Today was my first day back on the lake since last November. First the weather last Fall was very windy. Then, last December, the level of the water in the lake was lowered more than 8 feet to allow for some construction work. it look until March for the lake bed to be solid enough that the heavy construction equipment could get out on the lake bed to perform the construction work.
The lake was allowed to fill in early April and has taken a month or so to fill completely. Spring weather this year has not cooperated; it has been very windy. And we’re in a cycle of sunny weeks and weekends that now include threats of thunderstorms. Seems like its always been something.
While the lake level was low, some trees were felled – and most of the bushes along segments 2 and 3 were cut down and laid at the waterline - to provide fish attractors. So this mornings trip included figuring out how to negotiate some sections of shoreline again – something I could do with my eyes shut before these changes.
This Pinxter Azalea (Rhododendron canescens) was one of the bushes cut down at least a month ago. It is flowering.
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Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower
- Pinxter Azalea (Rhododendron canescens)
Rhododendron canescens is known as the Sweet Pinxter Azalea, Pinxter Azalea, Pinxter Flower, Hoary Azalea, or Mountain Azalea. Pinxter Azaleas grow at several places along the lake shore at Fort Yargo State Park; particularly along sections of segments, 2, 6, and 13. Most years they provide blazing displays of flowers. Unfortunately, many of these plants were cut down and place in the lake to attract fish. There were some very limited displays but the flowers only lasted for a week or so. Hopefully, these plants will grow back in flower profusely again in future years.
The flower buds have a lot of character
Very early
A little further along
And further yet
Opening in the shade along segment 13.
Opening at the lake’s edge
In happier days
Rhododendron canescens is native to the United States. It grows in the southeastern United States from Virginia south to Florida, west to Texas and Oklahoma as well as in Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
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Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Rhododendron canescens (Mountain Azalea)
Identification resources:- Southeastern Flora: Mountain Azalea (Rhododendron canescens)
Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower
- Piedmont Azalea: Rhododendron canescens
The Piedmont azaleas have been in full bloom at the lake over the last few weeks, making splashes of color at many places around the lake.
This bush is along the lake shore between the campground and the dam (Segment 7). The best view is from the water.
Click on images to see larger images
Today was my first day back on the lake since last November. First the weather last Fall was very windy. Then, last December, the level of the water in the lake was lowered more than 8 feet to allow for some construction work. it look until March for the lake bed to be solid enough that the heavy construction equipment could get out on the lake bed to perform the construction work. 
