Texas bluebonnetsare the official state flower of Texas and can be found lining highways across the state. What are the red wildflowers in Texas? Fun fact: The Bluebonnet was named the state flower of Texas in 1901, and contrary to popular belief, it is not illegal to pick them.
What are the most common roadside flowers in Texas?
In West Texas around Alpine, Marathon and Fort Stockton, the roadside flowers were quite different. The predominant species was Purple Prairie Vervain. The second most common species was Fendler’s Bladder Pod. This member of the Mustard Family covered entire fields in some locations.
What are the most abundant wildflowers in East Texas?
The most abundant wildflower along the roads in East Texas is a Coreopsis. This native species, Coreopsis tinctoria, is often called Golden Tickseed or Plains Tickseed.
Can you take pictures of the wildflowers in Texas?
The peak wildflower blooming season draws tourists from all across the nation to see the color unfold each spring. TxDOT is pleased with the attention wildflowers attract; however, we discourage picture-taking that damages the flowers. If too many wildflowers are trampled, they will die and not go to seed.
Do wildflowers grow on the side of the road?
Wildflowers and naturalized flowering plants, which are plants brought to an area by animals and humans, grow anywhere the conditions are right for them, and sometimes that includes by the side of roads. Which of those plants are suited for your location depends on the site's U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zone.
What are the pink flowers on the side of the road Texas?
Pink evening primrose Oenothera speciosa — Blooms April to June across much of the state. Opens at dusk in northern portions of Texas; flowers wither each day, replaced by new blossoms each evening. Elsewhere in the state, blooms stay open all day. Drought-tolerant.
What are those flowers on the side of the road?
Daylilies (Hemerocallis) also are tall plants seen growing beside roads. They are perennials, returning year after year. Growing best in USDA zones 3 through 10, daylilies reach 3 feet high and have lilylike flowers held on long stems above straplike leaves.
What are the red flowers with bluebonnets?
Indian Paintbrushes – Indian paintbrushes often intermingle with bluebonnets and crop up at the same time of year. They range from pale cream and orange to bright, fiery red-orange.
What are the orange flowers on the side of the road in Texas?
The Indian Blanket, also known as the firewheel flower or blanket flower, can also be seen along Texas roadsides. This flower gets its name because when seen altogether in a field, the orange, yellow and red pedals cause the flower patch to resemble a giant woven tapestry.
What are the plants on the freeway?
edulis is known as sour fig and also highway ice plant. They're both easily mistaken for each other: both have fleshy, spearlike leaves and prostrate roots that grow easily in sand dunes.
How does chicory look like?
Chicory is an herbaceous plant in the dandelion family. It has bright blue, and sometimes white or pink, blossoms. When eating chicory plants the leaves, buds, and roots can all be consumed.
What flowers are in season in March in Texas?
To enjoy your cool season annual flowers longer, March is the perfect time to plant now! Choose from blooms like geraniums, petunias, snapdragons, stock, and sweet alyssum.
Are Texas bluebonnets the same as lupines?
Texas bluebonnets are actually six different Lupinus species with only one having the official name of Texas Bluebonnet or Lupinus texensis. Bluebonnets grow in most southwestern states, while Wild Lupine (Lupinus perrenis) grows in Wisconsin and most northeastern and southeastern states.
Are Texas bluebonnets invasive?
We know that Lupinus texensis (Texas bluebonnet) will not become an invasive species or even a weed in Georgia, but that is not necessarily the case with all species. Pests and diseases are another matter.
What are the purple flowers by the side of the road?
What is the name of the pretty purple and white flowers blooming along the freeways and natural areas? They bloom in May and look kind of like a phlox. They are pretty and must be easy to grow - where can I buy them? These are Dame's rocket (Hesperis matronalis) a member of the mustard family and no relation to phlox.
Can you eat bluebonnets?
Believe it or not, the bluebonnet is actually toxic if ingested. Leaves and seeds from the entire Lupinus plant family are poisonous, although actual toxicity is determined by a number of different biological and environmental factors (see 'Benefit'). Even animals steer clear of bluebonnets when they get the munchies.
What are the yellow flowers on the side of the road?
