WOLF'S PAW (CREEPING CEDAR)
The Ancient Wisdom of Creeping Cedar:
The unusual plant with highly flammable pollen. It was used by native shamans as medicine as well as in ritualistic healings and spiritual ceremonies. The pollen collected from the plant by the shaman would be tossed into a fire and burst into flames, giving the shaman the appearance of mystical powers.
Deep within the verdant landscapes of North Carolina, the Creeping Cedar, also known as "Wolf's Paw," emerges as a botanical marvel with profound historical significance for Native American tribes in the region. This evergreen herbaceous plant, scientifically named Lycopodium clavatum, has been an integral part of indigenous cultures, serving not only as a symbol of natural resilience but also as a potent healer and conduit for spiritual practices.
Ancient Roots of Creeping Cedar: Dating back centuries, the Native American tribes of North Carolina recognized Creeping Cedar's unique properties and embraced it within their rich tapestry of traditions. The plant's enduring presence in the region reflects a deep connection between humanity and nature, highlighting the profound understanding these communities possessed regarding the flora that surrounded them.
Medicinal Uses: Creeping Cedar's medicinal qualities were highly regarded by Native American healers. The plant, often referred to as "Wolf's Paw" due to the appearance of its trailing branches, was employed in traditional medicine for its purported healing properties. Tribes in the region harnessed the power of Creeping Cedar to create remedies for skin ailments, wounds, and other maladies. The plant's needle-like leaves and spores became integral components of poultices and salves, showcasing the indigenous people's intricate knowledge of herbal medicine.
Shamanic Practices: Beyond its role in physical well-being, Creeping Cedar held a sacred place in shamanic rituals and spiritual practices. Shamans, revered figures within Native American communities, utilized the plant as a tool for cleansing and purifying ceremonies. The smoke produced by burning Creeping Cedar was believed to possess spiritual significance, aiding in communication with the spiritual realm and providing protection against negative energies.
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EASTERN WHITE PINE
If you walk the "Low Road" trail, you'll pass an Eastern White Pine that fell during a storm in early 2024. It stood over 110 feet tall with twin forks. It now lies along the trail where the main fork fell and also in the woods where the smaller fork crashed to the ground.
I'll be making a carving into the 12 ft tall stump that remains once it cures properly. The carving will be a tribute of sorts to the Cherokee who once lived on the lands.
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The Eastern Pine, a majestic evergreen towering over the landscapes of North Carolina, stands as a testament to the region's natural grandeur. Also known as the Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus), this magnificent tree can reach towering heights of up to 100 feet or more, with a striking straight trunk that can measure several feet in diameter. With a life expectancy that spans several centuries, some Eastern Pines in North Carolina have stood witness to the region's ever-changing history, weathering the passage of time with resilience. These stately trees have played a vital role in the state's history, serving as a valuable resource for timber, shipbuilding, and construction. Their graceful presence continues to contribute to the state's scenic beauty, providing shade, shelter, and a living connection to North Carolina's natural heritage.
Hay Scented Ferns (Spring to Late Summer)
Hayscented ferns (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) grace the landscape of North Carolina, contributing to the state's rich biodiversity. Thriving in a variety of environments, these ferns are particularly prevalent in the moist woodlands, along stream banks, and in the shaded understory of deciduous forests throughout North Carolina. Known for their distinct fragrance, releasing a delightful scent when brushed against, hayscented ferns prefer cool, damp conditions. Their lush, delicate fronds create a verdant carpet in the forest understory, adding a touch of elegance to the natural surroundings. Whether found in the western mountainous regions or the coastal plains, hayscented ferns are an integral part of North Carolina's diverse ecosystems, showcasing their adaptability to a range of environments within the state.
May Apples (Spring to Early Summer)
Mayapples (Podophyllum peltatum) grace the landscapes of North Carolina with their distinctive umbrella-like leaves and hidden treasures beneath. Flourishing in the rich, moist woodlands of the state, these plants are known to attract various critters, including the box turtle, which seeks shelter beneath their expansive leaves.
Native to North Carolina, Mayapples have been a significant part of the region's ecology and indigenous cultures. Native Americans recognized the dual utility of Mayapples, utilizing them for both sustenance and medicinal purposes. The fruit, resembling a small green apple, is edible in moderation (only when fully ripe), offering a tangy flavor. Additionally, Native Americans harnessed the medicinal properties of Mayapples, using parts of the plant for remedies treating ailments and skin conditions. In North Carolina's natural tapestry, Mayapples stand as a testament to the interconnectedness of flora, fauna, and the indigenous wisdom that has shaped the region's history.
