Natural History Wanderings

Gary Regner Photography  reports on April 12, 2015 – East of Austin Update

Hadn’t heard much about the area east of Austin so took the opportunity to explore this afternoon. Explored the area east of Austin including Elgin, Bastrop, Smithville, La Grange and Fayetteville. Indian paintbrush rule this year in those areas, far outnumbering other wildflowers including bluebonnets. Like the Hill County, most wildflowers are along the roads, however, I did find several areas that had large fields densely covered with bluebonnets. Routes I traveled:

> Hwy 290 between Manor and Elgin – bluebonnets, paintbrush and evening primrose mainly along the road, but there are several large fields of bluebonnets as well. Rating: 2-3

> TX 90 between Elgin and Bastrop – paintbrush and evening primrose in scattered patches along the road. Rating: 0-1

> TX 71 between Bastrop and Smithville – tons of paintbrush and lesser numbers of evening primrose mainly along the road, but there was also one large field of paintbrush just west of Smithville. More paintbrush than I’ve ever seen along this route. Rating: 2-4

> TX 90 between Smithville and Cistern – lots of paintbrush, also evening primrose, Engelmann’s daisies and yellow thistle along the road. Rating: 2-4

> FM 2237 between Cistern and Jct FM 609 – large variety of wildflowers along the road, mainly paintbrush. Also spotted Engelmann’s daisies, evening primrose, yellow thistle, winecups, milkweed, sandwort, wild indigo and many others. Rarely spilling into fields. Rating: 3-4

> FM 609 south of La Grange – scattered roadside mixed wildflowers, but also several large, dense fields of bluebonnets and bluebonnets mixed with paintbrush. Rating: 2-4

> TX 159 north of La Grange – mainly roadside wildflowers, but also several large fields of bluebonnets just north of La Grange. Rating: 2-4

see older reports and photo links at Texas Wildflower and Bluebonnet Sightings Report : Texas Wildflower Hot Spots and Pictures by Gary Regner Photography.