Did you know the Smokies were the wildflower capital of the Northern Hemisphere?
With almost 2000 species of flowering plants it’s almost always wildflower time in the Smokies!
Our mountains are ecologically equivalent to the Eastern Seaboard. From the boreal forest to swamp land similar
to Northern Florida, we have it all including almost all of the wildflowers you might find in the East.
More Than 1,500 Flowering Plants
There are more than 1,500 kinds of flowering plants that grow in the Great Smoky Mountains! This is more than any other American national park! The park is even sometimes referred to as the “Wildflower National Park.” Some of the most popular flowers in the park include trout lilies, crested dwarf irises, wild geraniums and flame azaleas. When you visit in the spring, you’ll have the chance to see all of these gorgeous flowers!
Spring Ephemerals First to Grow
Spring ephemerals are the first type of flower to grow. They typically can be seen from February through April in the park, then are gone by May or June. Trillium, violets and lady slipper orchids are just a few of the spring ephemerals that you will be able to find in the park!
The Smokies wildflower season starts in March and goes through the Summer. From blood roots in March to Bee Balm and Joe Pie Weed in late summer, you will be amazed by the fields of flowers.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity—over 1,500 kinds of flowering plants are found in the park, more than in any other North American national park. You can see where to find many of these flowers on the Species Mapper. In fact, the park is sometimes referred to as the “Wildflower National Park.” From the earliest hepaticas and spring-beauties in the late winter to the last asters in the late fall, blooming flowers can be found year-round in the park.