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 trillium are among the many wildflowers that will bloom later in the spring. Mosses often found in the cooler, higher elevations of the Blue Ridge grow along the shady slopes of Moccasin Creek. On this trip few wildflowers were in bloom so I took some shots of the landscape to give you a feel of the preserve. Later in April and especially in early May will be a prime time for another hike to Flower Hill.

The 10 acre preserve was purchased in 1989 and is owned by the Triangle Land Conservancy.