The Beauty of Travel in NC

WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHS

D. Ellen Kincer

While you’re out enjoying all the waterways and roadways NC has to offer this summer, take a look around and notice all the plants that call the river banks home. You will likely find beauty unmeasured and see things you never noticed before. From the perch of your inner tube or kayak, take the relaxing pace, drifting on the current of nature at the pace of the day.

Look for some of these native favorites.

Yadkin River Goldenrod

Apparently this one particular variety of golden rod known as the Yadkin River Goldenrod or Solidago plumosa, is a very rare type of Solidago. It can only be found growing on the banks of the Yadkin River in NC along a 2.5-mile stretch. This is the only population of this variety currently known. It grows in the cracks of the mafic bedrock in the area and in the cracks of the concrete at the base of the Narrows Dam and the Falls Dam. It is probable it needs to grow where competition is sparse. Due to its rarity, please do not pluck, pull, cut or dig these gems. There is plenty of Solidago around in the wild or at your local garden center. LEAVE THESE PROTECTED PLANTS WHERE THEY ARE OR YOU MAY BE PROSECUTED! Definitely not the way to spend your vacation.

Swamp Milkweed

This is a favorite of the monarch butterfly and several other species of butterflies. While this species of milkweed is quite prominent there are many different varieties to choose from. Milkweed in general is the plant of choice for monarch butterflies to lay their eggs so when the young caterpillars have hatched, they eat the milkweed plant until they are ready to make their chrysalis and molt into a beautiful butterfly. As the name suggests, the swamp milk weed can be found in low lying areas along the river banks and beside ponds. As I said before, there are many different kinds of milkweeds: 16 of those types are native to NC. Some of these varieties may be difficult to find in cultivation, meaning your native plant nurseries and garden centers may not have them for purchase. Joe Pye Weed is fairly easy to find at garden centers that offer native plants.

Black Eyed Susan

Though the black-eyed Susan is prone to root rot if grown in soggy soil, you will often see them growing along the top edge of a river bank or along the roadside while traveling through our state. Recognized as the state flower of NC, it is a native and also recommended as a staple in most pollinator gardens. Bees and butterflies love them for the pollen and birds for the seeds in the fall.

Just like your mother, Mother Nature takes care of all of her family equally. Most of these beautiful flowers or some variation can be found in garden centers or plant nurseries across the state. I recommend including flower watching in your travels along our waterways and our roadways. When you spot a beautiful subject, photograph it and visit your local garden center to finds out if you can purchase it or a variation of it. Please leave nature in its place. As tempting as it may be to dig or pull up things you find, forego the temptation. Even collecting seeds from these plants takes away from natures food supply for the wildlife and repopulation of the plant species. Enjoy your travels, soak up the beauty of our state. When you return home, as always, HAPPY GARDENING!

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