Gary Regner Photography

2016 TEXAS WILDFLOWER AND BLUEBONNET SIGHTINGS REPORT


RATING SYSTEM

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>June 1, 2016 - The Bloom Continues

Firewheels and clasping-leaf coneflowers are fading, but horsemint is still in bloom albeit past peak. Now come the sunflowers, Mexican hats and basketflowers.
Sunflowers NE Austin on 5/30/16

>May 16, 2016 - Fruits of El Nino

Abundant rains brought on by the strongest El Nino on record are finally paying off with vivid displays of wildflowers. Late spring wildflowers really benefited and are blooming everywhere in great abundance. Right now horsemint, coneflowers, and firewheels (to name a few) are blooming in numbers I've not seen in many years. This image is from a field not far from my house in northeast Austin.
Firewheels NE Austin on 5/16/16

>May 7, 2016 - April Showers Bring May Flowers

Heavy spring rains after a dry winter didn't help the bluebonnets this year, but late spring wildflowers have definitely benefited. There has been an explosion of color over the last week. Firewheels are painting fields in a fire of red, and yellows, golds, whites are mixed in with occassional purples. Here in central Texas (north Austin) you don't have to travel far to find wildflowers in bloom. Similar reports are coming in from the Hill Country as well. Even just walking the dog this morning I found large fields in bloom. Here are some pictures from my phone.
Firewheels NW Austin on 5/7/16 Wildflowers in NW Austin on 5/7/16

>May 4, 2016 - Spring's Second Wave

Early spring this year was somewhat disappointing, with bluebonnets average at best. The second wave of spring wildflowers, however, looks like a tsunami. It finally looks like all the rain is paying off. Locally in north Austin vacant lots and fields are carpets of color, including yellows, golds, reds and whites. Now blooming are: firewheels, greenthread, yellow primrose, Bishops weed, bitterweed, horsemint and many others.

Hopefully there are similar scenes in the Hill Country, I'll be out there this weekend and will provide an update afterwards.

>April 7, 2016 - Northwest Texas Update

I traveled to northeast Texas for business this week, and was surprised by the increase in wildflowers over the last several weeks. I spotted many more fields of bluebonnets, some were thickly covered, but most were only spotty in coverage. This was mainly in the northern Hill Country. Patches of wildflowers could be seen in the Abilene area, mainly low lying yellow flowers, probably bitterweed. There were many others in bloom, including western primrose, Tahoka daisies, yellow Gaillardia, and dyssodia, but not in large colonies.

  • - US 190 between Brady and Lometa: wildflowers scattered along the roadsides including bluebonnets, prairie paintbrush and phlox; occasional fields of bluebonnets, some thickly covered. Rating 2-4
  • - Hwy 183 between Lometa and Leander: scattered roadside bluebonnets, occasional fields of bluebonnets, some thickly covered. Some nice fields just north of Leander. Rating 2-4
  • - There were occasional fields of bluebonnets along the route from Sweetwater to Brady through Bronte, Ballinger and Eden, but they were widely scattered ; Rating 2-4

>March 25, 2016 - Hill Country Scouting

I did an extensive scouting trip Friday afternoon of the Hill Country around Burnet, Llano and Mason. Bottom line is that peak is still at least a week away in my opinion. Good for a nice scenic drive, but not for serious landscape photography. I will note, however, that this is an unusual season, I've never seen the wildflowers in such wide stages of bloom, from going to seed and shriveling up, to small plants without blooms. I noticed this both from the bluebonnet and paintbrush plants. This is undoubtedly due to the lack of winter rain and spells of unseasonably warm temperatures. Here are the routes I traveled and my findings:

  • - TX 29 between Georgetown and Liberty Hill: few wildflowers scattered along the roadsides; Rating 0
  • - Hwy 29 between Liberty Hill and Burnet: only very scattered roadside bluebonnets, very few in fields; Rating 0-1
  • - Hwy 29 between Burnet and Inks Lake: roadside bluebonnets and lots of paintbrush; Rating 1-2
  • - Hwy 29 between Inks Lake and FM 1431: roadside bluebonnets and lots of paintbrush, but not as good as usual; Roadside Rating 2-3, Beyond Roadside Rating 2-3
  • - Park Road 4: roadside bluebonnets less than usual, old golf course is covered in groundsel; Rating 1-2
  • - Old Spanish Trail: in good years all the lots are thickly covered in paintbrush and bluebonnets, the area is improving, but pales in comparison to good years; Rating overall 2-3, some patches of 4
  • - Hwy 29 between FM 1431 and Llano: roadside bluebonnets and lots of paintbrush, but not as good as usual, occasional lightly covered fields; Roadside Rating 2-3, Beyond Roadside Rating 1-2
  • - Hwy 29 between Llano and FM 1900: roadside bluebonnets and lots of paintbrush, occasional lightly covered fields; Roadside Rating 2-3, Beyond Roadside Rating 1-2
  • - FM 1900 from Hwy 29 to FM 2618: roadside bluebonnets (best at north end) and many fields of groundsel; Roadside Rating 2-3, Beyond Roadside Rating 1-2 (groundsel 3-4)
  • - Fly Gap Rd to Hwy 71: extremely poor for wildflowers, there are large areas of recently plowed land with barren brown dirt; Rating 0
  • - Hwy 71 between Pontotoc and Hwy 29 : roadside paintbrush and bluebonnets, with some nice fields of groundsel or paintbrush, few bluebonnets in fields, best near Hwy 29; Roadside Rating 1-3, Beyond Roadside Rating 0-2 (groundsel or paintbrush 2-4)

