There are over 5,000 species of wildflowers in the state of Texas.
The Texas Department of Transportation nurtures them through their
carefully planned mowing policies.
All species of the Bluebonnet are considered the State Flower. There are
also white bonnets and pink bonnets. These will not necessarily bloom the
next year true to color if they are mixed among bluebonnets. This is due to
their being pollinated by bees and if the bee goes from a bluebonnet to a
white bonnet and pollinates the white bonnet, then it could come back as a
bluebonnet.
More than 20% of wildflowers are in the Sunflower family.
Indian Paintbrush comes in colors ranging from orange to yellow to
purple.
Goldenrod is often confused with ragweed which causes hayfever. However,
the goldenrod is not a wind pollinated plant. It is pollinated by bees.
Yucca plants are often found in West Texas and items such as soap and
baskets can be made from them.
Prickly poppies have branched, prickly stems and are an abundant
supplier of pollen for insects. They come in white, red and pink colors.
Horsemint is in the Mint Family and tea can be made from its leaves. It
also attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds who are seeking nectar. It
blooms from May to September.
Sideoats Grama is the State Grass of Texas. It is a warm season grass
growing from July to September.
Little Bluestem has an extensive root system.
Buffalograss is excellent for erosion control and can survive short
mowings.
Sand Lovegrass is sometimes called "Ice Cream Grass" because livestock
love to eat it and the tops of it look like ice cream.
The department mows and cares for 800,000 acres of right of way.
