Texas Hill Country Wildflower Trail

Nature features some 5000 species of plants and flowers on the Texas landscape. Her most elaborate show occurs during the Spring months of March, April, and May. These are the months when brilliant colors blanket the fields and highways of the Lone Star State. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds attracted to the sweet nectar add to the glory of wildflower trails in Texas.

The beautiful blue Bluebonnet is native to Texas and is the state flower. Thousands of them bloom naturally, resembling blue lakes around the state every Spring. Occasionally the white species and even more rare, the Alamo Fire, a maroon or pink species can be spotted. According to the Legend of the Pink Bluebonnet, these flowers were originally found only downstream of the Alamo in San Antonio and have to do with bloodstains from the early battles between Americans and Mexicans before Texas was a state. Another legend linked to the blue species has to do with a little Comanche girl's sacrifice of her doll. Both these stories are interesting reading.

Spring Flowers in Texas

Wildflower colors in Texas include the rich oranges, yellows, and browns of the Mexican Hat, Blackeyed Susan and Sunflower. The beautiful red orange Indian Paintbrush is common along Texas highways and, according to American Indian lore, takes its colors from the brilliant sunset. Stems of Gay Feather and clusters of Moss Verbena add a lilac touch to nature's canvas. Deep red Phlox, violet Mealy Blue Sage, delicate pinks and lavenders of Primrose and Horsemint fill out nature's bouquet and add to the deep fragrance drifting on Spring breeze.

Texas Hill Country Wildflower Trail

Those interested in experiencing the glory of a Texas Spring will be interested in driving the Texas Hill Country Wildflower Trail. The route includes Brownwood, Burnet, Fredericksburg, Goldthwaite, Johnson City, Mason, and San Saba. Most of these towns hold flower festivals, like the Burnet Bluebonnet Festival, to celebrate this natural beauty of their landscapes. Motorists can check with the Chamber of Commerce in each town to ask about the best routes during a particular season.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

No wildflower route would be complete without visiting the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. The former First Lady had a great love for the beauty of wildflowers and native plants. Founded in 1982, the Center exists as an effort of Mrs. Johnson and actress, Helen Hayes. Sixteen exquisite gardens of Texas native plants invite visitors to appreciate nature. Education programs teach visitors how to grow these plants and nurture their beauty on their own property. The Center is open every day except Mondays and major holidays.