By Guest Blogger, Paul Lightfoot, Grounds Supervisor for Taylor University/Botanist
Several of the tops of the Southern Appalachians are “balds.” This term describes an area that, while not above timber line, has few trees growing. Many believe that Native Americans or early settlers kept these areas “bald” for grazing of animals. Whatever the cause, when the southern Appalachians came under the protection of the National Park Service, the areas were no longer kept bare of trees. A few of our native azalea species began growing and hybridizing in these bare areas. Even though the trees are threatening to take over, there exist many beautiful azaleas on the balds.
Most famous for the azaleas is Gregory Bald, located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, and accessible via a trail beginning at Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountain National Park (you can download a trail map here). Many of the azalea plants on Gregory are 10 or more feet tall and wide, and produce a spectacular display of color during late June, most often around the 21st. Colors range from white to pink to orange and red, and all shades in between. Some are very fragrant.
Taylor University, in east-central Indiana, has taken on the task of reproducing many of these plants by growing seeds and cuttings from Gregory Bald and Copper Ridge. An azalea garden has been planted on campus containing close to 300 plants. Since Taylor is at a lower elevation, the plants are in full bloom right now rather that later this month. (The photos here are all from Taylor’s garden.)
Feel like taking a hike to see the azaleas? Travel to Cades Cove around the 21st, or go to Taylor University now, and take in all of the colors!
If you have more questions about the beautiful Smoky Mountain azaleas, leave the question in the comment section, and we’ll get Paul to answer it!
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