April in Asheville - North Carolina's Floral Odyssey

Asheville, North Carolina's unique variety of elevations and terrain make it home to an abundance of breathtaking floral life, and spring is the time when these blooms truly come alive. For the flower lover seeking a spring getaway, Asheville is an ideal place to visit. Or, for those already lucky enough to own a North Carolina mountain home, Asheville is a wonderful place to enjoy the spring.

At the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Asheville is a stone's throw from some of North Carolina's most stunning natural wonders. The mountains explode with color and beckon hikers, nature lovers, and avid followers of flora to wind along their trails.

What's in Bloom: Appalachian Mountain Plants

April opens its doors to some lovely species of flower. The painted trillium makes its debut this month, occurring in hemlock or Spruce-Fir forests and at high elevations. It is easy to spot due to its distinct red markings which contrast against stark white. The cercis, also known as the Eastern Redbud, is also in bloom. This species is a small tree, and it is quite pretty when its pink flowers have blossomed. In fact, it is often used as an ornamental plant in landscaping by people with North Carolina Mountain homes. In some parts of Southern Appalachia, the redbud's green twigs were used to season wild game, prompting locals to dub it the "spicewood tree." Rhododendron and iris are two of the more well known flowers in bloom in the Asheville area.

Perhaps the biggest treat for those who already own a piece of North Carolina mountain real estate, or visiting flower watchers, is catching the blossoming of two orchid species: yellow and pink ladyslippers. Both of these plants have been widely used medicinally, especially the yellow, which was used as a pain killer and sedative in the nineteenth century. Due to these flowers' rarity, harvesting is prohibited. Both of these plants can cause contact dermatitis if they touch the skin and are in bloom through June. Occasionally large clusters can be seen in one area, which makes for a stunning display.

Experience Appalachian Mountain History by Visiting these Scenic Natural Landmarks

There are countless options for North Carolina mountain real estate owners and Asheville visitors to experience. Whether you are seeking a hiking experience, or simply a scenic drive, there is no better place to hike than Craggy Mountain, right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is an area of high peaks and rock surfaces from which you can view the ridges of the Southern Appalachians. Its unique location, along with cool weather and exposed rock, make it the ideal habitat for many rare and endangered plants. There is an abundance of hiking trails from which you can view seasonal flora as well as beautiful sections of Asheville North Carolina real estate.

Anyone interested in Appalachian Mountain natural beauty will not want to miss Grandfather Mountain. This nature preserve is recognized internationally. You can watch wildlife such as bears, cougars and eagles in their natural habitats. At Grandfather Mountain, enclosures are built around the animals' actual habitats. There are hiking trails and picnic spots, including eleven trails which range in difficulty from a gentle stroll to an intense trek. Several local blooms can be viewed from these trails, including phacelia, yellow ladyslippers, pink ladyslippers, and painted trillium.

For an easy way to ensure you'll see the April blooms, head to the North Carolina Arboretum. This 434-acre public garden, located in south Asheville, boasts 65 acres of cultivated gardens and ten miles of forested trails. Guided tours are available. This April you will be sure to see iris, rhododendron, redbuds and daffodils. Another option is the ten acre Botanical Gardens at Asheville, whose mission is the preservation and display of the Southern Appalachians' native flora.

If you are short on time, you can catch a glimpse of April blooms without leaving your car. The Asheville area offers beautiful scenic drives. Take a fourteen mile drive along the French Broad Overview, a flat riverbed where you can view mountain laurel and other local wildflowers. Or drive through mountainous curves from the town of Black Mountain to Chimney Rock Park. After a beautiful drive, you can hike in Chimney Rock Park, where you can catch Indian paint brush, white irisette, and other wildflowers.

So, whether you are on foot or in a car, visiting or already own a coveted piece of Asheville North Carolina real estate, Asheville's April blooms are sure to please and renew the senses.