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Yesterday I took a drive to check out the reported fields of bluebonnets near Elmendorf (see: http://community.wildflowerhaven.com/forums/1872/ShowPost.aspx )
On my way to the fields I spotted several fields completely covered with yellow cut-leaf groundsel (on the left side of US 181S heading south). I actually saw more groundsel covered fields than anything else.
After checking on the fields of sandyland bluebonnets, I drove FM-775 to La Vernia. Along FM-775, I spotted scattered patches of phlox, sandyland bluebonnets and mixed wildflowers (prickly pear poppy, cut-leaf groundsel and spiderwort). One or two fields were lightly dusted at times with bluebonnets.
In and around La Vernia (FM-775, US 87, FM-2772, FM-539), my regular favorite spots for phlox and bluebonnets are not doing so well. I saw the patches, but most of the larger areas were only lightly covered. I only went as far as Sutherland Springs; however, Gary Regner reported early that there were better spots along US 87 between La Vernia and Stockdale.
The wildflower meadow/field on 5th street in Sutherland is still there, but not as covered as I have seen in the past years.
I drove back to the fields of bluebonnets at FM-755 and US 181S to get a better photo. When I arrived at the fields early, it was heavily overcast with light drizzle. By the time I made it to La Vernia the sun had broken through the clouds.
Along the shoulder of FM-775 (FM-3444), I was able to get some fairly nice close up shots of sandyland bluebonnets, phlox, blue curls, and a few firewheels (they are already blooming in spots).
I took South Loop 1604 west, so I could check on the conditions on SH-16 to Poteet. I saw a few patches of bluebonnets an done field in the distance that looked good, but there was no road to it.
Then just before the intersection of SH-16 and Loop 1604, I saw a field of bluebonnets. Rockport Rd runs along 1604 and merges with the access road. When I turned right (heading east on Rockport Rd), I saw two large fields of sandyland bluebonnets. Both were mixed with other wildflowers. They were large enough to really bring the fragrance of the bluebonnets to your nose with just small breeze. The fields are on both sides of Rockport Rd. Here is a photo of the one with the most sandyland bluebonnets:
Conditions along SH-16 have only improved slightly, I did see a few patches of bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis), but nothing compared to previous years. There are lots of other seedlings and the grass is rapidly catching up to the bluebonnets.
Another problem in this area is the invasion of a non-native wildflower, "Common Giant Mustard" (Rapistrum rugosum). I received an email from a senior botanist at the Wildflower Center in Austin verifying the identity of this destructive invasive plant. One theory is that it is being spread via grass seed, apparently the seed filters do not catch it. More on this danger to native plants later.
I think with a little hunting other fields can be found, but the normal bluebonnet spots in the South San Antonio - Poteet area are not doing as well as in past years.
RichO
Hunting Texas Wildflowers
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