Grand Floral Parade - Wildflowers along the Appalachian Trail

Latin name: Epigaea repens
Flower: The white to pink flowers, which grow in little clusters from the ends of the stem or out of the leaf axils, are only about one-half inch long, have five spreading lobes, and are well known for their strong fragrance.
Average bloom season: March to early June
Leaves and stems: This trailing shrub has woody stems covered with fine hairs. The alternate, oblong leathery leaves remain green throughout the year and are just large enough that you must often move them aside to observe the flowers they are hiding.
Range in AT states: Georgia to Maine
Most likely AT locations: Between Deep Gap and Wallace Gap in North Carolina; Johns Hollow north of the James River in central Virginia.

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