Natural History Wanderings

Texas Wildflower and Bluebonnet Sightings Report : Texas Wildflower Hot Spots and Pictures by Gary Regner Photography has the following report

February 20, 2019 – Early Bloomers Redbud and Mountain Laurel trees have begun to bloom in Central Texas signalling the beginning of spring. This is quite a bit earlier than normal. A few bluebonnets have also been spotted beginning to bloom along major roadways as well. This year may see a early peak along roadways followed by a later peak for fields and pastures that warm more slowly than roadways.

I scouted the areas south and east of San Antonio on Wednesday February 13, and conditions look the most promising since 2012. Areas visited included Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Moore, Bigfoot, Somerset and New Berlin. Wildflower seedlings were still very small, but abundant. Bottom line was it is still early, and I wouldn’t expect any significant bloom for at least 3-4 weeks. In previous years this area peaked in late March and early April, but I expect this year to be several weeks earlier.