Spring Plants at Big South Fork

Known for its lower crowds, breathtaking overlooks, abundance of outdoor activities, and more affordable vacation rentals (than the Smokies), Big South Fork National Park is the place to be all year round. Springtime is no exception.

Visit Big South Fork during late winter and early spring and you’ll see these spring plants popping up:

Bright & Beautiful Bloodroot

Also known as Sanguinaria, Bloodroot is a cheerful little flower that looks much like a simplified daisy. You’ll first notice a red-colored base, which is where the plant gets its name. Past civilizations used the red sap of the plant as a natural dye. Bloodroot is part of the poppy family and is a short-lasting flower that stands about a foot tall.

A large curling leave encloses the white petals of the flower and will begin to unfold from March-May. You’ll notice their yellow stamens and 8-12 white oval-shaped petals as well. Bloodroot usually forms in colonies, making them easier to spot as they grow together each Spring.

Gorgeous Trout Lily

This native wildflower features two sets of maroon spotted leaves along with a single stalk. Trout lily features a single flower on top of the stem with yellow petals that bend backward. Six long brown stamens nod toward the ground as well.

Trout lily is a commonly found early spring wildflower and can appear in large colonies. The flower gets its name due to its coloring that is similar to the coloring of brown trout. You’ll find these early blossoms within the woods of the Big South Fork before the trees have begun to develop leaves.

Eager Star Chickweed

This perennial wildflower loves to hide within the Big South Fork forest. Star Chickweed prefers shaded areas where sunlight is available but still covered, making them perfect for finding along a hiking trail.

This small wildflower sits on top of light green stems that bloom early in the spring season. The tiny blooms are white and only about a half-inch in diameter. However, Star Chickweed blooms look like they have ten petals as each petal divides down the center. You’ll likely spot many blooms together in mid spring along the forest floor.

Keep an eye out for these beautiful spring blooms at the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. Their small but mighty color is a welcome sign that spring is on its way.