TDEC Rules for Preservation of Natural Features
The destroying, digging, cutting, removing or possession of any tree, shrub or other plant is prohibited without a permit granted by the assistant commissioner of parks and recreation. Permits to secure ‘‘rare’’ natural objects, flora or fauna will be granted by the assistant commissioner only upon proof of special need for scientific use and of the fact that such cannot be secured elsewhere.
See something, say something
To make a report about plants on the Cumberland Trail, contact TDEC’s Divison of Natural Areas. Visit tennessee.gov/environment/section/na-natural-areas for more information.
Hikers on the Cumberland Trail are often stunned by the natural beauty that surrounds them.
But if they aren't careful, some of that beauty could soon be gone forever.
Along with wildlife and stunning views of thousand-foot gorges, the soon-to-be 300-mile-long trail plays host to a number of rare and endangered plants.
Many of these species are protected by the Trailhead Restoration Nursery, a nonprofit native plant nursery that collects seeds from the plants on Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau, grows them in a safe environment and returns them to the trail. But Andrea Bishop, a recovery biologist with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, says hikers can also play a vital role in the survival of these species.
Sojourners on the trail's developing sections can serve as conservationists' eyes and ears, she says. They can alert TDEC to clusters of rare, threatened or endangered species to aid in mapping efforts, or report any threats to the plants. These threats could include anything from flooding, to invasive species such as honeysuckle overtaking the plant, to campers setting up equipment too close to the plant.
Even if you don't have a soft spot for flora, just knowing what these plants look like can make you more cautious when trekking through their habitat. Here, Bishop lists some of the plants you should look out for.
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Large-flowered skullcapLarge-flowered skullcap
Scutellaria montana
Conservation status: Federally listed as threatened
Threats: Competition from non-native plants such as honeysuckle
Plant location: Rock Creek trails, Soddy Creek trails, North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Natural Area, Flipper Bend Loop
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Sweet pinesap
Monotropsis odorata
Conservation status: Threatened in Tennessee
Threats: Commercial/residential development, foot traffic
Plant location: Rock Creek trails, Soddy Creek trails
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Pink lady's slipperPink lady's slipper
Cypripedium acaule
Conservation status: Endangered in Tennessee
Threats: Illegal plant trade
Plant location: Omitted to protect plant
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Appalachian rose gentianAppalachian rose gentian
Sabatia capitata
Conservation status: Endangered in Tennessee
Threats: Development, forest clearing
Plant location: North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Natural Area
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Allegheny Mountain goldenbannerAllegheny Mountain goldenbanner
Thermopsis mollis
Conservation status: Listed as a Species of Special Concern
Threats: Competition from non-native plants
Plant location: Flipper Bend Loop
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Yellow jessamineYellow jessamine
Gelsemium sempervirens
Conservation status: Rare in Tennessee; formerly listed as a Species of Special Concern
Threats: Mostly to hikers - all parts of this plant are poisonous
Plant location: Rock Creek trails, Soddy Creek trails
ID in an instant
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