1 - Tugaloo River Valley, late March 2019 Trillium persistens is an endangered species that has a very restricted distribution, being found in only a few counties along the Tugaloo-Tallulah-Yonah River basins:

Persistent Trillium, aka Edna's Trillium   (Trillium persistens)

Several other early spring wildflowers were just coming into bloom:

Heartleaf, aka Little Brown Jugs   (Hexastylis arifolia)

Rue Anemone   (Thalictrum thalictroides)

Little Sweet Betsy, aka Purple Toadshade   (Trillium cuneatum)

Trillium cuneatum

On my way back from botanizing, I stopped by Toccoa Falls. I hadn't visited in over 40 years, since shortly before the tragedy of 1977.

Slow shutter speed - silky water

And a faster shutter speed, for a more realistic rendition...

2 - Return to the Tugaloo River Valley, Mid April 2019 Site A: Trillium discolor and more...

Trillium discolor Found only in a narrow band along the Chattooga River and its tributaries.

More examples of Trillium discolor :

Site B: Trillium discolor and another Trillium species...

I wasn't sure what to make of these narrow-petaled Trilliums growing among the T. discolor. I thought perhaps they were Trillium freemanii, but the Georgia experts say they are spent T. cuneatum. I guess so, although none of the T. cuneatum growing at our place look like this when flowers are spent.

A few more examples of Trillium discolor :

Old Powerhouse Falls at Toccoa College

Lighting was not good for shooting waterfalls, but being nearby, I stopped by the small but pretty Toccoa Powerhouse Falls.

There are several old lime kilns in the area that I have researched for a few years.   On my way home I went looking for this one and found it.   Built in the 1800s, this kiln was originally 12 feet in diameter and 19 feet high.   Between the terrible lighting conditions and fresh growth, I will need to revisit on a better day.

Lime kiln, with opening at lower left

This lime kiln was built into the adjacent steep bank. The 4 images here of the kiln's exterior were shot as I moved along the front of the kiln from right to left.

Interior of kiln

[ Click here for photos from a return visit to this kiln, with better lighting... ]

I believe this is Southern Nodding Trillium   (Trillium rugelii) I have never seen such purple anthers on a trillium. This was my first time seeing this species.

Pink Phlox   (Phlox sp.)

Blue Phlox   (Phlox sp.)

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