Once referred to as “a freak of nature”, Flower Hill is a piece of the mountains way away from the mountains. Located on the Nash-Johnston County line this 100-ft “mountain” is not your typical piedmont ecosystem. What makes it unique is the species of plants growing here which are more common in the mountain counties. Flower Hill is believed to be North Carolina's easternmost naturally occurring stand of Catawba Rhododendron. The large stands of Rhododendron bloom in late April to early May along the north-face slope overlooking Moccasin Creek. Galax, trout lilies, wild ginger, mayapple and trilliums are among the wildflowers that occur here. Mosses often found in the cooler, higher elevations of the Blue Ridge grow along the shady slopes of Moccasin Creek.
The 10-acre preserve was purchased in 1989 and is owned by the Triangle Land Conservancy.

April 13, 2008:
Last year I visited in March just in time for the trout lilies and hepatica, but too early for most everything else. So this year I decided to go three weeks later. Wow, was I surprised to see the floral displays! Many more botanical jewels were putting on a show. I hit it just right for the spring bloomers except for the Catawba Rhodos. Peak bloom will be in another couple of weeks yet there were a few starting to flower. In this gallery I've included some landscape to give you a feel of the preserve. My Dad accompanied me this trip. We had great weather, nearly perfect lighting, and plenty to see. It will definitely be worth a return visit in another couple weeks.

April 27, 2008:
On my second trip to Flower Hill I hit the jackpot. Peak time for Catawba Rhododendrons! A little taste of the highcountry right down the road from home.

November 9, 2008:
The autumn foliage was really looking nice around here so I decided to head over to Flower Hill. Although the forest is dominated by oaks, beech, and hickories who's foliage is more drab yellow and brown, I did find some reds of dogwoods, vaccinium and other interesting botanical delights.
Before hiking at Flower Hill I made a stop at Turkey Creek near the town of Middlesex. I found some late blooming fall asters, and a cool tooth fungus.

*Photos from this trip start on Page 2.