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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Thursday - February 12, 2015

From: Chesterfield, MO
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: When do wildflowers bloom in the Texas Hill Country
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Approximately when do the wild flowers bloom in Hill country? I would love to see them. I know it depends on winter weather conditions. I have a short vacation mid March, was considering a trip there this year.

ANSWER:

The peak of Lupinus texensis (Texas bluebonnet) blooming is usually around the first weekend in April.  We don't expect it to be different this year, but it should be a very good year for wildflower blooms in general because we have had well-spaced rains and the bluebonnet rosettes are to be seen everywhere.  There should be a good showing of wildflowers of all sorts along with the bluebonnets by mid-March.

You can check several webpages in March with information about routes for seeing bluebonnets:

The Texas Department of Transportation in previous years has had a Wildflower Hotline beginning in March.  Check their webpage this March to find bluebonnets hotspots.

 

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