Tom Harrington finished his volunteer work in Cades Cove on May 16 and then hiked on the Rich Mountain Loop Trail (B TO) to the John Oliver cabin. This is his report on what he saw blooming.
Large Bluet
Beard Tongue- Beard Tongue – Few – At or just beyond peak bloom.
- Blackberry – Some – Just beyond peak bloom.
- Blue Eye Grass – Few – At peak bloom.
- Daisy Fleabane – Many – Mostly past peak bloom.
- Golden Ragwort – Many – At peak bloom.
- Hawkweed – Some – Mostly at peak bloom.
- Hispid Buttercup – Some – At peak bloom.
- Large Bluet – Many – At peak bloom.
- Miami Mist – Many – Mostly at peak bloom.
- Mountain Laurel – Some – Slightly past peak bloom.
- Partridge Berry – Many – At peak bloom.
- Red Clover – Few – At peak bloom.
- Star Grass – Some – At peak bloom.
- White Clover – Few – Mostly at peak bloom.
- Wild Comfrey – (1) – Past peak bloom (almost gone).
- Yellow Wood Sorrell – Few – Close to peak bloom.
Tom Harrington is a regular hiker who reports on wildflowers in the Smokies.