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EVENTS & CLASSES

Join us for one of our exciting classes, programs or events

Two oak trees, one with red leaves and one with green leaves against the blue sky

Watercolor Workshop

Saturday, November 9

Two oak trees, one with red leaves and one with green leaves against the blue sky

Embodying Presence Yoga Retreat

Friday, November 15

Yaupon holly

Holiday Cards with Alcohol Inks

Sunday, November 10

Elias pruning trees, by Bill Boyd

Tree Pruning

Saturday, November 16

FIND A PLANT

Discover the Native Plants of North America


GARDEN VIEWS

An inside glimpse of the gardens from our Instagram feed

During our annual vegetation surveys, teams of staff, students, and volunteers collect data that is essential to advancing ecological restoration techniques and demonstrating sustainable land management. 

Each survey season, we observe and record vegetation patterns, collecting information that contributes to over two decades of ecological research. As one of the University of Texas at Austin’s longest-running studies, this project helps us better understand the effects of land management practices, such as prescribed fire and mowing, on plant communities.

This work is a cornerstone of the Center’s mission, supporting healthier landscapes and informing practices that extend to other UT campuses.
 
Shout out to everyone who participated this fall!
 
#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #ScienceAndConservation #NativePlants
When you think "poinsettia," does your mind jump to bright red petals and holiday décor? Our native Texas poinsettia (𝘌𝘶𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘢 𝘤𝘺𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘢) brings a unique twist to the festive classic. Known as “fire on the mountain,” it shows off red-bracted leaves and tiny greenish-yellow flowers from April through November—no holiday season required! 

Texas poinsettia is a member of the spurge family (𝘌𝘶𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘦) and boasts a unique optical illusion. The red color comes from pigmented leaves, creating the illusion of a single, red flower. Unlike the non-native poinsettia, this variety is hardy and low-maintenance. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, an excellent accent for Texas gardens. Plus, it’s drought-tolerant once established for eco-friendly landscaping!

Feeling inspired? Join us on Nov. 9 for a Watercolor Workshop or on Nov. 10 for our Holiday Cards with Alcohol Inks class—a chance to create your own botanical-inspired greeting cards. Visit the link in our bio or wildflower.org/events to reserve your spot!

📸 Wildflower Center

#WildflowerCenter #StayWild
This month, step into calmness and reconnect with nature at the Wildflower Center. Join us on Nov. 10 for Family Yoga, bring strength and flow to your week with Yoga FIT on Mondays ($12 per person), or dive deeper with our Embodying Presence Yoga Retreat on Nov. 15. 

For dates, details, and our full class lineup, visit the link in our bio or wildflower.org/events. Members receive a discount!

📷: Cynthia Bernard, aka @atxyogagirl 

#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #ATXYogaClasses
In the spirit of Election Day, we’ve discovered a plant where wildlife is casting some “votes”! Meet Salvia ballotiflora (yes, ballot-iflora), or shrubby blue sage, a fall-blooming beauty with deep blue blossoms that light up the garden in cooler months.
 
The bees have been having their own election here. Carpenter bees seem to prefer the longer blooms of Salvia ballotiflora. Meanwhile, nearby mealy blue sage (Salvia farinacea), a more compact plant, has earned the exclusive favor of Sonoran bumblebees.
 
Remember to cast your vote today and stop by our Theme Gardens or the Family Garden to see these “pollinator polls” in action. 🌸🐝
 
Learn more about Salvia ballotiflora at the link in our bio.
 
#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #SalviaBallotiflora #ShrubbyBlueSage #MealyBlueSage #NativePlants #ElectionDay
🍂 Cool breezes are finally headed our way, just in time for Tuesday Twilights tomorrow, Nov. 5! Last week’s dog-themed night was a blast with dancing, live music, and some adorable pups in costume. 🐾✨
 
This Tuesday, enjoy the fresh air and cooler temps while you explore Fortlandia, groove to live tunes, and savor bites and drinks under the sunset. Just two more chances to join us this fall—don’t miss out!
 
Nov. 5 lineup:
🎶 MUSIC – @tylerjohnkraehling 
🍴 FOOD – @ikenaves1 , @craigositalian & @dulcefridaatx 
🍹 DRINK – Tito’s Spicy Watermelon for the 21+ crowd
 
More details at the link in our bio.
 
#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #TuesdayTwilights #Fortlandia #ATXHappyHour
Be sure to keep an eye out for Monarchs on your next visit! Our Nectar Garden is buzzing with activity as these travelers stop by to fuel up on their journey south, gracing the gardens with an extra touch of magic. ✨

You can drop in to get a close-up look at this endangered species at our Power the Migration exhibit in the Little House. Visit the link in our bio for more ways you can support Monarchs in Texas and beyond.

📸: Bill J. Boyd

#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #MonarchMigration
Have you visited this year’s Fortlandia exhibition yet? Come on by and let your inner explorer run wild this weekend!
 
