‘Locust Winter’: What you need to know about Tennessee’s current Folklore Springtime Winter

Davis Nolan
·1 min read

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The shift between 80-degree temperatures to this weekend’s cool 60s is a reminder that winter is not done just yet. And in Tennessee, it’s a tradition to name the springtime cold snaps after what is blooming at the time.

This weekend’s cool-down would be a Locust Winter since the locust trees are in full bloom.

Locust trees
Locust trees

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There are four main Tennessee springtime winters:

  • Redbud Winter

  • Dogwood Winter

  • Locust Winter

  • Blackberry Winter

Redbud Winter is usually in March. Dogwood Winter runs from around late March through April. Locust Winter is generally from late April to early May, and Blackberry Winter is usually in May. The times can vary from year to year.

Sometimes we will see more than one cold snap while a certain tree is blooming. For example, we often see more than one Dogwood Winter each year.

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Other times a cold snap occurs when two or more trees or plants are blooming at the same time. It always makes for good conversation between folks explaining what is blooming in their yard!

There have been a few more winters that people have added over the years. I have heard of Stump Winter. I assume that is when there is no firewood left to burn, but an old stump.

My good friend Lisa Patton said her mother adds Cotton Britches Winter.

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But no matter what it’s called, one thing is for certain—it’s springtime in Tennessee!

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