ARROWHEAD SPIDER (NON POISONOUS, NON BITING)
If you're walking the trails in warm summer months, there's a good chance you've run into the web of one of these guys. The Arrowhead Spider (Non poisonous, non biting), showcases distinctive arrow-shaped markings on its abdomen, lending to its distinctive name. These small spiders, typically around a quarter-inch in size, are commonly observed on trails, gardens, and grassy areas throughout the state. The Arrowhead Spider is not venomous to humans, making it a harmless and beneficial presence in North Carolina's ecosystems. Preying primarily on small insects like flies, mosquitoes, and gnats, these spiders exhibit intricate web-building behaviors. Known for their orb-shaped webs, Arrowhead Spiders patiently await their prey, swiftly immobilizing them with silk before indulging in a well-earned meal. Unlike other spiders, Arrowheads typically wait on their vertical webs with their head pointing up, not downward. As silent contributors to pest control, the Arrowhead Spider plays a role in maintaining the delicate balance diverse ecosystems.
Rhododendron
In the lush forests of North Carolina, the Rhododendron, with its vibrant blooms and glossy green leaves, stands as a testament to the state's rich biodiversity. These evergreen shrubs, particularly the Catawba Rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense), paint the woodlands with hues of pink, lavender, and white during their spectacular springtime bloom. Known for their preference for acidic soils, Rhododendrons thrive in the cool, shaded areas of North Carolina's mountainous regions. Beyond their aesthetic contribution to the landscape, Rhododendrons offer valuable ecological benefits. Their dense foliage provides essential cover and nesting sites for various bird species, enhancing the overall biodiversity of the forest ecosystem. Additionally, their showy flowers attract pollinators, facilitating the crucial process of cross-pollination.
MOUNTAIN LAUREL
The Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), gracing the Appalachian Mountains with its elegant presence, stands as a botanical gem in the region's diverse ecosystems. Renowned for its evergreen leaves, the Mountain Laurel boasts leathery, dark-green foliage that remains vibrant throughout the year, contributing to the mountainous landscape's visual allure. However, it is during late spring to early summer that the Mountain Laurel truly captivates, as it bursts into a profusion of stunning blossoms. Delicate clusters of cup-shaped flowers, ranging in color from shades of white to pink, adorn the shrub, creating a breathtaking spectacle. These intricate floral displays not only contribute to the aesthetic charm of the Appalachian woodlands but also serve as a vital source of nectar for various pollinators, including butterflies and bees. With its hardy disposition and captivating flowering patterns, the Mountain Laurel becomes a botanical emblem of resilience and beauty in the Appalachian Mountains.
WILD NATIVE HOLLY
The American Holly (Ilex opaca), a native tree to western North Carolina, graces the region's wooded landscapes. This evergreen tree is distinguished by its glossy, spiky leaves and vibrant red berries, creating a picturesque sight against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains. Well-adapted to the acidic soils of the region, the American Holly thrives in the diverse ecosystems of western North Carolina, demonstrating its resilience as a native species. Beyond its visual appeal, this holly tree plays a crucial role in supporting local wildlife, offering sustenance to birds like thrushes and robins, particularly during the winter months.
FALLEN GIANT EASTERN PINE
This twin tower Eastern Pine stood approximately 100 ft tall. It was struck by lightening in January 2024 and split falling in two directions. It left the large stump standing. I intend to have a craftsman from the area carve a large Native American image into the standing trunk to pay homage to the Cherokee who first inhabited this area.
FALLEN OAK SITTING AREA
This 90ft Red Oak toppled during a windstorm. Upon sawing the trunk for use as firewood, it was discovered that a 20ft cavity high up in the tree had been used by countless bats over the years as a roosting area. There was hundreds of pounds of guano packed into the cavity. Removal of the remaining pieces of the tree is an ongoing project.
Mountain Stream Alluvial Basin
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This part of the mountain stream is in a stage of transition. The low lying area here being filled with silt, rock, and other sediments is known as an 'alluvial basin.'
An alluvial basin is a flat or gently sloping area of land formed by the deposition of sediment carried by a stream or river. In the context of a small mountain stream, an alluvial basin is typically found where the stream slows down as it exits the steeper mountain terrain. As the water flow decreases, it loses the energy needed to carry larger sediments, causing gravel, sand, silt, and other materials to settle in the basin. Over time, these deposits build up and create a fertile, often rich environment, which can support diverse plant and animal life. The alluvial basin acts as a natural floodplain, helping to manage water flow and sediment transport while enhancing the ecological value of the surrounding landscape. Within a hundred years, the low lying space before you will likely be level to where your feet are with a deep cut stream through the center having high, firm embankments made up of the collected sediments being eroded from the mountainside and deposited within the basin.
Flying Squirrels of the Forest
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Flying squirrels are an often unseen part of the forests in Western North Carolina.
These nocturnal gliders, including the southern flying squirrel, thrive in the dense hardwood forests, using their special patagium—a skin membrane between their front and hind legs—to soar gracefully between trees. They are expert foragers, feeding on nuts, fruits, fungi, and even insects, playing a vital role in the ecosystem by helping to spread tree seeds and fungi spores. They nest in the boxes we've provided, sometimes raising their young, usually during the spring to early summer. Other times, they seem to use the boxes as layover dens for a night to two before they are on their way to other areas of the woods.