Yellowroot | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Subjects

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Yellowroot:

• Xanthorhiza simplicissima
• Small branched shrub that usually grows in colonies
• Underground stem
• Roots and inner bark of stem are yellow
• Roots produce a strong odor and taste bitter
• Opposite, lobed leaves with saw-toothed edges are deciduous
• Produces tiny flowers
• Fruit is small, dry, one-seeded pod that grows in drooping cluster
• Lives on shady streambanks and damp woods at low elevations

More in this Series

NatureScene / Appalachian Cove (S.C.)

Beaver | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Beaver | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
• Castor canadiensis • Largest rodent in North America • Chiefly nocturnal • Rich, brown, waterproof fur • Huge front teeth • Large webbed hind feet and powerful hind legs • Naked, scaly, paddle...
Bellwort | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Bellwort | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Uvularia perfoli • Height 4 - 7 cm (1 - 3 inches) • Common woodland wildflower • Drooping, bright yellow, bell-shaped flowers • Belongs to Lily family • Perfoliate leaves • Stem appears to pierce...
Black Rock Moss | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Black Rock Moss | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Genus Lycopodium Succulent herb Primary moss in succession Rose pink star-like flowers Four petaled flowers in terminal clusters Contains distinct stem with simple leaves Oblong glaucous leaves Fruit...
Blue Cohosh | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Blue Cohosh | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Blue Cohosh • Cimicifuga racemosa • Related to Mayapple • Large plant with clusters of small flowers • No petals • Numerous stamens in a tuft • Single pistil • Blue fruit • Unpleasant odor repels...
Canada Violet | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Canada Violet | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
• Viola canadensis • Related to northern violets • Fragrant flower • Flowers are white inside, purple-tinged outside with yellow base • Heart-shaped, finally-toothed leaves • Slender purple stalks •...
Dwarf Iris | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Dwarf Iris | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Iris cristata Grows up to 15 inches tall Cold, hardy perennial The name Iris means Rainbow Smaller than cultivated Irises Three blue petals Thick, bushy beards on lower blossom petals Prefers sunny...
False Turkey Tail | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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False Turkey Tail | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Stereum ostrea • Type of mushroom (Fungi) • More delicate, stiffer than true Turkey Tail • Spatula-shaped to fan-shaped in outline • Hairy upper surface • Tough leathery texture • Main body inside of...
Foam Flower | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Foam Flower | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
T iarella cordifolia • Name is derived from the Greek word Tiara • Perennial herb • Blooms April to June • Maximum height 6 - 12 inches • Small, delicate, star-shaped flowers with white petals and...
Forest Snail | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Forest Snail | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
• Mesomphix vulgatis • Terrestrial species • Lives coiled in a shell • Thin skin • Oozes along with prominent muscular foot • Feeds with radula • Operculum seals its shell • Stalked eyes and antennae
Green and Gold | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Green and Gold | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Chrysogonum virginianum • Herbaceous perennial • 12 inch high ground cover with 24 inch spread • Composite with yellow flowers • Prefers moist soil • Grows in almost any light exposure • Propagates by...
Green Anole | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Green Anole | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
• Anolis carolinensis • Often referred to as a Chameleon, but not a true one • Slight in build with narrow head • Slender with long thin tail • Pink dewlap under throat in male hangs down • Ability to...
Green Frog | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Green Frog | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
• Color varies from brown to green • Protective coloration • Adult male has bright yellow throat • Dorsolateral ridges end on body not reaching groin • Center of the eardrum (tympanum) is elevated •...
Jack in the Pulpit | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Jack in the Pulpit | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Arisaema triphyllum • Common perennial scattered throughout southern Appalachia • Usually found near waterfalls • Nicknamed Indian Trump • Three large leaves radiate from top of stalk • Flower is...
Louswort | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Louswort | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Pedicularis canadensis • Member of the Snapdragon family • Semi-parasitic plant that gets some nourishment from other plant roots • Also called Wood Betony • Hairy plant with tubular, 2-lipped flowers...
Mayapple | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Mayapple | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Podophyllum peltatum • Woodland perennial • Excellent ground cover • Looks like tiny umbrellas • Lobed leaves • Either single or double stalked; double, v-shaped stalk is uncommon • Underground stems...
Pennywort | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Pennywort | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Pennywort: • Obolaria virginica • Southern woodland perennial • Common name reflects coin-like appearance • Low, fleshy plant with tiny white or purple flowers that grow in groups of 3 • Long, thick...
Redbud | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Redbud | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Circis canadensis • Also called Judas Tree • Commonly-grown ornamental tree • Often flowers simultaneously with Dogwoods • Member of the Pea family • Grows from 20 to 40 feet with a trunk 10 to 12...
Rhododendron | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Rhododendron | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Rhododendron maximum Reaches maximum height of 50 feet Evergreen Leaves are green on top with silver on the bottom Large red, pink or white, bell-shaped flowers, often with brown spots Lives along...
Rue Anemone | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Rue Anemone | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Anemonella thalictroides • Member of the Buttercup family • Grows 4 to 8 inches in height • Delicate plant with stalked white flowers • Compound leaves with 3 round-lobed leaflets • Numerous stamens...
Silkworm Moth | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Silkworm Moth | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
• Bombyx mori • Large, heavy-bodied, white moth • Is camouflaged among leaves • Source of natural silk • Not native to North America • Larvae feed on Mulberry • Very small frenulum
Star Chickweed | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Star Chickweed | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Stellaria media • Native species • Member Pink family (Caryophyllaceae) • Height 15 - 40 cm (6 - 16 inches) • The largest of the Chickweeds • Beautiful, star-like, white flowers with 5 deeply-cleft...
Sweet Betsy | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Sweet Betsy | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Trillium cuneatum • Rich, dark flower with three parts • Species name means "wedge-shaped" referring to the tapered shape of the petal • Tri-colored petals - either maroon or yellow • Erect, smooth...
Tulip Tree | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Tulip Tree | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Liriodendron tulipfera Beautiful ornamental tree Ranked among noblest trees in American forests Largest deciduous tree in North America Also known as Yellow Poplar Leaf is tulip-shaped Important...
Walking Fern | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Walking Fern | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Asplenium rhyzohyllum • Rare fern that looks like it is walking across moss • Erect rhizomes 1 - 1.5 mm in diameter • Scales form a broad base • Long narrow stipes • Narrow triangular laminae •...
White Trillium | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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White Trillium | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
White Trillium: • Trillium erectum • Also called Erect Trillium or Wake Robin • Abundant spring wildflower that grows on the forest floor • Three leaves radiate from the top of a 6 to 12 inch stalk •...
Wild Geranium | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Wild Geranium | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Wild Geranium: • Geranium maculatum • Hardy, shade-tolerant perennial • Native to temperate climates • Plant has 10 fertile stamens • Pink blossoms • Regular-shaped flower petals • Also known as...
Witch Hazel | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Witch Hazel | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Hamamelidaceae virginiana • Deciduous • Grows in clusters • Narrow, strap-shaped, yellow petals • Grows up to 25 feet high • Capsular fruit flowers in October • Foliage turns yellow in the fall •...
Wood Anemone | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Wood Anemone | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Wood Anemone: • Amenome quinquefolia • Delicate specimen • Less than 6 inches tall • Single, white or pink flower with 5 sepals • Whorl of leaves on slender stem • Grows in patches
Yellow Buckeye | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene

