While you’re out and about this spring, don’t miss dazzling displays of Texas wildflowers blanketing fields and dotting sides of roads! Here are a few types you can find as you road trip your way across Texas (or just around Austin!) –
Texas Bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis) – while six Lupinus species have been designated the State Flower of Texas, it’s the showstopping Texas Bluebonnet that is by far the most iconic. It blooms in early spring.
Texas Thistle (Cirsium texanum) – bumblebees and butterflies love the pretty purple (and drought-tolerant) Texas thistle, which blooms from April to August.
Pink Evening Primrose (Oenothera speciosa) – also known as buttercups, evening primroses open their flowers every evening and close them each morning. They bloom from April to June.
A great place to learn more about (and see!) wildflowers is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, where you can explore informative displays and snap plenty of photos. Their website is also a great resource, with a 2023 wildflower forecast and lists of wildflower drives, if you’re feeling adventurous. Admission is free with your UT Austin staff ID; reservations required.
And don’t forget – if you snap an awesome pic of Texas wildflowers this spring, feel free to share it on Teams!
Taylor Grobeny