There are several species of Wood Sorrel wildflowers found in the Smoky Mountains. All have the characteristic shamrock-like leaves and high concentration of oxalic acid that gives them the common name Sour Grass.
The common Mountain Wood Sorrel (Oxalis montana) pictured above is usually found at higher elevations, such as the acidic Spruce-Fir forests around Clingmans Dome. The little white blossoms with pink stripes are similar to Spring Beauty, but the bloom time in June and July happens long after the Spring Beauties have gone.
The Price’s Wood Sorrel (Oxalis priceae) in the photo below is a rare find in the Smokies. As much as the Mountain Wood Sorrel favors acidic conditions, Price’s will thrive only in the limestone soils found in the Northwest corner of the National Park. The plant below was found along Ace Gap Trail.
During your trip to the Smokies, please consider a stop at the William Britten Gallery on Glades Rd. in Gatlinburg. The full display of my Smoky Mountains photos may contain a special memory of the mountains for you to take home.
Also, if you are a wildflowers enthusiast, please join my Smoky Mountains Wildflowers Community on Facebook. We trade photos and tips on bloom locations.
