Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Tuesday - April 21, 2009

From: Wylie, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: How long do bluebonnets last?
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

How long do bluebonnets last? When should I no longer expect to see the beautiful state flower along the side of the road? I want to know how long I have to take memorable pictures of my children. Thanks.

ANSWER:

We would advise you not to waste any time getting your pictures. No one can say for sure when or where the bluebonnets will bloom the best, or fade away. You can go to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center 2009 Wildflower Forecast for some information. Note the webcam page at the bottom of the page on this site: you will see that the bluebonnets in the cam view at the Wildflower Center have already gone to seed. Since Wylie is in North Texas, you may still have time, because ordinarily the blooming progresses from south to north in Texas. 

Other sources include Lonestar Internet, Inc. You can find more routes and information at the Texas Hill Country Wildflower Trail web site. DeWitt County offers its own wildflower site as does Brenham, Texas in Washington County. On the Brenham page, select "Visitor Information", then "Nature Watch" to find their information on wildflowers. We found a Texas Highway Department website, Wildflower Sightings. 

Get your camera and go!

 

More Wildflowers Questions

Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema sp.) blooms
May 06, 2008 - My jack in the pulpit bloomed last year with the back of the spathe showing and the spadix facing away, similar to a child standing in a corner. I read on a site why this happens but now I can't find...
view the full question and answer

When is a good time to visit the Center
March 14, 2004 - When is a good time to visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to see the wildflowers?
view the full question and answer

More on bluebonnets
January 09, 2007 - My wife has recently contacted and met relatives from Texas (her father was a war baby born in the 1940's). Her new found Aunt Sarah has kindly given me some Bluebonnet seeds to plant "a corner of T...
view the full question and answer

Fertilizing wild bluebonnets
September 26, 2007 - Can you fertilize wild bluebonnets? If so, with what and when?
view the full question and answer

What about the Bluebonnets at Muleshoe Bend Recreational Area in Spicewood, TX ?
April 27, 2015 - We had heard about vast field of bluebonnets out at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area - an LCRA park in Spicewood. We went out today and there are indeed vast fields . . . all where Lake Travis would be ...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.