A couple common questions we get each spring are, "What's that yellow plant we see along so many highways, and why don't we do something about it?" The plant with the bright yellow flowers and distinctive smell is Scotch Broom, or Cytisus scoparious, an invasive species visible along many roadways this time of year.
What are the blue flowers on the side of the road?
Chicory can be expected to bloom from June through October. Chicory's sky blue flowers add just the right touch to not only country roads, but city streets as well, proving that it can endure almost any environmental stress. Its only real enemy is routine cultivation making it a weed even the farmers can enjoy.
What is the name of the yellow flowers on the side of the road?
A couple common questions we get each spring are, "What's that yellow plant we see along so many highways, and why don't we do something about it?" The plant with the bright yellow flowers and distinctive smell is Scotch Broom, or Cytisus scoparious, an invasive species visible along many roadways this time of year.
What are the purple flowers on the side of the road?
What's the phlox like plant with its purple bloom along the roadsides? With its attractive purple- pinkish to white fragrant flowers, Dame's Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) is a highly invasive plant that can quickly displace the native vegetation along roadside ditches, wooded and open areas.
What are the lilies that grow on the side of the road?
Arum lily is an environmental weed throughout Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales and south-east Queensland....Plants can grow in:waterways and creek banks.wetlands and swamps.moist pastures.coastal areas.gardens.rubbish dumps.disturbed areas such as roadsides.bush land.
What is the most abundant wildflower in Texas?
Also called wild phlox. 5. Prairie verbena ( Glandularia bipinnatifida) blooms most profusely in spring, but may flower at other times of the year depending on rainfall. Found throughout the state; they’re among Texas’ most abundant wildflowers.
Where do rain lilies bloom in Texas?
14. Rain lily ( Cooperia pedunculata) appears like magic a few days after heavy rains, sometimes in masses—across the eastern two-thirds of the state—with a single white bloom atop a straight, foot-high green stem.
What is the name of the plant that has yellow, orange, and red flowers?
The “horrid” in its Latin name comes from the leaves’ distinctive pungent odor. Blooms are tight clusters of yellow, orange, and red flowers. 19. Texas thistle ( Cirsium texanum) blooms throughout Texas, except in the Panhandle, April to August. Bumblebees and butterflies are attracted to Texas thistle.
What is a prickly pear cactus?
Prickly pear cactus ( Opuntia engelmannii ), a perennial, blooms in shades from yellow to red across the state. The fruit, or tuna, which ranges from red to deep maroon when ripe, makes a very good jelly (see our recipes for prickly pear desserts, a cocktail, and other tasty fare). 16.
What kind of sunflowers grow in Texas?
Texas boasts some 19 species of wild sunflowers, including Maximilian sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) and swamp sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius). Winecup ( Callirhoe involucrata) blooms early spring into summer, in most parts of the state, except the west. They grow in sandy soils in open woods and scrublands.
What do wildflowers do?
Wildflowers dot our plains and brighten our mountains. They carpet our hills, line our roadways, and spring up where the sunlight pierces forest canopies. They are tall, short, subtle, or showy, and—in a state that is home to an abundance of blooming plants—we are grateful for all 5,000 of them. Here are 20 of our favorites.
When does Coreopsis bloom?
Coreopsis ( Coreopsis spp.) bloom somewhere in the state every month except January. “Coreopsis” is from a combination of New Latin and Greek for “having a buglike appearance,” referring to the seed, which resembles a beetle—hence, the common name, tickseed.
When does Oenothera speciosa bloom in Texas?
Oenothera speciosa — Blooms April to June across much of the state. Opens at dusk in northern portions of Texas; flowers wither each day, replaced by new blossoms each evening. Elsewhere in the state, blooms stay open all day. Drought-tolerant. Also known as buttercup.
When do verbenas bloom in Texas?
Verbena spp. — Blooms most profusely in spring, but may flower at other times of the year depending on rainfall. Found throughout the state; among Texas’ most abundant wildflowers.
How long do rain lilies bloom?
Flowers may last up to four days be-fore turning pinkish and withering. Delicate, lovely fragrance. The smaller evening star rain lily ( Cooperia drummondii) tends to bloom in late summer and fall, while the larger rain lily blooms in spring and early summer.
