TNPS/WOMT Hike May Prairie SNA
Online/Virtual
TNPS/Wild Ones Middle TN - Field Trip 2019
May Prairie State Natural Area, Coffee County TN
July 20, 2019 (Sat.) 10:00 am CENTRAL Time
Meet at Wendy’s in Manchester TN
Leader: Dennis Horn 931-461-0262 [email protected]
Description: This is another joint hike with the Tennessee Native Plant Society and our Wild Ones Middle Tennessee chapter. The “Oak Barrens” of Coffee County provide examples of Tennessee rare plants that are disjunct from the Gulf Coastal Plain and the prairies of the Midwest. The primary goal of this outing is to see Snowy Orchid (Platanthera nivea) in flower. This is the only location known in Tennessee for this Coastal Plain species. Usually flowering with it is the equally rare Coastal False Asphodel (Tofieldia racemosa, now Triantha racemosa). We should also see Mock Bishop’s Weed (Ptilimnium costatum), Enyngo (Eryngium integrifolium), Coppery St. Johnswort (Hypericum denticulatum), three Silphiums, including Shaggy Rosinweed (Silphium mohrii) which is endemic to TN, AL and, GA, Swamp Rose (Rosa palustris), and Virginia Goldenrod (Solidago austrina).
Directions: Leave I-24 at exit 114 in Manchester TN. Turn left coming from Chattanooga (right from Nashville) onto US 41 heading NW toward town. Turn right at the 1st traffic light (Raceway at that intersection) beyond the interstate. Wendy’s is half a block on the right.
Easy to moderate walking in low vegetation. Facilities at meeting place. Bring water, insect repellent, sunscreen, and camera. Lunch in car or on trail.