The Western region of North Carolina is home to a variety of native flowers, deciduous trees, evergreens, and shrubs. As we eagerly await the arrival of spring, taking note of the first blooms is a fun thing to do while strolling the streets of BooneCruising the Blue Ridge Parkway, taking a hike in Pisgah National Forest or hiking through Appalachian State University.
Native Flowers in Boone, North Carolina
Cercis
One of our favorite “early bloomers” is the Eastern Cercis, specifically “Hearts of Gold.” The pea-sized flowers of the Eastern Cercis emerge in early spring before the leaves arrive, covering the bare branches in garlands of pink.
Image of Rebecca Matthews of Pixabay
Trout Lily
Another beautiful flower that can be seen in early spring is the trout lily. Next time you are walking through the woods, look for this small but vibrant native flower. Trout lilies tend to grow in huge colonies that can completely cover the forest floor. Colonies can be hundreds of years old. It takes a long time for them to reach that size. When mature, a plant will develop two leaves and a beautiful yellow flower.
Dogwood
One of the most legendary and celebrated signs of spring is the flowering dogwood. This iconic native tree has deep roots in Appalachian history. Native Americans called this tree “arrowwood” and used its branches to make arrows for hunting large game. Early European settlers and pioneers used the strong bark and very hard wood to construct horse collars and flour mill gears.
The elegance and strength of this beloved plant are the subject of countless poems and spiritual symbolism. If the cardinal is North Carolina's signature bird, the flowering dogwood is its signature tree. Don't miss the first spring flowers that can be seen peeking through the emerging foliage in the forest.
Where to see flowers in Boone
Boone and the North Carolina Highlands You have a wide variety of opportunities to enjoy the beauty of these flowers that bloom in early spring. Here are some popular places where you can see flowers near Boone.
Bluff Mountain Nature Reserve
Bluff Mountain is home to over 400 species of plants, some of which are only found on Bluff Mountain, such as the reindeer lichen. There is no other place in the world to see it! It is located in the heart of the New River headwaters in Ashe County, North Carolina. The wildflowers are constantly changing and growing between April and October. Visitors can sign up for one of the scheduled hikes listed on the Bluff Mountain Preserve website for $15 per person or $150 per hike for a private hike. Kelly Clampitt, Ashe County Administrator, is the preserve contact at (email protected).
Daniel Boone Native Gardens
He Daniel Boone Native Gardens Located less than 5 minutes from downtown Boone, the garden features native trees and shrubs and over 200 species of wildflowers. It is open daily and donations of $2 are recommended for people 16 years and older. Unfortunately, animals are not allowed, except service animals.
Mustard Seed Market
If you are a local resident, take a trip to the Mustard Seed Market in the beautiful Blowing RockThe nursery has a large number of native plants that will brighten up any landscape or flowerbed.
If you are on King Street, make sure to come by the officeIn the next few weeks we will be decorating the front beds and planting some beautiful flowers!