What is the name of the plant that blooms every month?
Coreopsis spp. — Various species bloom somewhere in the state every month except January. “Coreopsis” is from a combination of New Latin and Greek for “having a buglike appearance,” referring to the seed, which resembles a beetle. Hence, the common name, tickseed.
What is the color of phlox?
Named for Scottish botanist Thomas Drum-mond, who collected the plants on a visit to Texas in 1834. Most common color is red, but shades of pink, blue, and purple are also seen. Also called wild phlox.
When does Gaillardia pulchella bloom?
Gaillardia pulchella — Blooms April to June across much of the state. When viewed in a mass, the brilliant combination of red, orange, and yellow resembles brightly woven fabric. Also called firewheel.
When does the Big Bend Bluebonnet bloom?
Lupinus texensis — Begins blooming early spring (but Big Bend bluebonnet can bloom as early as January). All six species of bluebonnet that grow in the state have been designated the State Flower by the Texas Legislature. A member of the large lupine genus.
What is the name of the flower that grows along the Texas highway?
Gayfeathers, also known as blazing stars, are easy to spot along the Texas highway because their purple, or sometimes pink spikes greatly contrast against the Texas grassland. This beautiful flower belongs to the boneset tribe within the Asteraceae sunflower family.
What are the most well known wildflowers in Texas?
If you’re a Texas native, there’s no question that you have a family photo where everyone is nestled in a massive roadside patch of bluebonnets wearing matching white T-shirts. While bluebonnets are those most well-known Texas wildflower, there are many other species that are just as prevalent.
What is the Indian blanket flower?
The Indian Blanket, also known as the firewheel flower or blanket flower, can also be seen along Texas roadsides. This flower gets its name because when seen altogether in a field, the orange, yellow and red pedals cause the flower patch to resemble a giant woven tapestry.
Is it legal to pick bluebonnets in Texas?
Texas bluebonnets are the official state flower of Texas and can be found lining highways across the state. While many people say that it is illegal to pick the Bluebonnet, it is in fact just an urban legend. It is actually completely legal to pick this beautiful wildflower, however, let’s not and say we did.
When does the bluebonnet bloom in Texas?from texashighways.com
Bluebonnet. Lupinus texensis — Begins blooming early spring (but Big Bend bluebonnet can bloom as early as January). All six species of bluebonnet that grow in the state have been designated the State Flower by the Texas Legislature. A member of the large lupine genus.
When do basketflowers bloom in Texas?from texashighways.com
Basketflower. Centaurea americana — Blooms June and July from east Central Texas westward and north into the Panhandle; in the Trans-Pecos, sometimes blooms a second time in August. Also called shaving brush and star thistle (but isn’t prickly like a thistle). Common sunflower.
How long do rain lilies bloom?from texashighways.com
Flowers may last up to four days be-fore turning pinkish and withering. Delicate, lovely fragrance. The smaller evening star rain lily ( Cooperia drummondii) tends to bloom in late summer and fall, while the larger rain lily blooms in spring and early summer.
What is the color of Opuntia?from texashighways.com
Opuntia spp. — Blooms in shades from yellow to red across the state. Perennial. The fruit, or tuna, which ranges from red to deep maroon when ripe, makes a very good jelly.
What is thistle in Texas?from texashighways.com
Texas thistle. Cirsium texanum — Blooms throughout Texas, except in the Panhandle, April to August. Bumblebees and butterflies are attracted to Texas thistle. Goldfinches eat the seeds and line their nests with the fluff of the ripened seeds.
What is the name of the plant that blooms every month?from texashighways.com
Coreopsis spp. — Various species bloom somewhere in the state every month except January. “Coreopsis” is from a combination of New Latin and Greek for “having a buglike appearance,” referring to the seed, which resembles a beetle. Hence, the common name, tickseed.
What is the color of phlox?from texashighways.com
Named for Scottish botanist Thomas Drum-mond, who collected the plants on a visit to Texas in 1834. Most common color is red, but shades of pink, blue, and purple are also seen. Also called wild phlox.
