verbenaceae (Vervain Family) Synonym(s): American Beautyberry , French Mulberry Base Flower Color: White, Pink, PurpleReproductive Phenology: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept, Oct For more information about this plant, Click Here.

Beaked Corn Salad (Valerianella radiata (L.) Dufr.)

Valerianaceae (Valerian Family) Synonym(s): Beaked Cornsalad, Woods Corn-salad Base Flower Color: WhiteReproductive Phenology: Apr, May For more information about this plant, Click Here.

Greenbrier (Smilax bona-nox L. var. bona-nox)

Smilacaceae (Catbrier Family) Synonym(s): Sawbriar, Saw Greenbriar, Catbriar, Bullbriar, Stretchberry Vine Base Flower Color: Green, YellowReproductive Phenology: Apr, MayBloom Notes: My fellow hikers can attest to just how horrible a plant this is. I will carry scars for life! For more information about this plant, Click Here.