Читать книгу Afoot & Afield: Atlanta. 108 Spectacular Outings in North-Central Georgia онлайн

25 страница из 110

PINE–HARDWOOD MIX

In the Piedmont, forests have a more even mix of pine and oak than in the upper mountains. Here, hardwoods such as black and red oak live among the various pine species, while water oak, often used for lumber, grows along streams in this region as well as the Coastal Plain.

The moist soil in the Piedmont’s lowlands supports the American elm as well. On trails in the Piedmont you’ll likely see black walnut, which can be 100 feet high and produce a dark-brown knot that grows within a yellow-green hull. Also common are sweet gums, which produce a spiked, round fruit that you’ll see scattered along the trail. Residing in most parts of Georgia is the popular dogwood, which blooms in brilliant white or pink.

Plants and Wildflowers

The trails surrounding Atlanta are rich in plant life, with thousands of species too numerous to list here, but you will encounter several plants frequently that are worthy of mention. Some of the most beautiful forest areas in the northern mountains have thick groves of rhododendrons, which bloom pink and white in late spring. Another member of the rhododendron genus, flame azalea, is easily spotted in higher elevations, with its fiery orange blooms. Along the mountain slopes you will also encounter thickets of mountain laurels whose star-shaped flowers bloom pink and white from May to June. As you hike in Georgia’s higher elevations you may encounter a strong, mucky odor; look to the sides of the trail to pick out heart-shaped galax, whose leaves turn red in winter. This plant was once harvested for holiday decorations. Other wildflower species of the Valley and Ridge and Blue Ridge areas include bloodroot, pink lady’s slipper, trillium, May apple, and dwarf iris.