Springtime in Texas is the season to be outside. The variety of wildflowers on display changes each week, with vibrant colors everywhere. This morning, while on a photo shoot with a friend, we visited the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. I knew we would see a lot of wildflowers, but I never expected how lush the grounds would be, especially in areas farther from the most popular trails. Above are two Texas beauties on display: the Bluebonnet (the official state flower) and the Texas Yellow Star.
Six species of Bluebonnets are native to Texas. The most common one is the Texas bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis). The other varieties are:
- Annual Lupine (Lupinus concinnus): It is a smaller species generally found in the Franklin Mountains area;
- Big Bend Bluebonnet (Lupinus havardii): This variety is called the Chisos bluebonnet. It is a tall variety, sometimes reaching 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) in height! On one of my visits to the Big Bend area, I was able to photograph myself near some of those Bluebonnets. You can see one of them reached up to my waist height.
- Perennial Bluebonnet (Lupinus perennis): This is the rarest of the six Texas varieties.
- Dune Bluebonnet (Lupinus plattensis): This bluebonnet’s habitat says it all. It is found in sandy dune areas.
- Sandyland Bluebonnet (Lupinus subcarnosus): This species has smaller and less vibrant blooms than the Texas Bluebonnet.
The Texas Yellow Star, also known as prairie sunflower or dotted gayfeather, is another beautiful wildflower commonly found in Texas. Although its bright yellow resembles a sunflower, it is from the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies, asters, and chrysanthemums. Yellow stars are a great nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
The complementary colors of those two Texas flowers caught my eye. Bluebonnets and Texas Yellow Stars are just two of the many beautiful wildflowers found in Texas. These wildflowers are an essential part of the state’s ecosystem and provide a valuable food source for pollinators. If you’re ever in Texas in the spring, be sure to take a drive through the Hill Country or visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to see these wildflowers in bloom.
SoyBend
I didn’t realize there were so many kinds of bluebonnets. From a distance, the flowers look similar to lupine. I liked the contrasting colors in your opening picture, Egidio.
Egídio Leitão
They are lupines indeed. I was also surprised that Texas has six different varieties. Thanks for your feedback.
Inside the Mind of Isadora
Beautifully vibrant yellow looks very comfortable next to those stately blue bonnets.
Lovely …
Egídio Leitão
Isadora, those colors together make a strong presence. Thanks for the comment.
Inside the Mind of Isadora
Yes, they do. 😎
Hammad Rais
So amazingly wonderful. The first photo is truly showing the beauty of these flowers
Egídio Leitão
Thank you, Hammad. I appreciate your comment.
Kathleen Jennette
Egidio, the colors on these flowers are so very vibrant. So pretty 🙂
Egídio Leitão
I think the complementary nature of those colors enhance the appearance of each flower. Bluebonnets are very vibrant.
Kathleen Jennette
Indeed, they sure do.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you so much for your comments.
Amy
Beautiful time of the year in Texas. I’m going to miss the wildflowers…
Egídio Leitão
It is indeed a wonderful time and excellent weather. I’m soaking in as much as I can before the heat comes. Thanks.
Anne Sandler
Beautiful Egidio. We’re still waiting for Spring here in California. It’s still raining.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks, Anne. Spring is in full bloom here. Soon, it’ll be too hot, unfortunately.
Toonsarah
I love the contrast between these two vivid colours, beautiful!
Egídio Leitão
Thank you, Sarah. Yes, the contrast makes the scene beautiful. I love seeing fields of those two flowers together.
Brad Volz
Beautiful photos and flowers Egidio! I have a friend who posts many photos of Texas wildflowers which make me want to visit and see this extravaganza in person!
Egídio Leitão
Brad, thank you for the compliment. For someone who has lived in Texas a long time, it still surprises how beautiful the fields get at this time of the year. Every road turn offers a new sight.
boromax
Wow! What a great education in Bluebonnets! And lovely photos, too. What is that solitary tall yellow-jacketed wildflower with two bluish stems and a peachy bulbous bloom on top? 😉 ~Ed.
Egídio Leitão
Hahaha… Thank, Ed. I guess I’ll have to research more and clarify my post.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
I saw the first picture and thought, lupine 😊 the flower that grows by the roads here in June and July. All in your about Texas flowers was new information
Egídio Leitão
I’m glad you liked the info. Yes, it is a lupine, as you saw it. June and July here could like your November weather, except that it could be excruciatingly hot.
margaret21
Spring is wonderful wherever it occurs, but these flowers, so different from our own, make their own impact. Interesting that, as here, the main colours of springtime are yellow and blue.
Egídio Leitão
I look forward to seeing your spring flowers. Thanks, Margaret.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Stupendi. Amo molto i fiori. Grazie per la condivisione. 🌷
Egídio Leitão
Prego. Questa volta in Texas è eccellente per i fiori di campo. Buona Pasqua.