>March 24, 2016 - Hill Country Update

Returning from west Texas through the Hill Country this afternoon, I'm happy to report that the wildflowers have improved since Monday morning. Roadside bluebonnets have improved significantly, and there are some signs of bluebonnets in the fields and pastures beyond. Peak in fields looks a week away. I still think this will be an average year at best, and most likely we will see areas that are below average with some that are better. I did take a close look as some pastures and could not find any thick growth of seedlings, only scattered plants. Some were already in bloom, others were still rather small and only leaves. Rain would help.

  • - Hwy 71 northwest of Llano - nice bluebonnet roadsides that occassionally extend beyond the fence line; some large fields of Texas paintbrush
  • - Hwy 29 between Llano and Burnet - roadside bluebonnets have improved, and there are some fields that are beginning to show coverage but only spotty and not very thick

>March 23, 2016 - Davis Mountains Update

Traveled from Alpine to IH 10 via TX 118 through Fort Davis and the Davis Mountains. Again it was very dry with little in bloom except the occasional yucca or mountain laurel. There are scattered wildflowers blooming along IH 10 to El Paso, but nothing worth stopping for.

>March 22, 2016 - Big Bend Update

Very dry sums it up. Only spotty roadside Big Bend Bluebonnets that are already going to seed. Ocotillo is in bloom, but no leaves this year. Very few cacti with blooms. Traveled from the north entrance to Panther Junction and then up to Chisos Basin. From there out the west entrance. Looks more like middle of summer than early spring.

>March 21, 2016 -Hill Country Update

Traveled through the Hill Country enroute to Ft Stockton today (Hwy 29 from Seward Junction to Mason) . I know many are hopeful that it is too early and things will improve, but I did not see evidence to support that. There are wildflowers along the roadside of Hwy 29, but a below average year. Grass is already getting very tall.
Very few fields have any bluebonnets, and where they do they are sparse. The bluebonnets look at or near peak now. I did not see any immature plants in the fields that would indicate a better bloom to come. Best areas I saw along Hwy 29 were just west of Llano with a few (very few) nicely covered fields in full bloom now. Old Spanish Trail was pathetic, one of the worst years I've ever seen. Lots usually covered in paintbrush and bluebonnets have next to none.
Looks like 2016 is a dud. I will explore some more areas when I return from west Texas on Thursday. I think people are going to have to hunt pretty hard this year to find good wildflower displays. I did hear some reports of good displays along the Llano river where flooding occurred.
I'm still holding out hope for north Texas. I think that area did get some rain over the winter that eluded the rest of the state.

>March 20, 2016 - Spring Equinox: Great Expectations, Bitter Dissappointment

I traveled over 350 miles in search of wildflowers, and the highlight of my day was dinner at Sea Island Shrimp House. I did not find one scene worth photographing along my route.

I traveled south from Austin on US 183 to Lockhart. Along US 183/SH 130 there were a lot of bluebonnets, but not as many as previous years, and there are no places to take pictures. From there on to Luling on US 183. Not many bluebonnets, but a lot of paintbrush, mainly along the road. From Luling I traveled south on TX 80 to Belmont, again lots of paintbrush along the road, but little else. Alt 90 west to Seguin usually has many nice mixed fields, but this year they are sparse, a below average year. There were some nice fields of paintbrush close to Seguin. I then travelled to New Berlin to check out Church Rd. Very few wildflowers, mainly paintbrush; pales in comparison to previous years. On towards Floresville through Sutherland Springs and along FM 539. Well below average, bluebonnets almost non-existent. Only good field was of groundsel. From there I traveled west on Hwy 97 to Pleasanton, and then TX 173 west to Big Foot. Again few wildflowers, Sandyland bluebonnets are scarce, only some paintbrush, prickly poppies and sandwort. West further to Moore and then north on IH 35. Some Texas bluebonnets and paintbrush along the Interstate, but well below average. Saw a few nice fields of magenta phlox south of Devine and one large field of Sandyland bluebonnets along the frontage road just south of Natalia. This field was at peak. Otherwise few wildflowers, the worst I've seen for this area. I then headed north through Lytle and then east through Somerset, again well below average and disappointing. Hopped over to check out Jett Rd off of Hwy 16, again few wildflowers and disappointing.

