Driving down Katy Freeway have you seen the pretty shades of flowers along the medians or vibrant hues on the back roads of Fulshear and Richmond? Yes, you have, it is Spring in Texas and that means wildflower season is here. I look forward to these beautiful flowers every year. As most of you know, the bluebonnet is an iconic Texas wildflower, and undoubtedly the most popular one, there are plenty of other incredible native wildflowers that bloom during this season too, such as Indian Blankets, Indian Paintbrushes, and Blackfoot Daisies to name a few. Spring wildflowers typically peak in April so get out there. Pack a picnic, your camera and drive down some back roads or the open highway.
Here is a list of some of the Texas Wildflowers you will see in the Katy and Fulshear area:
Bluebonnet
Lupinus texensis — Begins blooming early spring (but Big Bend Bluebonnets 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.
Indian paintbrush
Castilleja spp. — Blooms early spring throughout the state. Several species, whose colors vary from scarlet to orange, cream, yellow, and occasionally purple. The bright tips of the petal-like bracts look like they’ve been dipped in paint. The genus name honors Spanish botanist Domingo Castillejo (1744-1793).
Indian blanket
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.
Drummond phlox
Phlox drummondii — Blooms early spring. Occurs most frequently in spectacular masses of color among sandy post-oak woods and along roadsides in south Central Texas. 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.
Verbena
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.
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. Also known as buttercup.
