More digression- Always a source of confusion and amusement, local flower names are meaningless to those from outside the area of reference. I have no idea what plant a 'mountain pink or starflower' would be in your area. It could be one of the alpine Dianthus, or it could be something quite different.
I remember a thread about flowers in a Carter Family song- never decided.

Although the last ice sheet glaciation did not extend into the Appalachians, the colder climate moved plant species south; with the end of the ice age, some plants that preferred cool climate moved 'up the mountain,' staying with the conditions they preferred (or so some believe).