August

If August is known for one thing it is heat. The granite surface soaks up the sun's heat and a walk on the mountain can be 10 degrees hotter than the surrounding area. Plants persist through the temperatures and many are heat specialist, like the succulent Rock Pink which has blooms that only open in late afternoon sun and wither away each day. A very rare species found in only 3 states, Rock Aster, blooms purple in late summer and fal on the mountain. In wetter, shaded soils Jewelweed can be found sparkling in the dim light. Used as a natural deterent to Poison Ivy, Jewelweed is also called Touch Me Not due to popping seeds when distrubed. In field environments, like viewed from the Songbird Trail, Goldenrod can be found in large numbers forming meadows of yellow. Many of the feilds at Stone Mountain also contain two plants in the Pea family called Patridge and Butterfly Peas. Be on the lookout for these plants and more while at the park in August.