Anybody see those blossoms (orange) along the trail in Georgia?

[SomeCallMeTim]

I hiked a section of the trail in early May (Springer Mtn to Woody Gap) and saw some beautiful orange blossoms along the trail. I took some pictures, but lost my camera (:P).

The trees they grew from were off the trail (mostly), but the trees they grew from were non-descript. Anyone get a picture of these, or do you know what they could be called?

I've tried a search and come across red azalea rhododendron, and I don't think that was it - as it seemed to come from a spindly tree that was over my head (I'm 6' 4") and did not present blossoms in a bush.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,

SomeCallMeTim

[Elder]

We call them wild azalea..bright orange.

[Trailweaver]

They are called flame azaleas.
If you are interested in furthering your knowledge of the wildflowers of the AT, may I suggest "Wildflowers of the Appalachian Trail" by Leonarde M. Adkins. The photography was done by Joe and Monica Cook (who are friends of mine) and it won a national award for photography the year it was published. It is an excellent reference book to have.

[Philetus]

The other possibility may be trumpet vines (http://www.beginner-gardening.com/images/trumpetvine.jpg). i did that section in late may, and they had all fallen to the trail; it looked like we'd missed the high season by about a week.

[emerald]

http://www.tjhsst.edu/~dhyatt/azaleas/ (http://www.tjhsst.edu/~dhyatt/azaleas/)

See also USDA Plants Rhododendron (http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=RHODO) and Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center flame azalea (http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=RHCA4) for more information.

[scope]

Yes, flame azaleas, its a shrub that grows to small tree proportions, especially in the woods where it fights for light. Like you said, sort of gangly and non-descript except for the blossoms.

[ASUGrad]

We call them wild azaleas as well. I have some on my property

[SomeCallMeTim]

Thanks everyone - Trailweaver, I will look for that book. emerald, I think I found it on one of the links you provided: http://www.tjhsst.edu/~dhyatt/azaleas/azalea.45.jpg

Flame Azalea - excellent!

You are fortunate if you have those on your property ASUGrad, they are absolutely beautiful growing in a green environment, under a green canopy!!

[SomeCallMeTim]

Actually it looks a lot like this:

http://www.fossweb.com/CA/modules3-6/Environments/activities/organismdatabase/oimages/pgfazl02.jpg

[Dogwood]

Flame Azalea.

Quite a sight coming across a tunnel of orange Flame Azaleas and magenta Catawba or Rosebay Rhododendrons in bloom at the same time.

Throw in some Catalpas, Pawlonia(large leaved Princess Tree, non-native), Silver Magnolia, Cucumber Magnolia, Mountain Laurel, Halesia(Carolina Silverbell). Florida(native) Dogwood, asst lilies and so many other native wildflowers and perennials and the display is simply amazing on the AT! What a treat!

Later into summer you might come across the Carolina Azalea white with a pinkish throat that is often fragrant.

Came across a 15ft x 15ft solid patch of yellow lady slipper orchids in bloom near Fontana Lake that was simply stunning. Largest patch of those type of orchids I ever had the pleasure to witness.

[Brushy Sage]

They are beautiful. As I explored the trails in the North Carolina Arboretum (Asheville) I found a stand of them in the woods. The trail goes close enough to view and appreciate them, but not too close.

[Dogwood]

Several nice walking trails in and adjacent to the Asheville Aboretum. The Arboretum is on the rise and has come far in adding to their collections in the short time they have been open. I expect only to see even greater things at the arboretum.

[Canada Goose]

Several nice walking trails in and adjacent to the Asheville Aboretum. The Arboretum is on the rise and has come far in adding to their collections in the short time they have been open. I expect only to see even greater things at the arboretum.

Agreed. I've been there on three previous occasions. The place is wonderful. This year, I was there before Trail Days, and they were doing more maintainance to a Rhoddodendrun walk just down the hill from the visitor centre (the main "dell" is a short hike further on). The blooms were marvelous!