HELP CHOOSE THE 2027 WILDFLOWER OF THE YEAR
Each year, the Wildflower of the Year shines a spotlight on a Texas native plant that deserves special recognition for its beauty, resilience and ecological value.
Our horticulture staff nominated their favorite candidates and shared why they believe these plants deserve the honor. Now it’s your turn to cast a vote.
Voting is now closed. Thank you for helping us choose the Wildflower of the Year! The winner will be announced soon!
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Spotted Beebalm (Monarda punctata)
Nominated by: Camille Lewis
Why it was nominated: “Its colorful bracts and stunning tubular blooms make it an early summer knockout.”
At a glance:
- Native annual wildflower
- Supports a variety of pollinators
- Blooms after peak bluebonnet season
- Distinctive colorful bracts and clustered flowers
Standing Cypress (Ipomopsis rubra)
Nominated by: Lauren Groce
Why it was nominated: “A showstopping 6-foot flower spike of fire.”
At a glance:
- Brilliant crimson blooms
- Attracts hummingbirds
- Drought tolerant
- Biennial that reseeds readily
Velvet-leaf Mallow (Allowissadula holosericea)
Nominated by: Amy Medley
Why it was nominated: “Even when every other plant is dying for water between waterings, she is completely stellar and standing strong.”
At a glance:
- Native to Travis County
- Velvety foliage and buttery-yellow flowers
- Larval host for several skipper butterflies
- Highly deer resistant and exceptionally tough
Hill Country Rain Lily (Cooperia pedunculata)
Nominated by: Maggie Costello & Sophie Lemkin
Why it was nominated: “She is absolutely gorgeously elegant. A legend and an icon, too.”
At a glance:
- Blooms in response to rainfall
- Creates spectacular mass displays
- Native geophyte
- Emblematic of the Texas Hill Country
Texas Gayfeather (Liatris punctata var. mucronata)
Nominated by: Anna Appelquist
Why it was nominated: “Excellent wildlife plant, attractive to a wide array of bees, butterflies, birds and other mammals.”
At a glance:
- Outstanding pollinator plant
- Blooms profusely for months
- Attractive winter seed heads
- Heat, cold and drought tolerant
Lemon Beebalm (Monarda citriodora)
Nominated by: Kyle Cheesborough
Why it was nominated: “As Texans drive down the highway and see large drifts of pinkish-purple flower spikes dancing in the breeze in mid-to-late spring, they may wonder what this garish plant is that gives off a pleasant, lemony scent.”
At a glance:
- Fragrant foliage, flowers and stems
- Long bloom season
- Supports pollinators
- Historically used in teas, cooking and salves
Prairie Fleabane (Erigeron modestus)
Nominated by: Hannah Armstrong
Why it was nominated: “Adorable.”
At a glance:
- Long bloom season
- Winter rosette provides year-round interest
- Excellent pollinator plant
- Drought tolerant and reseeds gently
Zexmenia (Wedelia acapulcensis var. hispida)
Nominated by: Susan Prosperie
Why it was nominated: “A drought tolerant perennial that blooms and produces seeds all summer.”
At a glance:
- Long summer bloom season
- Seeds favored by lesser goldfinches
- Drought tolerant
- Less likely to be browsed by deer
Pink Evening Primrose (Oenothera speciosa)
Nominated by: Camille Lewis
Why it was nominated: “It’s one of the earliest wildflowers in spring, has a comparatively long bloom period and is incredibly tough and drought tolerant. How can you not fall in love with that flower?”
At a glance:
- Early spring bloomer
- Long flowering season
- Drought tolerant and adaptable
- Fragrant flowers that open in the evening
Basket Flower (Plectocephalus americanus)
Nominated by: Carissa Leeper
Why it was nominated: “So frequently bees and beetles are found lost in the sauce of this bloom.”
At a glance:
- Large, striking blooms
- Excellent pollinator plant
- Distinctive woven-looking flower heads
- Stunning in meadows and naturalistic plantings
