Native Plants

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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

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:
- Texas Bluebonnet Sightings
- Escape to the Lakes and Hills of Texas
- Shop Across Texas
- Visit Brenham Texas
- Texas Less Traveled
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.
More Wildflowers Questions
Spots on bluebonnets from Godley TX
April 21, 2012 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants!
I'm trying to separate rumor and folktales from fact when it comes to bluebonnets in Texas. I notice that bluebonnet blossoms have a double white spot on the center petal tha...
view the full question and answer
Making Tea from Croton monanthogynus
August 13, 2013 - Do you have any other information on the value of croton monanthogynus as a tea? Nutritive value? Possible adverse reactions?
view the full question and answer
Smarty Plants on showiest time for wildflower blooming
August 22, 2004 - I have been to Austin a few times, but never during wildflower season. Can you suggest to me what would be the ideal time to come?
view the full question and answer
Overseeding native wildflower seeds as opposed to herbicides
August 10, 2006 - Greetings from Alabama,
We would like to "roundup" approx 2 A and plant some wildflower (s) that would TAKE OVER. We have 20 A and over half is in mixed woods. Pine, oak, sweetgum, and ???.
Do y...
view the full question and answer
Dicentra Late in Emerging in the Spring
April 29, 2013 - I have had a bleeding heart plant that has come up for over 50 years. This year it did not come up. Is there anything I can do? Is there a chance that it will come up next year or should I assume that...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |