Texas Wildflowers Spring Explosion

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From about mid February through early April, Texas erupts in an explosion of wild flowers. Texas' state flower, the Bluebonnet, along with Buttercups and Indian paint brushes flourish along the state highways, and in otherwise unused meadows. Different regions of Texas are known for different species. The Texas hill country, from about March through June, turns into a landscape of vivid blues, yellows and reds because of the Bluebonnets, Black-eyed Susans, Indian Paintbrushes, Mexican poppies, Winecups, Indian blankets, and other less showy wild flowers. East Texas is better known for flowering shrubs, especially Dogwoods, Azaleas in various colors, sweetly scented Yellow Jasmine, and Wisteria. The wildflowers look as if they've been painted and poured over the landscape, flourishing on roadsides, highway margins, and meadows.

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Bastard Oak!

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No, it isn’t an epithet for poor, fatherless trees. It’s not even something you call your husband when you find him having an affair with a tree nymph. It’s the actual name for a tree native to Texas.

(For the record, I would never call our oak tree a bastard. We heart our trees.)

To be fair, the most common name for the Bastard Oak is Lacey Oak, which is much more dignified and curiously much more feminine. Actually, that name comes from Howard Lacey, who was the first person to collect specimens from the tree in Kerrville, Texas, on his home property.

It’s also known as the Canyon Oak, Rock Oak, Smoky Oak, and Mountain Oak—all of which seem much better than the alternative.

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Winter Bloom Houston TX

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Winter Bloom Houston TX: by The Rocketeer - flickrWinter Bloom Houston TX: by The Rocketeer - flickr

Yellow Rose of Texas at Hermann Park

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Yellow Rose of Texas at Hermann Park: by Gold41 - flickrYellow Rose of Texas at Hermann Park: by Gold41 - flickr