What are the flowers that are planted along the highways in Texas?
In 1965, Texas passed the Highway Beautification Act, which was promoted by Lady Bird Johnson. She was an ardent conservationist and had enjoyed wildflowers all of her life. Since then the Texas Highway Department has planted and maintained flowers along most of the major highways. Most of the plantings were of native wildflowers, but some exotic flowers were included that adapted well to roadside planting. The most abundant wildflower along the roads in East Texas is a Coreopsis. This native species, Coreopsis tinctoria, is often called Golden Tickseed or Plains Tickseed. It is used as a garden plant and has escaped to roadsides and waste places throughout the eastern USA. The second most common flower we saw was Crimson Clover, Trifolium incarnatum. This plant is a native of Europe and frequently called German Clover. It is widely used as a forage crop in the southeast USA. Another beautiful red flower we saw was Scarlet Globe flower, a native of Arizona, the Rocky Mountains and West Texas.
What are the roadside flowers in Texas?
In West Texas around Alpine, Marathon and Fort Stockton, the roadside flowers were quite different. The predominant species was Purple Prairie Vervain. The second most common species was Fendler’s Bladder Pod. This member of the Mustard Family covered entire fields in some locations. This species is native to a block of states from Utah and Arizona to Texas and Kansas. A third abundant species was Scarlet Globe Mallow. A member of the Bean Family that we saw was Thurber’s Locoweed, a native of New Mexico and Arizona. There were no masses of either Texas Bluebonnets or Texas Paintbrush, so common in Central Texas. The common Gaura we saw was the Red Gaura. This species is now called Gaura suffrutescens and is native to most states of the Midwest and west to the Pacific, including five western Canadian provinces. We saw a lot of Berlandier Flax and Texas Fillaree. A new species for us was Heller’s Plantain (Plantago halei). This species is native to Texas and New Mexico and a preferred animal browse. Two other Vervain Family species we saw were the Hairy Vervain and the Texas Vervain. The latter species is found all through the south from North Carolina to Arizona. There were two different members of the Aster Famly. We saw some Wooly Paperflower (Psilostrophe tagetina) growing in a mass of Fendler’s Bladderpod The Paperflower is native to Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. It is one of the spectacular flowers in Big Bend National Park.
What are the wildflowers that grow on the roadside in Texas?
The Bluebonnet is native to the eastern half of Texas. The Texas Paintbrush also is called Entire-leaved Paintbrush and is native of Texas as well as Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma. A striking component of the roadside wildflowers in Central Texas is White Argemone, also called Bluestem Argemone. There are several varieties. The Var. texensis is found in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Missouri. Other varieties are widely distributed in the Midwest. This species was frequently found mixed with Blanket Flower, in the Aster Family. This species is found throughout the USA except in the Northwest. The var. australis is restricted to Texas. There were also frequent patches of Pink Evening Primrose, also called Pink Ladies. This species is distributed from coast to coast in the southern 2/3 of the country. We also saw some Stemless Evening Primrose, a native found in a swath of states from New York to Texas. Scarlet Globe Flower, in the Mallow Family was seen in Central Texas more frequently than in East Texas. Wine Cups, also called Purple Poppymallow was less commonly seen. It is a native to the Midwest, Plains States and the Rocky Mountains. We saw Berlandier Yellow Flax, which has a much larger flower than other flaxes. It is native to Texas and neighboring states to the north and east. Stork’s Bill of the Geranium family was abundant, but scattered. It is native to a group of states from Texas to Nevada and California. The vivid Blue Gilia, also called Blue Bowls, and the vivid red Drummonds Phlox, represented the Phlox family. Blue Bowls is native to Texas and neighboring states to the west and north. Drummonds’s Phlox is an annual and found throughout the south as far west as Texas.
What is the most abundant wildflower in Texas?
The most abundant wildflower along the roads in East Texas is a Coreopsis. This native species, Coreopsis tinctoria, is often called Golden Tickseed or Plains Tickseed. It is used as a garden plant and has escaped to roadsides and waste places throughout the eastern USA.
What are the ecoregions of Texas?
