There are lots of ‘bloomers’ on Lake Jocassee now. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is still blooming in a big way but in some areas, they are beginning to fade. Gorge Rhododendron (Rhododendron minus) (smaller leaves than the Great Rosebay Rhododendron leaves) is also blooming in both the lower and upper parts of Lake Jocassee. One of my favorite coves is where Bad Creek falls flows into the southwest part of the lake, loaded with Mountain Laurel and Gorge Rhododendron. I was surprised to see a single Great Rosebay Rhododendron (R. maximum) blooming there as well, amidst lots of other Great Rosebays with big buds but no flowers. Typically, it blooms in June or so. The beautiful Mock Orange shrub is blooming in the upper Lake at Laurel Fork Falls as well as in some other areas. There are two native species of Mock Orange, Philadelphus hirsutus and P. inodorus. The first is considered rare and the latter ‘uncommon’ in the NW corner of SC. I did not collect the specimen to key it out, but I think it is P. inodorus. Keep your eye out for Mountain Indian Physic (Gillenia trifoliata), a member of the rose family. Kerry McKenzie sent me this picture of Indian Physic recently from Chimney Rock but it is also at Jocassee. Happy exploring!! ~David White, JLT guide


 

 

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