NATURE IN BLOOM
BLOOMING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, BOTANICALS ABOUND IN AND AROUND MCLEMORE.
a mountain OF COLOR
According to Jay Clark, a local author and naturalist, the Lookout Mountain and Pigeon Mountain region comprises a diverse botanical area, including a vast array of wildflowers that flourish in every growing season. The region offers plateaued mountains, wide valleys and deep, misty canyons that create areas ranging from deep shade to full sunlight.
Although the peak season for flowers around McLemore is late March through early April, species are in bloom each month of the year. This is due to the region’s hospitable climate and microclimates. Its ample rainfall averages 52 inches annually, there are 210 sunny days each year, and average temperatures range from 28°F in January to 88°F in July, making it friendly to diverse botanical polulations.
“The Pocket at Pigeon Mountain is considered to be among the finest areas for wildflowers in Georgia.”
— U.S. Wildflower
BOTANICALS OF MCLEMORE COVE
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![White and yellow bloodroot flower]()
BLOODROOT
Used historically by Native Americans for curative properties as an emetic, respiratory aid and other treatments.
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![Bluebell flowers with raindrops on a green background]()
BLUEBELLS
The bulbs of bluebells are used in folk medicine as a diuretic or styptic, while the sap can be used as an adhesive.
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![Close up of hemlock branches with forest in the background]()
HEMLOCK
While the bark of the hemlock is used in tanning leather, its needles are sometimes used to make tea and perfume.
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![Bright pink thistle bloom set against a green background]()
BULL THISTLE
Found throughout McLemore Cove, the Bull Thistle is used by the monarch butterfly for its migration.
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![Indigo leaves of a butterfly pea flower set against a green background]()
BUTTERFLY PEA
A vivid deep blue-violet with light yellow markings, the butterfly pea can be used as a sedative, anti-depressant, and as a tea.
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![Dogwood blooms and tree branches]()
CHEROKEE DOGWOOD
The Cherokee “Princess” Dogwood is a vigorous disease resistant tree which has large white flowers followed by bright red bird-attracting fruit.
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![Mountain Laurel blooms and leaves with view of the Blue Ridge Mountains in background]()
MOUNTAIN LAUREL
The Cherokee used the blooms of the mountain laurel to get rid of pests, as well as a pain relieving liniment.
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![Indigo petals of a Crested Dwarf bloom with green background]()
CRESTED DWARF
Used by the Cherokee as an herbal remedy, the crested dwarf root was used as salve for ulcers, as well as a spice for food.
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![Bright orange blooms of a Fringed Orchid flower against a green background]()
FRINGED ORCHID
The fringed orchid is a magnet for butterflies, given its showy orange flowers that bloom during the summer months.
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![Fuchsia flower petals of a Lady Slipper against a green background]()
LADY'S SLIPPER
Unusual for its presence in Georgia, the pink lady’s slipper is a species of flowering plant in the orchid family.
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![Green branches of a Red Cedar tree against a dark green background.]()
CEDAR
The Cherokee believed the smoke of the cedar tree expelled evil spirits prior to conducting a healing ceremony.
