Glorious April in Big Ivy

No spring is complete without several April hikes in Big Ivy area of Pisgah National Forest in order to embrace the incredible diversity and abundance of spring ephemerals. Big Ivy has it all: rich coves, pine-oak-heath forest, rocky streamsides and chestnut oak forests. The catch? Most trails have recently been closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. The other issue is that you have to string together different trails to get much distance in Big Ivy, outside of the Big Butt trail. But this is a lovely area to meander and immerse yourself in the scenic views, as well as the wildflowers at your feet. This hike is about a 4 mile in and out- just perfect to document spring wildflowers. https://hikescape.org/southern-appalachian-spring-hiking/

Yellow mandarin is one of those wildflowers that is easily missed, as it is not the least bit showy. But if you take the time to look at the pendulous flowers that are peeking out from beneath the leaves, you will be hooked.

Large flowered bellwort is another favorite, with sunshine yellow flowers that droop below leaves that are perfoliate- or appear pierced by the stem. It is in the same family as Yellow Mandarin.

Trillium

Trillium is one of the most commonly encountered wildflowers in the Southern Appalachians. Though common, trillium presents diversity in its growth habit, as well as the colors of the flower as it progresses through its bloom cycle, developing more florid hues with age.

Here is a Large Flowered Trillium, that can also deepen to a dark pink tint with time. Its petals curve back towards the leaves, exposing the stamens to pollinators. It grows by rhizomes, which can completely cover the hillside, much to my delight. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/trillium_grandiflorum.shtml

Other sights to behold in Big Ivy

The frilled leaves of Dicentra species are always a welcome sight, including these Squirrel Corn blooms that are swinging below the stem, blowing in the wind and reaching for the sun.

This trail requires a slow pace to enjoy all the different wildflowers that could be missed if you are hurrying along. Pennywort deserves a closer look to appreciate the maroon stems and leaves, and brushy, compact form with flowers that range from white, to blush pink, and finally, pale violet.

It is always interesting to observe the bloom cycle of Hepatica, which can vary depending on the plant community and elevation. It is abundant in Big Ivy. This particular Hepatica is the acute-lobed species. We often encounter the round-lobed Hepatica as well. While I love the flowers, the leaves really distinguish this one, as they are present year-round. They present in a variety of striated patterns, from greens to deep bronze and burgundy.

Rue anemone is another spring ephemeral that grows low to the ground, and may escape notice. It is also called “windflower”, which is an apt description, considering how difficult it is to photograph these blooms if there is the slightest breeze!

Here is another wildflower in the same family as windflower. It also tries one’s patience when the wind is present. Upon close examination, it is beautiful, with dozens of small stamens below the purple stamens. It reminds me of a group of tasseled lanterns or long tentacles trailing beneath a jellyfish.

It is hard to describe this spring, in many ways. While the physical landscape has become even more important to our well-being and resilience, our social environment has drastically shifted in order to safeguard our physical health and well-being. There are so many lessons that we can glean from nature. Be well, my friends.