It's time to start planning your tour de Texas wildflowers. As Lady Bird Johnson famously said, "where flowers bloom so does hope," and every spring, hope blooms right across our Texas highways and hillsides.

‍

Why wildflowers? Texas has a unique climate where our mild winters and spring rains create ideal conditions for spectacular wildflower blooms, typically peaking from late March through April. And Texas’ diverse geography, from coastal plains to Hill Country to prairies, means different regions bloom at different times, extending the season considerably, you're welcome!

‍

While the vibrant Texas Bluebonnet is the official state flower, Texas boasts over 5,000 native wildflower species (more than almost any other state!). And Texans take their wildflowers seriously, the Texas Department of Transportation even has a dedicated highway seeding program, and entire festivals celebrate the spring arrival of these spectacular stems.

Here's what to keep an eye out for while you’re out and about this spring:

• Bluebonnets (obviously!) - Vibrant blue flowers with white tips that blanket fields and roadsides
• Indian paintbrush - Brilliant red-orange blooms that often grow alongside bluebonnets
• Wine cups - Deep magenta cup-shaped flowers close to the ground
• Texas yellow star - Cheerful yellow blooms with five pointed petals
• Pink evening primrose - Delicate pink flowers that carpet roadsides and fields

‍

When you head out, make sure you bring a camera and your a leave no trace approach! And hot tip: Check the Texas Department of Transportation's wildflower reports or local bloom updates before you head out to catch the flowers at their blooming best. Here’s some of the bright spots:

‍

• Hill Country highlights (Fredericksburg, Llano, Marble Falls area)
• Ennis Bluebonnet Trail (north of Dallas)
• Willow City Loop
• Highway 16 between Kerrville and Llano
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (Austin)
• And if you have an unkempt patch of grass, usually you’ll find some good ones right in your backyard

Want to get the whole wildflower experience? We thought so, don’t worry! There’s a festival for that.

Red Poppy Festival: Georgetown is the "Red Poppy Capital of Texas" one of the few places in the U.S. where red poppies grow naturally every spring. The festival features live music, parades, classic car shows, local arts and crafts, and fields of stunning red poppies.

‍

Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival: The festival features an abundance of activities, live music, arts and crafts, a beer garden, and Texas wine tastings, all surrounded by 40 miles of spectacular bluebonnet trails.

‍