These are Bluets, Houstonia spp.  They grow all along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains.  They also grow at lower altitudes, carpeting roadsides and open grassy habitats.

 

For perspective:  See the moss in the background?  It's about 2 inches tall.  OK, so we're talking SMALL!!!  

 

These Bluets are in a cute little patch on Stonebriar, just below Al's house.  They're easy to spot because THEY ARE BLUE!!!  When you're walking or driving slowly, you may see a haze of blue in the grass in early spring; it's probably a patch of Bluets.  Get up close, they are really cute.  

 

I hope you get to see some this spring.

 

HAPPY SPRING!!!!!!