In the off-season, pepperbush may be recognized by its cinnamon-colored bark peeling off like layers of paper. Another common name for this shrub is cinnamon clethra. (Photo: Kevin)
“What are these little white flowers all over the trail?” Sourwood trees (Oxydendrum arboreum) are beginning to drop their flowers. (Photo: Kevin)
Downy rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera pubescens). In the foreground are the dried seed pods from last year. Behind are this year’s flowers. We were looking at the leaves a few days ago. (Photo: Kevin)
A nice patch of pinesap (Monotropa hypopitys), which more often occur as individual plants. Pinesap feeds off fungus which in turn feeds off tree roots. (Photo: Kevin)
Here’s a close-up of fertile leaves on the American climbing fern (Lygodium palmatum) on the same plant we looked at Wednesday. (Photo:Kevin)
Look for hemlock varnish shelf mushrooms (Ganoderma tsugae) on the many dead hemlocks now found in the gorge. Usually they’re smaller than this. (Photo: Jon)
