Once used as a fortified blockhouse and an Indian trading post, this building and the nearby Richard's House, built in 1805, survived from a time when these foothills were part of the Indian frontier. The Richard's House is believed to be the first brick house in northwestern South Carolina. It served as a stagecoach stop in the early 1800's and is listed on the National Historic Register. The scenic Station Cove Falls is located down a 1 mile hiking trail. The variety of flora and fauna of this area are typical of the Appalachian Mountains.
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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.
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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...
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• 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...
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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...
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• Pseudotriton ruber • Red salamander with heavy black pigment under the chin • Tail is spotted almost to the tip • Bulging eyes • Smooth skin • Lives in cool, moist habitats under stones, mosses and...
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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...
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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...
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• 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 •...
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Viola pubescens Also known as Halberd-leafed Violet Distinctive hairy plant Leaves and flowers grow on the same stalk Wide, heart-shaped, hairy, scallop-toothed leaves Yellow flowers Dark line on...
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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...