The first full week in May is National Wildflower Week in the USA. This celebratory week was established in 1987 at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. The week celebrates the beauty and significance of native wildflowers across the United States.
US former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson worked hard and inspired us all with the conservation of native plants. She raised awareness of the importance of wildflowers in our ecosystems. More than celebrating their beauty, she was keen on promoting their conservation, which can benefit pollinators like butterflies and bees that are facing population decline.
For this post, I want to focus on one type of wildflower that is very common in Texas, especially in early May. Some years, there is no abundant show of wildflowers in Central Texas. However, even when we do not see their widespread displays everywhere, several fields are always covered with White Prickly Poppies (Argemone albiflora). One interesting fact about this flower is that the stem is covered with so many prickles that even deer and cows leave it alone.
This North American native wildflower is mainly found in the Great Plains region. In the first macro photo above, viewers can see how noticeable these showy white flowers are in any field. Their petals have a paper texture appearance with a center cluster of yellow stamens. However, one must remember where their name comes from: those prickly thistle-like leaves, as seen in this photo.
This drought-tolerant wildflower thrives in dry, sandy soil and full sun. It’s an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens. Throughout history, Native American tribes have used this wildflower for medicinal purposes. The yellow latex from the plant was used to treat skin conditions and toothaches, for example. Also, their seeds were used as a substitute for hard-to-find lubricants during World War II. However, if ingested, these poppies are poisonous to humans and can cause serious health problems.
Despite the prickles, the White Prickly Poppy is a favorite among pollinators like bees, butterflies, and beetles, who are attracted to its nectar and pollen.
Please join me in celebrating National Wildflower Week!
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Wind Kisses
I did not know it was wildflower week. And no one loves frolicking though flowers more than I do. Our wildflower season is closer to march though. I too am grateful for Ladybird Johnson. Beautiful images, and happy bees.
Egidio Leitao
National Wildflower Week is the first full week in May. It ended yesterday. Thank you for your thoughts and comments. Our peak wildflower season here is also in March. Thanks again.
SoyBend
Beautiful photos of the poppies, Egidio! I planted one of these in my front yard. It’s one of the few plants the mule deer never eat. 😉
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Siobhan. Those poppies are deer-resistant.
Amy
Thanks to Lady Bird Johnson!! She had a vision of beautify US highways and wildflowers to save water usage. I did a post on her many years ago.
Egidio Leitao
Yes, Lady Bird was wonderful. Thanks for your feedback.
Rebecca Cuningham
Wonderful poppy photos! Love the honeybees landing.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you. I was hoping for one bee in flight and lucked out with two.
Rebecca Cuningham
Great capture!
Michelle McGinnis
Nice
Michelle McGinnis
Awesome!
Michelle McGinnis
Great!
Anne Sandler
Great images Egidio, especially the last one!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much, Anne. The stars (and bees) aligned for me. 🙂
Toonsarah
That’s a beautiful flower and one I’d never heard of 🙂 Thank you for introducing us to it!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the feedback, Sarah. I’m glad the post was informational, too.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Stupendi davvero!
Egídio Leitão
Grazie. Sì, ogni settimana è una scena diversa.
margaret21
Oh, Happy National Wildflower Week indeed! You have some beauties here.
Egídio Leitão
Margaret, thanks for the happy wishes and feedback. Our fields keep changing colors as old flowers go and new ones come up. Every week things are different.
Aletta - nowathome
It is such a beautiful time of the year, Egídio! Wildflowers are also amazing here in South Africa, but we will have it only in September. Your photos are so beautiful.
Egídio Leitão
Aletta, thank you so much for your feedback. Indeed, spring is a beautiful time. I hope you will have a mild winter there.
Aletta - nowathome
I hope so too, but the weather is very unpredictable lately .
Writing to Freedom
Yay for poppies and other wonderful wildflowers. They make me and our pollinators happy! 😊
Egídio Leitão
That is very nice of you to say. I’m glad the post made you happy. I’ll try to create similar posts this week if I find the time.
Writing to Freedom
😊🌷