Texas could see fewer bluebonnets due to drought
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Wildflower experts say the state could see fewer early blooming wildflowers this spring. Photo: Getty Images
Bluebonnets are starting to pop around Central Texas, but experts at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center say the ongoing drought could produce a mixed bag for spring blooms across the state.
Why it matters: The drought's impact goes beyond water restrictions and persistent wildfire risks. Little rainfall — especially in the western part of the state — means the area may not see much of a show this spring.
What they're saying: "If predicting the weather is a challenge, then predicting the wildflower bloom for a big state like Texas is even more of a challenge," Andrea DeLong-Amaya, the Wildflower Center's horticulture director, said in the center's annual wildflower report.
- "With fluctuations in weather and micro-climate scenarios (where one small geographical area may have received different weather than others), it's sometimes hard to make a big sweeping prediction. This is one of those years."
The big picture: The lack of rain last fall will likely hinder early blooming wildflowers, like Texas bluebonnets and Texas paintbrushes, in the Hill Country and western part of the state, according to DeLong-Amaya.
- "Last fall's drought influenced the number of little wildflower plants we have growing out there," she said.
- "I think we've had enough precipitation to give them a boost and get them blooming, but it's too late in the game to germinate new seeds, which will affect the numbers of plants we have."
Yes, but: Wildflowers that come later in the season, like firewheel or purple horsemint, could show up stronger this year if spring brings more rain.
Between the lines: Bluebonnets, the state's official flower, decorate many roadsides in the spring, thanks in part to Lady Bird Johnson's efforts to preserve and promote wildflowers through highway beautification initiatives.
If you go: Wildflower Center officials still expect a great show at their gardens this spring.
- "Our experts know how to coax blooms in our gardens," Lee Clippard, the Wildflower Center's executive director, said in the report.
- "Visitors to the Hill Country can guarantee a robust floral experience by visiting our gardens and trails this spring."