Bluets (Houstonia serpyllifolia) are identified by the four blue petals surrounding a yellow spot. Common names for this wildflower include Thyme-leaved Bluet, Prostrate Bluet, Mountain Bluet, and Creeping Bluet. The plant is tiny, only 3 to 5 inches tall, but growing in a large group they can make a beautiful statement.
The photo above was found along the Thomas Divide Trail in late-April. The photos below were found near Clingmans Dome in Mid-May.
Bluets enjoy moist conditions, along streams especially. Look for them along Clingman’s Dome Road later than in the lower elevations.
Please stop in and visit me to see the complete display of Smoky Mountains Photography at the William Britten Gallery in Gatlinburg, TN.
I love the pic of bluets!smoky mts
you can see my name–hence the keen interest.
how can I get a copy of it?
Thanks
SB
[…] now that their time is starting to pass. I think they’re called thyme-leaved bluets (https://williambritten.com/wildflowers/smoky-mountains-wildflowers-thyme-leaved-bluet/), although they may be some other related species of […]
Hoping to purchase a print of Bluets along the Trail to hang in my office. Also requesting to use the image in an academic paper I am writing about the early history of my college, UNC Asheville when new literary magazine was named Bluets. I never “got” the name until I saw your great photo! No commercial profit to me from paper. I would also like to quote your words, “…a tiny plant, growing just 3-5″ tall, but growing in a large group they can make a powerful statement.” Please advise – thanks for a stellar image!
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