It was another wonderful day with Gary.
We were a small group (because of the limit of group size in designated Wilderness areas) but our enthusiasm for this beautiful area with its diversity of plant life was huge.
The walk was spectacular: from the Table Rock parking area through pine-oak/heath forest/woodland, chestnut oak forest to the low-elevation rocky summit at The Chimneys. These plant communities are fire adapted and maintained with recurrent burns. We were heartened to see both of the federally listed plants at the summit: Mountain Golden Heather, Hudsonia montana, and Heller’s Blazing Star, Liatris helleri. We helped Gary with an inventory of the Liatris; the final count was more than 100 plants!
As usual, we were overwhelmed by Gary's knowledge and enthusiasm - and his ability to challenge us to be better botanists.
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Fly Poison |
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The Group |
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Rhododendron regrowth after burn |
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Large Leafed Aster |
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Tapestry with Indian Cucumber Root |
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Nancy |
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View of Table Rock at lunch
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Fetterbush
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Corydalis sempervirens, Rock Harlequin
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Chinquapin
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Chimney |
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Chimney |
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Hudsonian montana |
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Chimney |
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Liatris helleri
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Here is a link to a pdf of the plant list.
Linville Plant List Aug 2015