Texas Wildflowers Spring Explosion

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. You can see pictures here.

Even the dessert areas explode with a variety of succulents and cacti. For some suggestions about where to see Texas wildflowers, and when, see this site. The Texas hill country has an official wildflower site here. TAMU's agricultural site has a fabulous Texas wild flower site here.

If you're planning a Texas road trip, call the Texas Department of Transportation's wildflower hotline at 1-800-452-9292 for some suggestions about what's blooming where.