Stone Mountain Park Nature Guide PlantsAtlanta Native Plants at Stone Mountain ParkDiscover the natural beauty of Stone Mountain Park, a haven for plant lovers. This park is home to a rich variety of native plants, unique to the Atlanta region. Here, you can wander through diverse landscapes, each telling a different story through its flora. From vibrant wildflowers to majestic trees, Stone Mountain Park is a living showcase of the region’s botanical richness. Let’s explore the wonders of these native plants and uncover the park’s natural secrets.Don’t forget to check out the activities available at the park to make your visit even more memorable.Table of ContentsTreesFlowersShrubs and BushesFungiNotable Native PlantsPink Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium acaule)Georgia Oak (Quercus georgiana)Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)Exploring on Your Own: Tips for Plant EnthusiastsPlant Photography TipsFAQs About Plants in Stone Mountain ParkThe Diversity of Stone Mountain Park’s FloraStone Mountain Park is a botanical paradise, offering a rich variety of trees, flowers, shrubs, and fungi. Each category of plant life adds its own charm and plays a crucial role in the park’s ecosystem.TreesDiscover the towering trees of the park, each with its own story and beauty.Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata): Known for its sturdy structure and bristle-tipped leaves, providing ample shade and wildlife habitat.Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda): A tall, fast-growing pine recognizable by its long needles and large cones.American Beech (Fagus grandifolia): Notable for its smooth, gray bark and golden fall leaves.Hickory (Carya spp.): A valuable tree for both its strong wood and edible nuts.Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum): Famous for its sweet sap and vibrant fall colors.FlowersThe park blooms with a variety of flowers, offering a spectrum of colors.Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum): These three-petaled flowers are a sign of spring, often nestled in wooded areas.Wild Azalea (Rhododendron canescens): Known for their vivid colors and sweet fragrance, they brighten the park in spring.Coneflower (Echinacea spp.): Distinctive in shape and known for their medicinal properties, they are a magnet for butterflies and bees.Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron strigosus): With its delicate white petals and yellow center, it adds charm to the park’s meadows.Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): A late summer bloomer, goldenrod adds vibrant yellows to the landscape.Shrubs and BushesThe park’s understory is enriched by various shrubs and bushes.Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera): An aromatic evergreen commonly found in the park’s wetter areas.Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.): Sweet-smelling and attractive to pollinators, these are a staple in the park.Rhododendron: Producing large, colorful blooms, they are a highlight in the park’s foliage.Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.): Beyond their tasty fruit, they provide stunning fall colors.Hydrangea: Known for their large, beautiful clusters of flowers in various colors.FungiFungi are crucial for the park’s ecosystem, aiding in decomposition and nutrient cycling.Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor): Known for its striking, multicolored fan-like appearance.Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria): Its iconic red-and-white appearance is well-known, but it is also toxic.Morel Mushrooms (Morchella spp.): Prized for their culinary value, these distinctive fungi are a springtime find.Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius): Recognizable by their funnel shape and golden color, these are also sought after for cooking.Puffballs (Lycoperdon spp.): These round fungi are interesting for their shape and the way they release spores.Notable Native Plants of Stone Mountain ParkStone Mountain Park hosts a variety of remarkable native plants, each with its own unique story and ecological role.Pink Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium acaule)Description: This rare orchid is known for its striking pink, slipper-shaped pouch. It typically grows in shaded, wooded areas with acidic soil.Location: Look for it in the quieter, less-traveled areas of the park, especially in wooded sections.Fun Fact: The Pink Lady’s Slipper relies on a single type of fungus in the soil to survive, making it a symbol of a balanced and healthy ecosystem.Georgia Oak (Quercus georgiana)Description: A small, resilient oak tree with distinctive glossy leaves and a rugged appearance.Location: Commonly found on the rocky outcrops and ridges throughout Stone Mountain Park.Fun Fact: The Georgia Oak is actually a rare species, native only to a few areas in the Southeastern U.S., with Stone Mountain being one of its primary habitats.Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)Description: An evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and clusters of pink or white flowers that bloom in late spring.Location: This shrub loves the park’s higher elevations and well-drained slopes.Fun Fact: The Mountain Laurel’s flowers have a unique spring-loaded mechanism. Bees landing on the blooms trigger the release of pollen, which is an ingenious way of ensuring pollination.Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)Description: A small tree known for its heart-shaped leaves and stunning purplish-pink flowers that bloom directly on the branches in early spring.Location: Found along the edges of woods and in open areas throughout the park.Fun Fact: The Eastern Redbud’s flowers are not only beautiful but also edible. They have a slightly sour taste and are used in salads and as garnishes.Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)Description: The Sweetgum is easily recognizable by its star-shaped leaves and spiky, gumball-like fruit. In autumn, its leaves turn into a spectacular display of red, orange, and purple.Location: Commonly found in the park’s lower elevations, near lakes and streams.Fun Fact: The spiky fruits of the Sweetgum, often called “gumballs,” are not just a distinctive feature of the tree but also a source of natural chewing gum and medicinal remedies used by Native Americans.Exploring on Your Own: Tips for Plant EnthusiastsIf you’re excited to discover the native plants of Stone Mountain Park at your own pace, here are some tips to make your exploration enjoyable and safe.Best Trails for Plant Viewing: The Cherokee Trail offers a diverse view of the park’s flora, while the Nature Garden Trail is perfect for seeing a variety of native plants up close. View more hiking trails. What to Bring: Pack a water bottle, a map of the park, a camera, and a field guide to local plants. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen and a hat.Safety Tips: Always stay on marked trails to protect both the plants and yourself. Be aware of the weather conditions, and let someone know your plans.Plant Photography TipsCapturing the beauty of Stone Mountain Park’s plants can be a delightful part of your visit.Lighting: Early morning or late afternoon provides the best natural lighting for plant photography.Focus on Details: Get close to highlight the intricate details of leaves, flowers, or bark.Steady Shots: Use a tripod or steady your camera against a tree or rock for clear, sharp photos.Experiment: Try different angles and perspectives to capture the unique essence of each plant.FAQs About Plants in Stone Mountain ParkWhen is the best time to visit Stone Mountain Park to see plants?Timing your visit can greatly enhance your experience with the park’s flora.Spring: Ideal for wildflower enthusiasts, as many native plants are in full bloom.Summer: Great for seeing lush greenery and summer-blooming plants.Fall: Offers a stunning display of autumn foliage.Winter: While quieter, some evergreens and winter-blooming plants can still be spotted.Are there any poisonous or dangerous plants in the park?While the park is home to many benign plants, it’s wise to be cautious. Avoid touching or ingesting plants you’re unfamiliar with, as some, like poison ivy, can cause reactions.Can I collect seeds or take cuttings from the plants in the park?No, collecting plants, seeds, or cuttings is prohibited to preserve the park’s natural environment. Enjoy viewing the plants but leave them undisturbed for others to enjoy.Are there any areas of the park where I can see a higher concentration of native plants?The Nature Garden Trail is a great place to start, as it’s specifically designed to showcase a variety of native plants in a concentrated area. This trail offers an immersive experience with the local flora.More Activities to Enjoy: Fun Awaits Beyond the PlantsSummit SkyrideTake a ride to top of the mountain in this cable car with 360 degree viewsScenic RailroadAll aboard this five mile train ride through the woods and around the base of the mountainDinosaur ExploreWalk through this wooded trail to learn about more than 20 life-sized dinosaursMini GolfPutter around on a miniature golf course based on the real-life adventures of the Great Locomotive Chase.All AttractionsPlan Your Visit to Stone Mountain ParkA FAMILY VACATION DESTINATIONThe Best Things To Do In Atlanta Are At Stone Mountain Park!Explore a wide variety of fun family activities, exciting seasonal events and more at the home of the best things to do in the Atlanta, Georgia area.Plan Your VisitDiningFrom full service restaurants to quick-service concessions, Stone Mountain Park offers a wide variety of locations where you can fill your stomach and quench your thirst.Explore MoreShoppingStone Mountain Park is home to a variety of unique shops featuring handmade crafts and signature souvenirs for every member of the family.Explore MoreFestivals & EventsDon’t miss exciting annual events at Stone Mountain Park like the Yellow Daisy Festival, Pumpkin Festival: Play by Day, Glow by Night, Stone Mountain Christmas and more! With something every season, there’s always plenty of things to do in Atlanta at Stone Mountain Park.Explore More
