A Guide to Identifying Trees While Hiking: The Great Smokey Mountains

Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) 

The Great Smoky Mountains were historically home to a significant population of Eastern Hemlocks, but many have been affected by the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid in recent years. Known as the State Tree of Pennsylvania, this coniferous tree is native to the eastern United States and is often found near streams and in moist, shaded areas. The eastern hemlock has a conical shape and needles that are flat, dark green and arranged in a spiral pattern along the branches. The cones are small and oval shaped, and mature in one season to release small winged seeds. 

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

The white pine is commonly found in a variety of forest types in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is a tall, stately conifer with a straight trunk and a conical canopy. The needles are soft, flexible, and bluish-green in color, and are arranged in bundles, typically containing five needles per bundle.  The cones are brown and cylindrical, ranging from 4 to 8 inches in length. They mature in two years, releasing small seeds that are dispersed by wind. 

Red Spruce (Picea rubens)

This conifer is prevalent in higher elevations of the park and is well-adapted to the cooler, moister conditions found at higher altitudes. It is a medium to large-sized evergreen with a conical shape, the trunk is straight and covered with reddish-brown bark. The blue-green needles are arranged spirally around the branches, are shaped like rectangles and have a sharp tip.  The cones are small, cylindrical, and reddish-brown in color, maturing in one season and releasing seeds that are dispersed by wind.

Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis)

The yellow birch adds a unique texture and visual contrast to the forests of the park. This deciduous tree is a medium to large-sized tree with distinctive golden-yellow to bronze-colored bark that peels in thin, papery layers. This feature gives it a unique appearance and sets it apart from other birch species. The leaves of Yellow Birch are ovate or elliptical in shape, with serrated edges. They are dark green and turn a bright yellow color in the fall before dropping.  Like other birch species, Yellow Birch sap can be tapped in early spring to produce birch syrup or birch water. While not as commonly tapped as the sugar maple for maple syrup production, yellow birch sap can be used to make a flavorful syrup with a hint of birch flavor. 

Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Although the tulip poplar is not unique to the Smokey Mountains and can be found just about anywhere on the eastern side of the U.S., it is a tree that can astound even the most avid nature enthusiast. Also known as yellow poplar, this deciduous tree is one of the tallest hardwoods in eastern North America. Some specimens can reach a trunk diameter of over 5 feet!  It has distinctive tulip-shaped flowers that are a source for bees and other pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into cone-like structures composed of samaras, which are winged seeds. These structures persist into the fall and release the seeds to be dispersed by wind. 

Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)

While not a tree, rhododendrons are abundant in the Great Smoky Mountains and can be found along streams and in understory areas. Rhododendron bushes typically have broad, leathery leaves that are often dark green and glossy. The flowers are large and colorful, appearing in clusters at the ends of branches. Flower colors include shades of pink, purple, red, white, and yellow, depending on the species and cultivar. The blooming period for Rhododendrons varies depending on the species and cultivar, but it generally occurs in spring or early summer. 

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

Another beautiful understory shrub, the mountain laurel is well-known for its attractive, leathery leaves and showy clusters of flowers. The flowers are star-shaped and range in color from white to shades of pink and purple, often with intricate patterns and markings. But hiker beware-- all parts of the mountain laurel plant, including the leaves, flowers, and stems, contain toxic compounds called grayanotoxins. Ingesting these toxins can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiac irregularities, so it's important to keep mountain laurel out of reach of children and pets. Despite its toxicity, mountain laurel provides valuable habitat for wildlife.