GILLESPIE WILDFLOWERS SPOTTY DUE TO LACK OF FALL RAIN

&Build Bloom GILLESPIE WILDFLOWERS SPOTTY DUE TO LACK OF

FALL RAIN

By Samuel Sutton and Joe Southern

Gillespie County is known for having an abundance of wildflowers, but they may be few and far between in 2021.

John Thomas, owner and founder of Wildseed Farms on U.S. 290 East, contributed this to the lack of rainfall in the fall months.

“Most wildflowers in Texas are annuals, they need fall rains to germinate. They need rainfall in the October, November and December months for that good spring color,” he said. “Guess what they did not get?”

He added the areas where they’re more plentiful — where they got the most rainfall — are in northern Gillespie County, closest to Llano County.

Thomas also noted February’s winter storm did not have much effect on local wildflowers.

“The wildflowers here are tough and winter hearty,” he said. “They come up in October, they grow through the winter and they bloom in the spring. The only thing the freeze did was delay the blooms about a week to 10 days.”

John Thomas, owner and founder of Wildseed Farms, notes that wildflowers may be a little spotty this year due to lack of rain in the fall

months.– Submitted photo NATIVE WILDFLOWERS

Gillespie County has plenty of other wildflowers than just bluebonnets.

While bluebonnets may be the most popular, Thomas noted several other types, including, but not limited to: • Engelmann D aisy; • Desert Verbena; • Indian Blanket; • Indian Paint Brush; • Thelesperma (greenthread); • Showy Primrose; • Mexican Hat; • Purple Horsemint.

He added these are only a few types and there are probably twice as many native wildflowers to see.

RESPECT THE FLOWER

While it may be fun to get out and look at the wildflowers up close, Thomas wanted to remind visitors to be respectful of the plants.

“When you see them on the side of the road, don’t sit in the middle of them,” he said. “Don’t stomp on them or walk on them.”

He said this could damage the plant and prevent it from producing seed for the next year.

Thomas also wanted to remind wildflower enthusiasts to be aware of people’s private property. Look for “Private Property” signs and ask the property owner’s permission to walk up to the wildflowers on their land.

And, as always, Thomas encouraged drivers and viewers not to litter.

“It stands to reason that the wildflowers will be pretty hard to see if there is a bunch of trash covering them,” he said.

Bluebonnets and other wildflowers are in bloom along the Willow City Loop, a popular place for viewing the state flower this time of year.

– Standard-Radio Post/Joe Southern

&Build Bloom