Spring is finally upon us here in Texas, and we are blessed to live in a state with such vast and beautiful landscapes. One of my favorite parts of springtime in the Lone Star State is seeing the wildflowers and vegetation in peak bloom. Texas is home to more than 5,000 native species of plants that paint our plains, hills, and roadways with extra color this time of the year. While Texas is known for its state flower – the bluebonnet – there are many other native flowers that also deserve recognition.

The bluebonnet, named for its royal blue color and bell-like shape, has been the state flower since 1901. There are six different types of bluebonnets, all of which are considered the Texas state flower. One type of bluebonnet is the Sandyland bluebonnet, which we see primarily in South Texas. The wildflower we see most often in Texas is the iconic Texas bluebonnet that has a distinctive white top and vibrant hue, whereas the Sandyland bluebonnet has muted petals and a curved appearance. The Texas bluebonnet blooms all throughout the state but is especially rampant in the Hill Country. Another type of bluebonnet is the Big Bend bluebonnet. This species can grow as tall as four feet and its petals boast a deep blue shade.

The bluebonnet was adopted as the state flower of Texas at the request of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in Texas. During the 1930s, due to a beautification and landscaping project at the state’s Highway Department, bluebonnets were grown alongside most major roadways in the state. Still to this day, if you drive down a major Texas highway during the springtime, you will see groupings of bluebonnets in full bloom – thanks, in part at least, to the Texas Department of Transportation.

A native wildflower that almost beat out the bluebonnet for the Texas state flower is the prickly pear cactus flower. Then-State Representative John Nance “Cactus Jack” Garner proposed the prickly pear cactus flower in opposition to the bluebonnet during the state flower selection process back in 1901. Although the wildflower was not chosen, Garner earned the nickname “Cactus Jack,” a name which stuck with him when he was later elected Vice President of the United States. Little did he know that in 1995, the Texas Legislature would select the prickly pear cactus to be the state plant instead of the state flower. These plants are historic in the west and are known for their fruit, prickly needles, and flat pad branches. Native Americans used to rely on the prickly pear cactus for resources like food, medicine, and water. You can find the prickly pear cactus all throughout the state today because it can withstand various soil types, elevations, and environments.  

Also among the beautiful wildflowers of Texas is the Indian paintbrush, otherwise known as “bluebonnets sidekick” since it is commonly found growing next to the bluebonnet. The Indian paintbrush wildflower is a parasitic plant, which means it relies on other plants to grow. Most of the time, if you see a field of bluebonnets, you will find Indian paintbrushes alongside them. The name of the flower stems from Native American folklore: an artist who painted sunsets grew frustrated that he couldn’t capture the colors of the sunset with his mineral paints. One night in a dream, he was visited by a man and woman who gave him a pure white deerskin and told him to go to the hillside, where he would find everything he needed to complete his painting. The painter went to the hillside and painted the most beautiful sunset. After he was finished, he threw his paintbrushes on the ground. When he looked at where he had thrown them, he saw flowers the same color as the sunset.

While it’s often said that April showers bring May flowers, Texas wildflowers have been blooming since March. This makes April the best time to enjoy the bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and prickly pear cactus flowers in peak bloom. This spring, take in all the wonderful flowers Texas has to offer and enjoy our many beautiful landscapes during their peak season. Whether you decide to visit a national, state or local park, a garden, or simply drive down the highway, there are plenty of flowers to enjoy, and I am sure you will find one that catches your eye.