Texas Bluebells

— Bluebonnets are the official State of Texas flower. However, there is not a shortage of beautiful wildflowers in the state. Since early spring, we can admire the beauty that covers our fields. Indian Paintbrushes, Indian Blankets (Firewheels), Halberd-Leaved Rose-Mallows, Gregg’s Mistflowers, Texas Red Yucca, and Mexican Hat are just a few of the wildflowers blooming month after month. Then, from June to September, Texas Bluebells or Prairie Gentian can be found in many fields. This herbaceous perennial is not very large and generally grows to about 2 feet (0.60 meters) tall. The flowers get their names because of their bell-shaped blooms of about 2-3 inches (5.0-7.5 cm) across. These were one of Lady Bird Johnson’s favorite wildflowers. I knew these were blooming now and had to plan a trip to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to photograph them. When I got there, I saw some of these flowers in a field (next photo here). One of the employees saw me photographing that field and pointed out that there was another location with a full bed of flowers (the top and last photo here).