Photo Gallery of Tennessee Wildflowers

Editor: Cheryl Hiers
BlueShoe Nashville Travel Guide

Here's where and when to see wildflowers in Middle Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Notice regarding hikes: some hikes require advance registration. Phone the sponsoring organization or the leader listed to confirm the date, location, and time of hikes. Trips are rarely cancelled, but sometimes changes are unavoidable. Call ahead to make certain of the precise details of each hike and to assure yourself a spot.

Shooting Star
Dodecatheon meadia L.
Photographed in Beaman Park, Nashville, Tennessee on April 20, 2008

Woodland scene at Beaman Park, Nashville
Photographed on April 20, 2008

Warner Parks are among the closest and richest sites for wildflowers in Nashville. The Warner Park Nature Center will be conducting FREE wildflower hikes and programs this spring. Dates and locations to be announced. Please call (615-352-6299) to register for a hike. Visit the Warner Parks' webpage with schedules (the spring schedule is now online). See the Friends of Warner Park website for details on special events such as the Full Moon Pickin' Parties and volunteer opportunities.

Spring Hikes 2009

Thurs., Mar. 26, 9 a.m. to noon: Spring Wildflower Walk
Enjoy the beautiful spring woods, full of an amazing abundance of wildflowers. Learn folklore, identification, growing tips, herbal uses, and fun facts.
Leader: Deb Beazley. Call 615-352-6299 to register.

Sat., Mar. 28, 9 a.m. to noon: Spring Wildflower Walk
Enjoy the beautiful spring woods, full of an amazing abundance of wildflowers. Learn folklore, identification, growing tips, herbal uses, and fun facts.
Leader: Deb Beazley. Call 615-352-6299 to register.

Thursday, April 2, 9 a.m. to noon: Spring Wildflower Walk
Enjoy the beautiful spirng woods, full of an amazing abundance of wildflowers. Learn folklore, identification, growing tips, herbal uses, and fun facts.
Call 615-352-6299 to register.

Friday, April 3, 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.: Wildflowers a la Cart. Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway, highlighting spring wildflowers along the way. Leaders: Nature Center Staff & volunteers. Call 615-352-6299 to register.

Sat., April 4, 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.: Wildflowers a la Cart. Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway, highlighting spring wildflowers along the way. Leaders: Nature Center Staff & volunteers. Call 615-352-6299 to register.

Sat., April 4, 9 a.m. to noon.: Spring Wildflower Walk
Enjoy the beautiful spring woods, full of an amazing abundance of wildflowers. Learn folklore, identification, growing tips, herbal uses, and fun facts.
Leader: Deb Beazley. Call 615-352-6299 to register.

Sat., April 4, 9 a.m. to noon.: Warner Woolds Wildflowers
Join the naturalist at Deep Well trailhead in Percy Warner Park for a wildflower hike through the forest.
Leader: Heather Gallagher. Call 615-352-6299 to register.

Friday, April 10, 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.: Wildflowers a la Cart. Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway, highlighting spring wildflowers along the way. Leaders: Nature Center Staff & volunteers. Call 615-352-6299 to register.

Sat., April 11, 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.: Wildflowers a la Cart. Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway, highlighting spring wildflowers along the way. Leaders: Nature Center Staff & volunteers. Call 615-352-6299 to register.

Friday, April 17, 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.: Wildflowers a la Cart. Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway, highlighting spring wildflowers along the way. Leaders: Nature Center Staff & volunteers. Call 615-352-6299 to register.

Sat., April 18, 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.: Wildflowers a la Cart. Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway, highlighting spring wildflowers along the way. Leaders: Nature Center Staff & volunteers. Call 615-352-6299 to register.

Friday, April 24, 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.: Wildflowers a la Cart. Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway, highlighting spring wildflowers along the way. Leaders: Nature Center Staff & volunteers. Call 615-352-6299 to register.

Sat., April 25, 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.: Wildflowers a la Cart. Designed for those who may have trouble hiking the trails, guided cart tours will follow the Old Roadway, highlighting spring wildflowers along the way. Leaders: Nature Center Staff & volunteers. Call 615-352-6299 to register.

Warner and Beaman Park hikes are led by park naturalists, so you'll learn as you go. Call for more information and to reserve a spot: 352-6299. Warner Park Nature Center, 7311 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221. Note: You must reserve a place in order to participate in these hikes.

