Nature

What’s Bloomin’ This Summer?

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Texas is known most for the wide open roads filled with wildflowers during the spring and summer months. After the bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes fade away there are still a plethora of blooming flowers and plants to be viewed. They are even worthy of a day trip or two to behold! Here are a few of the most notable summer Hill Country native blooms.

1. Lavender

wildflowersPhoto: Facebook/Blanco Lavender Festival

Lavender in the Hill Country blooms typically from May through July. This year the blooms are projected to peak at the first of July. Due to the warm winter and cool spring, the lavender is blooming a tad later this year. However, once the lavender blooms, they will remain in full bloom for about a month. You can find blooms in Blanco, Texas which has been dubbed the Lavender Capital of Texas. It is truly is a sight to see, it is what lavender dreams are made of. More information about Lavender farms in the Hill Country here.

2. Sunflowers 

wildflowersPhoto: Facebook/The World

Sunflowers can be spotted through most of the summer and into the fall. These beautiful flowers can be found throughout Texas and thrive in the warm climate.

3. Prickly Pear Cactus

bloomingPhoto: Brandee Brantly

This stunning cactus flower happens to be our state plant, the Prickly Pear Cactus. The flower blooms twice a year, in spring & in fall.  During the summer months, the flower transforms into a fruit, which is edible and delicous. Be careful, though. It is aptly named Prickly Pear!

4. Lantana 

bloomingPhoto: Brandee Brantly

Considered a “tender perennial,” these beauties are known for their extended bloom life. Lantana is great for attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and make a beautiful edition to any garden.

5. Milkweed 

wildflowersPhoto: Facebook/Dyck Arboretum of the Plains

These fragrant flowers have some of the most complex structures by comparison and the flowers are most known for being a host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars.

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