All in all, what it was well below an average year for the areas I saw. I have, however, read some good reports from the Poteet area, so looks like I may have circled all around the best areas south of San Antonio.
Church Rd near New Berlin (3/20/2016) Bluebonnet field near Natalia (3/20/2016) Jett Rd(3/20/2016)

>March 17, 2016 - Wildflower EXPLOSION!

It is incredible what some rain, sunshine and a little time can do. In under a week, the wildflowers have exploded into bloom seemingly out of no where.

My commute through northeast Austin takes me past several vacant lots and pastures, and last Friday there were no wildflowers, today, many of these fields are thickly covered in bluebonnets and paintbrush. It does appear that this spring will indeed be above average, and peak will be within a week in the Austin area.

>March 13, 2016 - Still Early?

Reports are starting to come in from all over central Texas, and it appears that even though wildflowers have been blooming for some time, it looks to still be early, with a peak a week or more out. Last week's widespread soaking rains combined with some good sunshine this week should really get the wildflowers growing.

James Volosin explored areas around San Antonio, and from his reports there is some promising growth, but it still looks to be early. Hwy 97 and FM 539 near Floresville have some good areas, but it still appears early. He also reports that the field at Jett Rd looks promising.

Rich over at WildflowerHaven has posted a report on the Hill Country, and again it seems it is still early, but there is promise.

>March 11, 2016 - RAIN!

After a very dry start to the year, widespread, heavy, soaking rains developed over much of Texas. This is great news for our wildflower season outlook. Chances are this will be a great year, above average in many areas. How this will compare with past "banner" years remains to be seen, since many bluebonnets began to bloom nearly two weeks ago.

I've already noticed many bluebonnet plants that were very small and desiccated already plumping up and growing rapidly. Nearly all the plants had only one flower stalk, but I suspect that will change over the next several weeks and plants should really start filling in and looking good. I expect peak in many areas be around the end of March this year. I plan a scouting trip this weekend, and will start regular reports, at least one per week.

Happy wildflower hunting!

>March 1, 2016 - Annual Wildflowers Beginning to Bloom

Annual wildflowers including bluebonnets have begun to bloom in central Texas. Large numbers of bluebonnets are in early bloom along several roadsides including IH 35 in Austin. This is an early start to the wildflower season and a full two weeks earlier than last year. Undoubtedly this is due to a particularly mild winter and an unseasonably warm recent few weeks.

The unusual weather this year makes predicting how good the season will be difficult. We could see an early mediocre show if we don't get more rain and the temperatures keep heating up. If the temperatures remain seasonal or cool and we receive good rain, we could see an above average and extended season. Already there are some reports from south Texas of nice displays of phlox. I will begin making some scouting trips this coming weekend. Stay tuned for further reports, and pray for rain!

>February 26, 2016 - First Signs of Spring

Some rain finally fell over much of Texas this past week which was badly needed to ensure a good wildflower display this year. Trees are already blooming including redbuds and mountain laurels, as well as non-native species. I even spotted several early blooming bluebonnets on one of my morning walks. With warmer than normal temperatures, peak wildflowers could be early this year.

Meanwhile, the deserts of the southwest are already seeing some spectacular wildflower displays. National Park experts are saying that Death Valley is experiencing a rare super bloom this year.

>February 16, 2016 - Spring 2016 Outlook

A strong El Nino resulted in abundant fall rainfall for much of Texas, bringing the entire state out of drought and filling many reservoirs. Fall rainfall is essential for wildflower seeds to sprout during the fall and then overwinter waiting for spring rain. Unlike typical El Nino weather patterns, winter rainfall in much of Texas has been sparse. So far in central Texas we are experiencing the 6th driest start to a year on record. There are abundant bluebonnet rosettes (seedlings) in the Hill Country, and we have the potential for an excellent wildflower season, but only if rain materializes soon.

Elsewhere, the deserts of the southwest are gearing up for spectacular wildflower displays. Already wildflowers are blooming in Death Valley, and National Park experts say that the park may experience a rare super bloom this year.

>Looking Back

Here are some images from previous wildflower seasons to get an idea of what we may expect to see this coming spring.