Spring 2009
Hikes to be announced
Unless otherwise noted, these hikes are led by Warner Park naturalists. Call for more information and to reserve a spot: 352-6299. Warner Park Nature Center, 7311 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221.

Radnor Spring Wildflower Hikes: see full schedule

April 2, 2009 5 p.m.: Colors of Radnor. What makes up the beautiful array of colors at Radnor? Let’s take a hike around the lake and open our eyes to what Radnor has to offer including the spring wildflowers and various animals. Meet at the Visitor Center. Ranger: Bridgers. Reservations open March 28. Please call 377-1281 to sign up.

April 23, 2009 3 p.m.: Wildflower Hike. Hike starting at the Spillway with the Ranger to find and identify wildflowers. Ranger: Bridgers. Reservations open April 18. Please call 377-1281 to sign up.

See Friends of Radnor Lake website for see full schedule.

Call 615-377-1281 for more information and to sign up for free hikes. Reservations are required for hikes because of limited space.

March 28, 2009, 10 a.m. Central Time: Taylor Hollow Field Trip. One of the few significant stands remaining of the mesophytic forest in middle Tennessee. Expect to see Trillium pusillum, Blue eyed Marys (Colinsia verna) and many other spring ephemerals. Meet at Sycamore Spring Lodge and carpool to the preserve. Bring your lunch. For more information, call Michelle Haynes at 615-452-2337.

April 11, 2009, 10 a.m. Central Time: Stillhouse Hollow/Devil's Backbone in Maury and Lewis Counties. Meet at parking lot at Stillhouse Hollow State Natural Area. Bring your lunch. For more information, call Bart Jones at 901-726-6891.

May 2, 2009, 10 a.m. Eastern Time: Cumberland Trail in Campbell County. Meet at Shoney's in Caryville, TN. Bring water and your lunch, along with note pad and pencil. For more information, call Dennis Horn at 931-461-0262.

May 16, 2009, 10 a.m. Eastern Time: Signal Point to Rainbow Lake, Middle Creek Gorge, Signal Mountain. Meet at Signal Point Overlook on Signal Point Boulevard. Bring water and your lunch. For more information, call David Lincicome or Andrea Bishop at 615-532-0431.

See web site for Tennessee Native Plant Society for contact information and more details on hikes.

April 4 & 5, 2009: The Fall Creek Falls Wildflower Pilgrimage features a variety of wildflower hikes, workshops, driving tours, and slideshows. Fall Creek Falls State Park is located in Pikeville, TN.
Call 423-881-5708 for more information. Finds may include Sweetshrub (Carolina Spice), Guyandotte Beauty, and Synandra.

May 2 & 3, 2009: Lady Slipper Weekend. Explore the world of native orchids. Join naturalists on a variety of hikes in search of the Pink Lady Slipper. Call 423-881-5708 for more information.

From its beginnings in East Nashville in the early 1920’s to its move to Cheekwood in 1969, Cora Howe’s wildflower garden is one of the highlights of Cheekwood from the middle of March to the middle of April.

Wildflower Wednesdays
Explore the Howe Wildflower Garden and learn about its history with one of Cheekwood’s expert gardeners.
April 1: Wildflower Wednesdays Standing Tour, 1:00 pm
April 8: Wildflower Wednesdays Standing Tour, 1:00 pm
April15: Wildflower Wednesdays Standing Tour, 1:00 pm
April 22: Wildflower Wednesdays Standing Tour, 1:00 pm
April 29: Wildflower Wednesdays Standing Tour, 1:00 pm

April 2: Howe Wild! Auction & Cocktail Supper in Botanic Hall. This event benefits the Howe Wildflower Garden and features one-of-a-kind plants in both a live and silent auction.

April 4: Native Plant Sale
Over 50 different varieties of wildflowers and native plants will be available to buy for one day only – 10am to 4pm! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to bring some new native beauties to your garden. Sponsored by The Garden Club of Nashville.

April 16:History of the Howe Wildflower Garden
Learn about the history and journey of one of Cheekwood’s most acclaimed gardens while enjoying a delicious lunch. From its beginnings in East Nashville in the early 1920’s to its move to Cheekwood in 1969 –this month marks the 40th year of Cora Howe’s exquisite garden at Cheekwood. After lunch, enjoy the Howe Wildflower Garden at the height of its blooming season with one of Cheekwood’s Botanical Garden staff.

