Natural History Wanderings

 Gary Regner Photography has aHill Country update for April 22, 2015

Spring has entered its second phase in the Hill Country with wildflowers transitioning from blues to reds, golds and yellows. Unlike the average season we had for bluebonnets, it appears this will be an exceptional year for late spring wildflowers. Firewheels, bitterweed and Engelman daisies are in full bloom lining the sides of roads and spilling into fields and pastures. Some of the best displays are in northern Llano county.

> TX 29 between Buchanan Dam and Llano – Abundant firewheels, greenthread, bitterweed and Engelmann daisies line the road and spill over into fields, many of which are heavily covered in wildflowers. Rating: 4-5

> TX 71 northwest of Llano – Firewheels, greenthread, bitterweed and Engelmann daisies line the road and spill over into fields, many of which are heavily covered in wildflowers. The most I’ve ever seen along this route. Rating: 4-5

> FM 1431 between Marble Falls and Granite Shoals – Bitterweed in this area is forming massive displays, some fields are covered solid and many are multi-acre. Rating: 4-5

> FM 2342 / Park Road 4 between FM 1431 and TX 29 (Inks Lake State Park) – Lots of wildflowers in bloom: firewheels, greenthread, wild onions, and bull nettle as well as some lingering bluebonnets and paintbrush. Rating: 2-4

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