Sourwood foliage means fall is here

Wildflower Report – Ace Gap Trail (B to mile east of old campsite #7 – 25 September 2023

• Blue/purple Asters – Many – Mostly at peak bloom.
• Coreopsis – Few – Past peak bloom.
• Curtiss Milkwort – Few – Past peak bloom.
• False Fox Glove – Some – Mostly at peak bloom or just beyond peak bloom.
• Golden Rod – Many – Past peak bloom (number of varieties).
• Great Lobelia – Some – At peak bloom (all were small ones).
• Indian Pipe – Few – Well past peak bloom (about gone).
• Mountain Gentian – (1 stalk with buds).
• Southern Harebell – Some – Past peak bloom – small but beautiful.
• White Top Aster – Many – Mostly at peak bloom.

Southern Harebell

Blue Aster

Foliage Report – Ace Gap Trail (B to about 1 mile east of old campsite #7)

• Blue Berry – Some of the leaves are changing.
• Red Maple – Some red leaves on the ground (did not see red leaves on the trees).
• Sourwood – Many are changing – some red, some orange and some yellow.

Tom Harrington is a regular hiker who reports on wildflowers in the Smokies.