April 25: Container Creations Wildflowers
Create your own eye-catching container of native plants and wildflowers. All plant material and supplies provided by Cheekwood.

April 29: Howe Wildflower 40th Anniversary Celebration
10:00 am Brief lecture on the history of the Howe Garden
1:00 pm Tour of the Wildflower Garden
Gingersnaps & Lemonade will be served after tour & before program in the Wildflower Garden.

For more wildflower and botanical events this spring, visit Cheekwood's website. Or call 615-356-8000 for more information and for admission fees.

Located at 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37205. 615.356.8000

Unique Cedar Glades Wildflower Celebration in its 32th year

May 1-2, 2009: The Elsie Quarterman Glade Festival (full schedule of activities available)

The Elsie Quarterman Glade Festival Elsie Quarterman is a weekend of nature study filled with workshops, lectures, hikes and field trips and is one of the few remaining natural ecosystem in Middle Tennessee, the Limestone Glades of the Central Basin.

Cedars of Lebanon State Park and the Center for Cedar Glade Studies at Middle Tennessee State University have collaborated to bring together the finest group of Ecologists, Botanists, and Naturalists in the country to present the beauty and uniqueness of the Glades in the spring.
This years gathering will also honor Dr. Elsie Quarterman who over the last 60 years has studied and directed scholarly work about the glades. Dr. Quarterman's work and efforts have also brought about a worldwide attention to the glade. She has also informed the public of the need for protection and appreciation of the glade areas.

All events are free and opened to the public and everyone is welcome.

Contact Cedars of Lebanon State Park for more information, 615-443-2769

Some of the rare and endemic plant species of the limestone glades, including Nashville Breadroot (Pediomelum subacaulis), can be seen during this festival.

Call for more information: 615-443-2769.
Cedars of Lebanon State Park is located at 328 Cedar Forest Road, Lebanon Park, 37090.

The knowledgeable Herbarium staff at the University of the South conduct a number of stellar wildflower hikes on the Cumberland Plateau during March and April. Some of the outstanding ones you shouldn't miss include BlueBell Island (replete with Virginia Bluebells), Shakerag Hollow on the Perimeter Trail at Sewanee, and Collins Gulf in South Cumberland State Park(this section is the only other local spot that rivals Shakerag Hollow for numbers and diversity of spring wildflowers).

Spring Hikes 2009

Sat., Mar. 21, 2009 1:30 p.m.: Early Spring Wildflowers in Shakerage Hollow
This hike is set for the day after the Vernal Equinox. Expect to see the beginning of the big show in Shakerag Hollow with the emergence of early spring ephemerals including bloodroot, trout lilies, and spring beauties. Meet at Green's View for this moderate-to-strenuous 2-mile walk that may include a steep rocky section of the trail. Hike leader: George Ramseur. For more information, please call Yolande Gottfried at 931-598-3346.

Sat., March 28, 2009, 10 a.m. Central Time: Bluebell Island on the Elk River. Join the South Cumberland Regional Land Trust for their annual Bluebell Island Ramble. The island is regionally famous for its abundance of wildflowers, particularly Virginia bluebells. For more information about meeting place and details of the hike, please call Yolande Gottfried at 931-598-3346.

April 18-19, 2009: See 2009 website--Trails & Trilliums: A Celebration & Sale of Native Plants: The sixth “perennial” Trails & Trilliums, a celebration and sale of native plants, will be held on the St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School (SAS) campus with events for wildflower enthusiasts, gardeners, hikers, and families. The events will feature a native plant sale, workshops and speakers, guided walks, hikes in Shakerag Hollow, a wildflower art exhibit, and Kids & Kritters events for young naturalists. Trails & Trilliums, which is a project of the SAS Parents’ Council, is committed to raising awareness about protecting and enjoying native plants. Please see website for details on admission fees and times.

Sat., April 25, 2009, 1:30 p.m. Central Time: Shakerag Hollow wildflower walk, led by Mary Priestley. Meet at Green's View parking lot (past the golf course). 2 miles, moderate to strenuous, with one fairly challenging incline. For more information, please call Yolande Gottfried at 931-598-3346.

Sat., April 26, 2009, 10 a.m. Central Time: Collins West. Led by Mary Priestley. Meet at the Collins West trailhead, just beyond the Swiss-Memorial school in Gruetli-Laager. Bring lunch and extra water. 5 miles. Strenuous. For more information, please call Yolande Gottfried at 931-598-3346.

