Wildflowers of the Appalachian Trail - Softcover

Adkins, Leonard M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0897322959 ISBN 13: 9780897322959

Publisher: Menasha Ridge Pr, 1999

Synopsis

Whether you are a weekend hiker, a long-distance trekker, a trained naturalist, or a wildflower enthusiast, Wildflowers of the Appalachian Trail is a necessary companion for anyone interested in the flora of the East's longest trail.

Along with elegant, large-format photographs, this book contains information on flower color, bloom season, size, and range of nearly one hundred species. Citations to more than sixty additional species with respect to their distinguishing features are also included. Yet this is no ordinary field guide. Not only will you be able to identify a particular flower, you will also learn the story behind its name, the fascinating role it has played through history, and its value in folkloric as well as modern medicine. You will discover that Skunk Cabbage produces its own heat (often melting snow and ice around it) and that Bloodroot contains an anti-plaque agent used in toothpastes and mouthwashes.

Unlike any other resource, this book notes specific sites along the Appalachian Trail where flower species may be seen; each site mentioned can be found in the index of its respective Appalachian Trail Guide.

About this title

About the Author:

Leonard M. Adkins has been intimately involves with the Appalachian Trail for nearly two decadeshe has walked its length four times. Adkins is presently an AT Natural Heritage Monitor, aiding the Appalachian Trail Conference and the National Park Service in overseeing the welfare of rare and endangered plants. In addition, he helps maintain a section of the trail near McAfee Knob and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club. Author of the Appalachian Trail: A Visitors Companion as well as many other books about the outdoors, Adkins lives in Catawba, Virginia with his thru-hiking wife, Laurie and his thru-hiking dog, MacAfee of Knob.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:

Although it is now most appreciated for the beauty of its flower, Star Chickweed has been of great value through the centuries to birds, animals, and humans. Several species of birds find its seeds to be quite delectable (which accounts for one of its other common names, Birdseed), while grazing animals are drawn to it for its rich copper content. The plant can still be found for sale in the early spring in some markets of Europe; when picked before the flowers develop, it is considered to be more tender than many other wild greens. Its raw leaves are added to salads and, when boiled, taste like fresh-cooked spinach. Because it is high in vitamins A and C, Star Chickweed has been helpful in the treatment of scurvy. It has also been used as a poultice for abscesses and boils, and some people believe that bathing in water in which it has been boiled will reduce swelling.
While on the trail, you can use the Star Chickweed to help you predict the weather. According to folklore, the sun will be shining bright if the blossoms are spread out to their fullest. If they begin to close up, you had better get out the raingear, as precipitation will begin to fall within the next few hours.
Somewhat similar in appearance,Common Chickweed (Stellaria media) is found from Georgia to Maine, but its petals are shorter than its sepals―the opposite of Star Chickweed. Mouse-ear Chickweed (Cerastium vulgatum) has hairy, oval, sessile leaves that resemble mouse ears and a stem that is covered by sticky hairs. The petals and sepals of its flowers are about equal in length.
Some places along the AT you are likely to encounter one of the Chickweeds: At the base of Amicalola Falls on the AT approach trail in Georgia; north of Angel's Rest in southwest Virginia; on the side trail to Sunset field and on The Priest in central Virginia; and south of Pocosin fire Road in Shenandoah National Park.

About this edition

• Publisher: Menasha Ridge Pr
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0897322959
• ISBN 13: 9780897322959
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 214