Spring in the mountains is quite special. Wildflower season arrives in Western North Carolina between April and June, depending on elevation. Here in Asheville, our bees are busy pollinating and feeding by early spring, and the frenzy results in our Wildflower Honey.
Southern Appalachian Wildflowers We Love
Here are some of our favorite local beauties that end up in your Wildflower Honey Jar.

Trout Lilies
Trout lilies, also known as Erythronium, are treasured for their unique beauty and are often sought after by bees and nature enthusiasts. These delicate wildflowers are known for their distinctive leaves, which are mottled like the speckled skin of a trout, hence their name. Trout lilies are commonly found in mountain woodlands, meadows, and along stream banks, adding a splash of color to the forest floor after a long winter.
Redbuds
The flowers of the Eastern Redbud tree, Cercis canadensis, are a stunning sight in early spring. The small, pea-like flowers appear in clusters along the bare branches of the tree before the leaves emerge, creating a striking contrast against the gray bark. If you live in the Southeast, then you’ve likely noticed blooming Redbuds in many residential yards and forests alike. The Redbud makes for an excellent native landscaping choice, as its flowers attract many pollinators including bees and butterflies, making it an important early-season food source.


Flame Azaleas
Flame Azaleas, (Rhododendron calendulaceum), ignite the Appalachian forests with their vivid, fiery hues. These wildflowers bloom from April to June, depending on elevation. The colorful bright orange hues of these wildflowers are a beacon to pollinators and a delightful sight to hikers and nature lovers. Flame Azaleas thrive in the open woods, along mountain ridges, and on balds in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Crested Iris
The Crested Iris (Iris cristata), is a gem of the Appalachian undergrowth, unfurling its delicate petals in the shade of wooded areas. This low-growing wildflower, with its intricate blue to violet blooms, features a distinctive yellow or white crest on each petal. Favored by pollinators for its nectar, it forms lush carpets of color in the moist, wooded habitats it prefers. The Crested Iris blooms in early Spring in the forests of Appalachia.



Mountain Laurel
Mountain Laurel, (Kalmia latifolia), weaves a tapestry across the Appalachian landscape in late spring and early summer. This evergreen shrub blooms with clusters of pink and white star-shaped flowers. Revered by nature enthusiasts and a favorite among bumblebees, the Mountain Laurel thrives in the dappled shade of forests and along rocky slopes.
Rhododendrons
The Rhododendron ( Rhododendron maximum), often hailed as the Appalachian Mountains’ crowning glory, embodies the wild heart of these landscapes with its lush, vibrant blooms. This majestic shrub presents a spectacular display of large, bell-shaped flowers ranging from pale pink to deep purple, set against a backdrop of thick, evergreen foliage. Flourishing in the cool, moist environments of highland forests, along streams, and in shaded ravines, Rhododendrons are a haven for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.


Bloodroot
The Bloodroot plant, Sanguinaria canadensis in Latin, is a unique and captivating wildflower native to eastern North America. Its name comes from the bright red sap that oozes from its rhizome when cut or bruised, resembling blood. The bloodroot plant produces stunning solitary white flowers in early spring. Bloodroot is highly valued for its medicinal properties and has been used by indigenous cultures for various purposes, including as a dye and herbal remedy. Of course, the bees love it too!
Dandelions
Dandelions, despite being considered as weeds by some, are actually incredibly special for bees. Bees rely on dandelions as an important early-season food source, providing them with vital nectar and pollen when other flowers are scarce. Dandelions are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, making them a crucial source of nutrition for bees as they emerge from hibernation. No doubt every single jar of Wildflower Honey contains Dandelion nectar.

You Can Help Feed the Bees
Spring and summer wildflowers, including those in your yard, are an important source of food for our bees and other native pollinators. Plant some wildflowers in pots and consider leaving a patch of clover or dandelions, and you’ll soon bee buzzing.
We’ve come up with an easy way to plant bee-friendly wildflowers with our 3-pack of pollinator seed pops. Check out the video below and see how easy it is to plant these.