Good wildflower blooms expected in parts of Texas

RICHARDSON, Texas — A smattering of green sprouting through brown leaves blanketing the ground among barren trees at a North Texas park signal the colorful display that will soon come with the spring wildflower season, which experts say should feature good showings in parts of the state.

As wildflower spotter Jim Varnum made his way through Breckinridge Park in the Dallas suburb of Richardson this week, he pointed out the beginnings of several wildflowers.

Examining the leaves of golden alexanders, which should bloom in April, he said, “This will put up a stem about 2 feet tall and have large clusters of yellow flowers.”

The University of Texas at Austin’s Lady Bird Wildflower Center said Thursday the wildflower season might be delayed by cooler than usual weather in parts of the state, but many areas should have good blooms thanks to ample fall and winter precipitation.

“In some patches it could be spectacular, but overall, averaging out to a good season,” said Damon Waitt, the senior botanist at the wildflower center.

The center each year makes its forecast by taking into account weather and rain patterns and relying on staffers and a dozen or so wildflower spotters across the state, including Varnum, to report what they are seeing in their regions.

Waitt said this year, the precipitation in the fall was average or below average across the state, so displays are expected to vary. Also, he said, cold snaps in March could affect the wildflowers.

“If the sun doesn’t come out in March and we have gray skies and cold temperatures at night, then things are just going to kind of peter out,” he said. “So, a lot of variables still in play, but I’d feel comfortable saying there’s going to be some really good shows. It’s just going to be patchy distribution throughout the state.”