2014 Texas Wildflower Season:
Edge of Darkness - Texas Hill Country Bluebonnets (4/16/2014) Silver Lining - Texas Hill Country Wildflower Sunset (4/15/2014) Muleshoe Sunset - Bluebonnets at Sunset in the Texas Hill Country (4/15/2014) Bluebonnet Lake - Texas Bluebonnets in the Hill Country (4/15/2014) Bluebonnet Road - Texas Bluebonnets in the Hill Country at Sunrise(4/16/2014) Turkey Bend Sunrise - Texas Bluebonnets in the Hill Country (4/19/2014) All Alone - Texas Bluebonnets in the Hill Country at Sunrise(4/16/2014) Spring Thunderstorm - Texas Wildflowers in Guadalupe County(4/7/2014)

2013 Texas Wildflower Season:
Magic Hour - Bluebonnets at Sunrise in Ellis County (4/21/2013) Engelmann's Daisies - Texas Hill Country Wildflowers in Llano County (5/4/2013) Crimson Sundown - Texas Hill Country Wildflowers in Llano County (5/11/2013) Tournesols - Wild Sunflowers at Sunset in Travis County, Texas (6/19/2013) Florid Meadow - Wildflowers at Sunset in Travis County, Texas (6/12/2013)

2012 Texas Wildflower Season:
Spring Medley - Wildflowers at Sunset in Frio County, Texas (3/14/2012) The Flowers of Floresville - Texas Wildflowers at Sunset in Wilson County, Texas (3/24/2012) Hillside Blues - Bluebonnets at Sunset in the Texas Hill Country (3/31/2012) Wildflower Fiesta - Phlox, bladderpod and bluebonnets in Guadalupe County, Texas (3/24/2012) Cerulean Jewels - Bluebonnets at sunset in the Texas Hill Country, San Saba County (3/30/2012) Alabaster and Gold - Texas Wildflowers, San Saba County (3/24/2012) Rays of the Sun - Texas Wildflowers, Bluebonnets in Llano County (4/8/2012) Wisps - Texas Wildflowers, Bluebonnets at Sunset in Llano County (4/6/2012) Llano Uplift - Texas Wildflowers, Bluebonnets at Sunset in Llano County (4/6/2012)

2010 Texas Wildflower Season:
Moonlight Serenade - Texas Wildflowers, Bluebonnets at Sunset in Atascosa County (4/6/2010) First Light - Texas Wildflowers at Sunrise in Frio County (4/9/2010) A Perfect Day- Texas Wildflowers, Bluebonnets at Sunset in Mason County (4/12/2010) God's Blessing - Texas Wildflowers surround a Church in Guadalupe County (4/9/2010) A Break in the Clouds - Texas Wildflowers at sunrise in Llano County (5/2/2010) Bluebonnet Creek - Texas Wildflowers, Bluebonnets line a creek in Mason County (4/25/2010) The Color of Spring - Paintbrush, phlox and prickly poppies bloom in profusion in Atascosa County (4/11/2010) Poppies - Prickly poppies and bluebonnets in the Texas Hill Country (4/12/2010)

Earlier Texas Wildflower Seasons:
Here Comes the Sun - Texas Wildflowers at sunrise in Burnet County (5/30/2007) Wildflowers and Windmill - Texas Wildflowers at dusk in Mason County (5/3/2007) Evening Sun - Bluebonnets bloom on the shores of Lake Travis at sunset (4/28/2007) Pink Clouds - Sunset on late spring wildflowers in Mason county, Texas (5/12/2007) Lake Bardwell Sunset - Spring wildflowers in Ellis county, Texas (4/21/2003)
Texas Wildflowers: Postcards | Notecards | Prints | Books | Bluebonnet Seed

OTHER WILDFLOWER REPORTS


Wildflower Haven - wildflower reports, maps and other useful information
Big Bend Report - wildflower conditions from DesertUSA website
2015 Wildflower Report- previous wildflower report from 2014
2014 Wildflower Report- previous wildflower report from 2014
2013 Wildflower Report - previous wildflower report from 2013
2012 Wildflower Report - previous wildflower report from 2012
2011 Wildflower Report - previous wildflower report from 2011
2010 Wildflower Report - previous wildflower report from 2010
2009 Wildflower Report - previous wildflower report from 2009

WILDFLOWER FIELD GUIDES

Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country - Best field guide for identifying wildflowers in the Hill Country
Wildflowers of Texas - Best field guide for state wide wildflower identification
Wildflowers of Texas Field Guide - A great pocket sized field guide, many of my pictures are included
Wildflowers of Houston and Southeast Texas - Good resource for Houston area and east Texas
Wildflowers of the Western Plains: A Field Guide - A good guide for west Texas including Big Bend
Cactus of Texas Field Guide - A great pocket sized guide to Texas cacti, includes some of my pictures

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