Sat., May 2, 2009, 1:30 p.m.. Central Time: Tom Pack Falls. Led by Yolande Gottfried. This trail in the Franklin-Marion State Forest is one of the few spots in this area where Catesby's trillium can be found. The wild azaleas may also be in bloom. Meet at the Forest Ranger's headquarters building on TN Highway 156 (South Pittbrugh Highway). 2 miles. Moderate. For more information, please call Yolande Gottfried at 931-598-3346.

Note from the Sewanee Herbarium's newsletter: wear appropriate shoes on all these walks. Risks involved in hiking include physical exertion, rough terrain, forces of nature, and other hazards not present in everyday life. Picking flowers and digging plants are prohibited in all of the above-mentioned natural areas. For more information, please call Yolande Gottfried at 931-598-3346.

April 22 to April 26, 2009
Online registration opens on 03/09/2009 at 9 AM Eastern Time (ET) and will close on 04/13/2009 at 4 PM ET.

This is Mecca for wildflower lovers: the variety of species and the abundance of native plants in bloom during this week of well-conducted hikes will leave the wildflower enthusiast in awe. Travelers come from around the world to participate.

"The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is an annual seven-day event in Great Smoky Mountains National Park consisting of a variety of wildflower, fauna, and natural history walks, motorcades, photographic tours, art classes, and indoor seminars. Most programs are outdoors in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while indoor offerings are held in various venues throughout Gatlinburg, TN."

This festival attracts botanists (amateur and professional) from all over the country; you should visit the web site, review the hike schedule, and be prepared to reserve your spot via web registration. The program of hikes is online.

Tennessee Wildflower Hikes by location (Photo Galleries):

April 4, 2009: Taylor Hollow Part One, Sumner County

March 28, 2009: Taylor Hollow Part One, Sumner County
March 28, 2009: Taylor Hollow Part Two, Sumner County

March 1, 2009: Percy Warner Park, Nashville

April 20, 2008: Beaman Park, Nashville

April 5, 2008: Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail Part One, Ashland City
April 5, 2008: Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail Part Two, Ashland City

March 30, 2008: Percy Warner Park, Nashville

March 30, 2008: Edwin Warner Park, Nashville

February 17 , 2008: Mossy Ridge Trail in Percy Warner Park, Nashville

July 15 , 2007: Roan Mountain Cloudland Trail
July 15 , 2007: Roan Mountain Highlands

April 21 , 2007: Standing Stone State Park Part One, Overton County
April 21 , 2007: Standing Stone State Park Part Two, Overton County

Sept. 17 , 2006: Beaman Park, Davidson County

Sept. 16, 2006: Kelly Creek Seeps, Williamson County, TN

July 15 , 2006: Roan Mountain (Tennessee-North Carolina stateline)

Apr. 28 , 2006: Sevier County Hike, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Mar. 18 , 2006: Mossy Ridge Trail, Percy Warner Park, Nashville

Apr. 27, 2003: Abrams Falls Trail, Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mts. National Park

Apr. 26, 2003: Great Smoky Mts. National Park

Apr. 25, 2003: Chimneys Trail, Great Smoky Mts. National Park

Apr. 25, 2003: Courthouse Rock hike, Great Smoky Mts. National Park

Apr. 24, 2003: Bud Ogle Nature Trail, Great Smoky Mts. National Park

Apr. 24, 2003: Sugarland to Ash Hopper Branch Trail, Great Smoky Mts. National Park

Apr. 19, 2003: Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Lebanon, TN
Apr. 18, 2003: Beaman Park, Nashville, TN
Apr. 12, 2003: Standing Stone State Park, near Livingston, TN
Apr. 05, 2003: Shakerag Hollow, Perimeter Trail, University of the South, Sewanee, TN
Apr. 03, 2003: Mossy Ridge Trail, Percy Warner Park, Nashville, TN
Mar. 29, 2003: BlueBell Island & Collins Gulf in Savage Gulf Wilderness Area, South Cumberland State Park
Mar. 28, 2003: Mossy Ridge Trail, Percy Warner, Nashville, TN
Mar. 22, 2003: Radnor Lake State Park, Nashville, TN
Mar. 20, 2003: Mossy Ridge Trail, Percy Warner Park, Nashville, TN
Mar.15, 2003: Long Hunter State Park, Lebanon, TN