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 Hunting Texas
Wildflowers (HTW-2006) contains 17 maps and detailed
descriptions of over 75 wildflower routes and locations covering the
Hill Country, East Central Texas, North Central Texas, and Southeast
Texas.
Don't wander aimlessly searching for Texas wildflowers; get
Hunting Texas Wildflowers and
easily find them.
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Will There Be Texas Wildflowers
in 2011?
Absolutely! There will be wildflowers blooming in Texas in 2011.
That is the good news. Thankfully, the native wildflowers of Texas
know how to survive through a variety of weather patterns. However,
just like any other plant, wildflowers tend to thrive when certain
conditions are optimal. Rainfall, sunshine and temperature are three
of the key conditions needed for an average or better than average
wildflower season in Texas. Last year the Texas Hill Country
experienced one of the best seasons in over 50 years. I doubt we
will be seeing a repeat of that performance this year. Without some
good soaking rains in March, most areas will experience below
average seasons.
2010-2011 Rainfall Analysis
After a strong El Nino during
most of 2010, a moderate La Nina set up in October and
is still in
control. El Nino weather patterns tend to bring above average
rainfall to Texas, but La Nina weather patterns tend to do the
opposite. So after a fairly good rainfall in September, most of
Texas has suffered through below average rainfall since October,
2010. The good news is that sufficient rain fell in the critical
germination month of September. This means there are likely to be
bluebonnet plants out there hanging on through the dry winter.
Bluebonnet seedlings will thrive in good conditions like last year,
but they can survive through dry periods. One method they use is to
collect early morning dew (see
photo). Although we have not had storm systems come through
Central and South Texas, we have had humid conditions producing
early morning heavy fog and dew.
Brenham Area :
We have had one report of bluebonnet plants in the Houston area, but
none so far for the Brenham area. With some rain soon there might be
some hope for a few good spots of bluebonnets. We really need to get
some spot reports first.
Ennis Area :
The Ennis area got enough rain in the Fall for bluebonnet seeds to
germinate. Given the snowfall mixed with some rain during the
winter, the seedlings probably survived. We have had one report of
plants spotted from the car along FM 660. Again with some rain in
March, the Ennis area just might see close to an average season or
slightly below average. The current storm track is running closer to
the Dallas area, so perhaps a few more showers will find their way
to Ennis.
Hill Country :
This area has probably suffered the most from lack of rain. The
sandy soils in the Hill Country are great for drainage, but they
tend not to hold much water for a long time like the clay based
soils in the Ennis and Brenham areas. The Hill Country did get
sufficient rainfall during the fall, so hopefully some bluebonnet
plants are out there waiting for the rain to come.
San Antonio: I was pleased to find a fair
showing of bluebonnet plants at Crownridge Natural Area which is
located in the north/northwest part of San Antonio (see
photo). Also the area just to the southeast of San Antonio
has probably come closer to average rainfall than any other area in
Texas - so there is some hope for a few good spots there. This area
includes the Lone Oak, La Vernia, and New Berlin communities.
What could
help?
More Rain!
The good news is that the current La Nina pattern could be weakening which might
improve our chances for rain in March, April and May (see
NOAA Weekly ENSO Report).
We need your report! In years of
bounty like last the only question is where will I go today to see
the next great display? In lean years, we need input from wildflower
spotters to find those few "good spots" out there. So please, if you
spot wildflowers blooming send us your report (Wildflower
Reports).
You can
also follow us
on twitter - @wildflowerhaven and on FaceBook at
Community WildflowerHaven
The key factors for a good wildflower season include:
- Adequate rainfall
and warm temperature
in the fall to support good seed germination.
- Sustaining rainfall
in the winter to
promote growth of healthy seedling root systems.
- Warming temps
and normal rainfall in the late winter (Feb-March)
to encourage growth of plants and bloom stalks.
Cooler temperatures in March will tend to delay the
blooming period. Warming temperatures with good
rainfall will tend to promote an early and longer
season.
- Less competing vegetation -
Dead vegetation
from previous seasons was burned away or removed.
Native grasses prevail in the area with little or no
invasive plant species.
- Proper
mowing
- Grass
mowed in late August and again in late January (but
not too low to remove seedling rosettes). Mowing
during the prime blooming months of Mar-May can
literally kill a good wildflower display. Sadly, I
have seen more of this in recent years.
Well for one thing, I can guarantee there will be
some wildflowers blooming somewhere in Texas this year. If rainfall
and temperatures approach normal levels in February and March then
there will probably be some spectacular displays bluebonnets and
other wildflower blooming.
If you spot any wildflowers blooming please
submit a report
at:
Wildflower Report.
twitter - @wildflowerhaven
FaceBook at
Community WildflowerHaven
Please hunt wildflowers only with your camera.
Happy Hunting! - RichO
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WildflowerHaven Community Features
Wildflower Sightings:
Share your your wildflower sightings and experiences.
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what it is.
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