The first image depicts the Ecoregions of Texas. Starting in the east, which I have called East Texas, is the Coastal prairie and the Post Oak savannah around Houston. To the west is the Edwards Plateau, which I have called Central Texas, and is roughly the area south of Dallas around San Antonio.
When are wildflowers in Texas?
Wildflowers seen along Interstate 10 in Texas in March and April over several years
Where are bluebonnets native to?
The Bluebonnet is native to the eastern half of Texas. The Texas Paintbrush also is called Entire-leaved Paintbrush and is native of Texas as well as Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma. A striking component of the roadside wildflowers in Central Texas is White Argemone, also called Bluestem Argemone.
Why is TXDOT a good place to plant wildflowers?
TxDOT's wildflower program not only helps our highways look good but also reduces the cost of maintenance and labor by encouraging the growth of native species that need less mowing and care.
What are the benefits of wildflowers in Texas?
The grasses and wildflowers also help to conserve water, control erosion and provide a habitat for wildlife in all the natural regions of Texas.
What are some ways to encourage wildflower growth?
Maintenance techniques used to encourage wildflower growth include safety, or strip mowing which allows the wildflowers to bloom and native grasses to emerge.
Why are wildflowers not going to seed?
If too many wildflowers are trampled, they will die and not go to seed. Since many of these flowers are annuals, this means they have to go to seed to come back the next year. Naturally, we discourage picking the flowers for the same reason. The wildflower program is part of good stewardship.
What are the short flowering plants that grow along roadways?
Short flowering plants that grow along roadways include California poppy (Eschsholzia californica) and African daisies (Osteospermum). California poppy is the state flower of California. This annual's tulip-shaped blossoms appear in late winter and early spring, are medium orange and are 1 1/2 inches long. They open in sunlight and close on cloudy days. The plant's foliage is finely cut and gray-green. The plant grows to 1 foot tall and tolerates drought conditions. African daisies are annuals that have daisy-shaped flowers in shades of cream, orange and yellow. The plants grow to 1 foot tall.
What are the plants that grow on the side of the road?
Flowers That Grow on the Side of the Road. Wildflowers and naturalized flowering plants, which are plants brought to an area by animals and humans, grow anywhere the conditions are right for them, and sometimes that includes by the side of roads.
What are the tallest plants on the side of the road?
This plant's white flowers are tiny, but they form flat disks that somewhat resemble lace and are up to 4 inches across. Queen Anne's lace is an annual, which means it lasts only one growing season. Daylilies (Hemerocallis) also are tall plants seen growing beside roads. They are perennials, returning year after year. Growing best in USDA zones 3 through 10, daylilies reach 3 feet high and have lilylike flowers held on long stems above straplike leaves. Each flower lives for only one day, but each daylily plant produces hundreds of flowers. Penstemon (Penstemon) is another tall perennial that sprouts on the side of roads. Suited for USDA zones 3 through 9, it has leaves similar to daylily leaves. Its flowers are no more than 1 inch long and are born on spikes from 1 to 4 feet high.
What is the best plant to grow along roads?
Lupine (Lupinus perennis) and Borage (Borago officinalis) grow along roads and reach medium height. Lupine , a perennial that grows best in USDA zones 4 through 8, has pink, blue and yellow blooms. The wild variety is most commonly blue. The plant is about 1 foot tall with 3-inch broad leaves deeply cut into lobes. Its flower stalk is about 15 inches tall. Each of its blossoms looks like a cross between a snapdragon and a sweet pea. Lupine's toxicity is believed to be mainly from the alkaloid D-lupaine, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Borage is an annual that has dark-blue, five-petaled flowers that are about 1 inch wide. Its leaves, stems and buds are fuzzy. When picked, they leave a brown stain on hands.
When do California poppy flowers bloom?
California poppy is the state flower of California. This annual's tulip-shaped blossoms appear in late winter and early spring, are medium orange and are 1 1/2 inches long. They open in sunlight and close on cloudy days. The plant's foliage is finely cut and gray-green.
Can you pick wildflowers on public roads?
Don't pick wildflowers or their seed heads by the side of public roads. They may be protected. On private property, ask permission before picking them. Obtain seeds from reliable sources that cultivated the flowers for their seeds.