Free with admission, we have a brand new lineup of eight unique forts to discover! Open daily through Feb 2 - tap the link in our bio to plan your visit! ⛺️

Forts pictured:
Shell Yeah! - @chioco_design, @austincustomcnc, @howdybuilt 
PYROSTRUCTURE - William Bonner + Kennedy Rauh
Harmony Habitat - @okkemdesign 
Honeycomb Hideout - @stgdesign 
Fort Fang - @ion_art_atx 
 
🎥 Julia Bennett

#Fortlandia #StayWild #WildflowerCenter #ATXThingsToDo
Brainsssss 🧟 They may look the part for Halloween, but these neon-green spheres are actually the fruit of the Osage orange (Maclura pomifera). It’s a sure sign of fall when they’re spotted on the ground, becoming a snack for deer, squirrels, and even livestock. Maclura pomifera has many nicknames—what do you call these spooky fruits?

As you celebrate tonight, stay safe and remember to leave no trace—let’s keep our natural spaces clean!

#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #OsageOrange #NativePlants
Last night, we had the pleasure of celebrating our incredible volunteers! Many of our volunteers have been dedicated to our mission for decades and this annual appreciation event is a recognition of their individual and collective milestones. Volunteers make a huge impact by tending to our gardens, helping guests connect with nature, educating our community, and more. Over the last fiscal year, 762 volunteers dedicated an astounding 28,410 hours to the Wildflower Center! Your time, heart, and expertise are an invaluable part of our mission.

To learn more about what our volunteers do and how to get involved, visit wildflower.org/volunteer.
 
#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #VolunteerAppreciation #CommunityImpact
For those whose festive mood starts as soon as November 1 hits, we have two upcoming classes taught by the wonderful @apattonfineart to help you get a jump start on your holiday gifts and greetings! Learn more and register today at the link in our bio.

🎨 Watercolor Workshop (Nov. 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.): Learn how to create beautiful seasonal scenes that make the perfect gift! This class is ideal for anyone interested in watercolors and botanical art. 

🎁 Holiday Cards with Alcohol Inks (Nov. 10, 1 - 3 p.m.): Sending out holiday cards this year? Discover how to use alcohol inks to express nature’s many wonders for your season's greetings!

Many Texas natives, including the Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) pictured here, would look right at home on a holiday card! 

#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #ATXArtist #AustinArtWorkshop
During our annual vegetation surveys, teams of staff, students, and volunteers collect data that is essential to advancing ecological restoration techniques and demonstrating sustainable land management. 

Each survey season, we observe and record vegetation patterns, collecting information that contributes to over two decades of ecological research. As one of the University of Texas at Austin’s longest-running studies, this project helps us better understand the effects of land management practices, such as prescribed fire and mowing, on plant communities.

This work is a cornerstone of the Center’s mission, supporting healthier landscapes and informing practices that extend to other UT campuses.
 
Shout out to everyone who participated this fall!
 
#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #ScienceAndConservation #NativePlants
When you think "poinsettia," does your mind jump to bright red petals and holiday décor? Our native Texas poinsettia (𝘌𝘶𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘢 𝘤𝘺𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘢) brings a unique twist to the festive classic. Known as “fire on the mountain,” it shows off red-bracted leaves and tiny greenish-yellow flowers from April through November—no holiday season required! 

Texas poinsettia is a member of the spurge family (𝘌𝘶𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘦) and boasts a unique optical illusion. The red color comes from pigmented leaves, creating the illusion of a single, red flower. Unlike the non-native poinsettia, this variety is hardy and low-maintenance. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, an excellent accent for Texas gardens. Plus, it’s drought-tolerant once established for eco-friendly landscaping!

Feeling inspired? Join us on Nov. 9 for a Watercolor Workshop or on Nov. 10 for our Holiday Cards with Alcohol Inks class—a chance to create your own botanical-inspired greeting cards. Visit the link in our bio or wildflower.org/events to reserve your spot!

📸 Wildflower Center

#WildflowerCenter #StayWild
This month, step into calmness and reconnect with nature at the Wildflower Center. Join us on Nov. 10 for Family Yoga, bring strength and flow to your week with Yoga FIT on Mondays ($12 per person), or dive deeper with our Embodying Presence Yoga Retreat on Nov. 15. 

For dates, details, and our full class lineup, visit the link in our bio or wildflower.org/events. Members receive a discount!

📷: Cynthia Bernard, aka @atxyogagirl 

#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #ATXYogaClasses
In the spirit of Election Day, we’ve discovered a plant where wildlife is casting some “votes”! Meet Salvia ballotiflora (yes, ballot-iflora), or shrubby blue sage, a fall-blooming beauty with deep blue blossoms that light up the garden in cooler months.
 