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Yellow Buckeye | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene
Yellow Buckeye: Aesculus octandra Popular shade tree Grows up to 90 feet high with a trunk diameter of 3 feet Leaves are compound palmate Leaves are 5 to 15 inches long; occur in groups of five Yellow...
Green Frog | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 1 1

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Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 1
Episode 1
Rudy and Jim visit Appalachian Cove, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina. Some of the flowering plants found here have cousins nowhere else in the world except China and Japan. At this first...
False Turkey Tail | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 1 2

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Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 1
Episode 2
Some of the trees found in the area also have blossoms. The redbud is one example. On a nearby hickory tree, Rudy and Jim come across a woodpecker called a yellow bellied sap-sucker, which has come to...
Green Frog | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 2 3

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Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 2
Episode 3
Cove forests are very popular with visitors, due to the rich bottom soil found here. One animal which does very well in these areas is the beaver. Its work can be seen here with its telltale signs of...
Green Frog | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 2 4

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Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 2
Episode 4
Before the trees start to bloom, the flowers in the area explode with blossoms first. Here we see Lousewort and Pennywort flowers. While observing the flowers, Rudy and Jim come across a Black Chinned...
Green Frog | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 2 5

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Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 2
Episode 5
When pieces of trees fall to the ground, nature has a way to recycle that debris. A species of mushroom known as the False Turkey Tail helps break down the rotting wood, adding nutrients to soil in...
Green Frog | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 2 6

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Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 2
Episode 6
The increased amount of rain makes for a much more diversified forest when it comes to the tall trees in the area. Here we see the Tulip Tree, and the Understory Tree. Along the way Rudy and Jim come...
Green Frog | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 3 7

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Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 3
Episode 7
Another characteristic of this forest which makes it unique is that it is has remained relatively unchanged for millions of years. The Mayapple flower is a common flower in the area, and features an...
False Turkey Tail | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 3 8

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Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 3
Episode 8
In the same stop, Rudy and Jim find a species of reptile called the Green Anole lizard, and they describe the differences between a salamander and a lizard. Illustrating more of the forest’s diversity...
False Turkey Tail | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 4 9

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Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 4
Episode 9
The cove got its shape from streams of water periodically carving out the rock. Witch Hazel and Rhododendrons are species of plants which benefit from the moisture of nearby streams.
Green Frog | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 5 10

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Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 5
Episode 10
At this next stop, Rudy and Jim find Canada Violets, White Trillium, Blue Cohosh, and a Green Frog can be seen close-by near the stream. Other plants which dominate the area are Yellow Buckeye trees...
Green Frog | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 5 11

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Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 5
Episode 11
In the same stop, Rudy and Jim talk about the plants growing on a nearby rock: moss, Walking Fern, and another Canada Violet. On a nearby tree, Rudy and Jim find a cocoon of a Large Silkworm Moth.
Green Frog | Appalachian Cove (S.C.) | NatureScene Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 6 12

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Appalachian Cove (S.C.) Stop 6
Episode 12
The constant stream of mist coming from the waterfall at this next stop affects the variety of plants found here. The mountain, like the forest, is ancient, and the waterfall continues to wear away...