(Plants in Bloom during April)

Fly Poison (Amianthium muscitoxicum)

Late April thru June

Fly Poison or Stagger Grass is a member of the Lily Family and is conspicuous along the Oak-Hickory Trail from April through June. It has grass-like basal leaves and at full bloom a spectacular cylindrical, white inflorescence. Although the distribution of Fly Poison is reported to be throughout the Southeast, extending as far west as Oklahoma and as far north as New York, it is found infrequently in a range of habitats from wetlands to pine-oak forests. It is only known from one area at the Arboretum (along the Oak-Hickory Trail.)

All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the bulb. In the past, sugar or honey mixed with crushed portions of the bulb was used to kill flies. Cattle and sheep may eat the plant when other forage plants are limited. The toxic alkaloid contained in the plants can cause the animals to stagger around before dying - thus the origin of the common name "Stagger Grass."

Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

April 27 - May 3, 2008

Tulip Poplar (or Yellow Poplar) is the state tree of Tennessee and is found throughout the Arboretum, where it is a prominent member of the deciduous forest replacing shortleaf and Virginia pines. Tulip Poplar is recognized by its tall straight trunks, its tulip-shaped flowers, and its distinctive leaves.

Tulip Poplar flowers appeared last week and should be noticeable this week. Because the yellow-green, tulip-shaped, upright flowers are found high in the tree canopy, they are often difficult to see. Look for yellow to cream flower parts on the ground beneath the trees; then look up to see the flowers. Tulip Poplar belongs to the Magnolia Family - two other native members of this family are found in the Arboretum forests - Cucumber Magnolia (Magnolia acuminata) and Umbrella Magnolia (M. tripetala). Look for these native species as you walk the Arboretum trails.

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)

April 19 - 26, 2008

Mayapple is found throughout the Arboretum in small to large patches. It is especially conspicuous along the Oak-Hickory trail and parts of the Cemetery Ridge Trail at this time of the year.

Flowers began opening this week. Look for plants with two palmate leaves – the white flowers are found at the base of the petioles (stalks) of the two leaves. The flower appears in late April/early May, and the pulpy fruit (the “apple”) appears later in the spring – thus the name Mayapple. Although the leaves and roots are poisonous, extracts from the roots have been used for medicinal purposes for many years.

Trillium (Trillium species)

April 19 - 26, 2008

There are at least three species of Trillium present on the Arboretum: Large-Flowered Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum), Yellow Trillium (T. luteum), and Sweet Betsy (T. cuneatum). These are found along the Heath Cove Trail and scattered elsewhere on the Arboretum. The flowers are at their peak this week.

Trillium comes from the Greek word "tris" meaning three - the leaves and flower parts all occur in "3's." Species with sessile flowers (no flower stalk) are known as "Toadshades" while those with stalked flowers are "Wakerobins." Trillium leaves are edible and the roots and leaves have been used for medicinal purposes.

Please help us preserve our natural heritage!
No collecting of plant materials is permitted at the UT Arboretum.

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