The bees have been having their own election here. Carpenter bees seem to prefer the longer blooms of Salvia ballotiflora. Meanwhile, nearby mealy blue sage (Salvia farinacea), a more compact plant, has earned the exclusive favor of Sonoran bumblebees.
 
Remember to cast your vote today and stop by our Theme Gardens or the Family Garden to see these “pollinator polls” in action. 🌸🐝
 
Learn more about Salvia ballotiflora at the link in our bio.
 
#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #SalviaBallotiflora #ShrubbyBlueSage #MealyBlueSage #NativePlants #ElectionDay
🍂 Cool breezes are finally headed our way, just in time for Tuesday Twilights tomorrow, Nov. 5! Last week’s dog-themed night was a blast with dancing, live music, and some adorable pups in costume. 🐾✨
 
This Tuesday, enjoy the fresh air and cooler temps while you explore Fortlandia, groove to live tunes, and savor bites and drinks under the sunset. Just two more chances to join us this fall—don’t miss out!
 
Nov. 5 lineup:
🎶 MUSIC – @tylerjohnkraehling 
🍴 FOOD – @ikenaves1 , @craigositalian & @dulcefridaatx 
🍹 DRINK – Tito’s Spicy Watermelon for the 21+ crowd
 
More details at the link in our bio.
 
#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #TuesdayTwilights #Fortlandia #ATXHappyHour
Be sure to keep an eye out for Monarchs on your next visit! Our Nectar Garden is buzzing with activity as these travelers stop by to fuel up on their journey south, gracing the gardens with an extra touch of magic. ✨

You can drop in to get a close-up look at this endangered species at our Power the Migration exhibit in the Little House. Visit the link in our bio for more ways you can support Monarchs in Texas and beyond.

📸: Bill J. Boyd

#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #MonarchMigration
Have you visited this year’s Fortlandia exhibition yet? Come on by and let your inner explorer run wild this weekend!
 
Free with admission, we have a brand new lineup of eight unique forts to discover! Open daily through Feb 2 - tap the link in our bio to plan your visit! ⛺️

Forts pictured:
Shell Yeah! - @chioco_design, @austincustomcnc, @howdybuilt 
PYROSTRUCTURE - William Bonner + Kennedy Rauh
Harmony Habitat - @okkemdesign 
Honeycomb Hideout - @stgdesign 
Fort Fang - @ion_art_atx 
 
🎥 Julia Bennett

#Fortlandia #StayWild #WildflowerCenter #ATXThingsToDo
Brainsssss 🧟 They may look the part for Halloween, but these neon-green spheres are actually the fruit of the Osage orange (Maclura pomifera). It’s a sure sign of fall when they’re spotted on the ground, becoming a snack for deer, squirrels, and even livestock. Maclura pomifera has many nicknames—what do you call these spooky fruits?

As you celebrate tonight, stay safe and remember to leave no trace—let’s keep our natural spaces clean!

#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #OsageOrange #NativePlants
Last night, we had the pleasure of celebrating our incredible volunteers! Many of our volunteers have been dedicated to our mission for decades and this annual appreciation event is a recognition of their individual and collective milestones. Volunteers make a huge impact by tending to our gardens, helping guests connect with nature, educating our community, and more. Over the last fiscal year, 762 volunteers dedicated an astounding 28,410 hours to the Wildflower Center! Your time, heart, and expertise are an invaluable part of our mission.

To learn more about what our volunteers do and how to get involved, visit wildflower.org/volunteer.
 
#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #VolunteerAppreciation #CommunityImpact
For those whose festive mood starts as soon as November 1 hits, we have two upcoming classes taught by the wonderful @apattonfineart to help you get a jump start on your holiday gifts and greetings! Learn more and register today at the link in our bio.

🎨 Watercolor Workshop (Nov. 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.): Learn how to create beautiful seasonal scenes that make the perfect gift! This class is ideal for anyone interested in watercolors and botanical art. 

🎁 Holiday Cards with Alcohol Inks (Nov. 10, 1 - 3 p.m.): Sending out holiday cards this year? Discover how to use alcohol inks to express nature’s many wonders for your season's greetings!

Many Texas natives, including the Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) pictured here, would look right at home on a holiday card! 

#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #ATXArtist #AustinArtWorkshop

Help us spread the beauty!

EXPLORE MORE

Expert advice, plant nerdery and inspiring stories

Illustration of compound leaves and round yellow flowers goldenball lead tree (Leucaena retusa)

Horticultural Heroes

Rescuing flora from Central Texas’ development boom

Snow-on-the-prairie and a paper wasp; because it's a UVIVF image, the centers of the flowers stand out in blue against a plant that looks purple, and clumps of pollen shine bright white.

Not Cutting It

Why No Mow May isn’t enough to change lawn culture

Big white bluestem prickly poppy blooms above purple blooms of prairie verbena along a concrete path.

Go Big Red

Fans rally to conserve a rare sage