I'm thinking of a trip to the Texas Hill Country this spring to see the wildflowers. Can anyone tell me generally when they are in bloom? Spring to a Michigander is distinctly different than spring to a Texan.

For the past two years we have driven from San Antonio to Corpus (other direction from Hill Country) at the end of March, first of April and the flowers are in bloom along the highway. They may show up a bit later in the Hill Country. We are low on rain this year.

Do a google search for the Texas Wildflower Hotline which will give updates in the spring.

There were several posts last year on this topic. Do a search for bluebonnets. Wildflowers begin to bloom late March, and are out in full during mid-April. On the earlier posts was a link to the Texas Department of Transportation's list of siting.s

If you go to Austin, be sure to stop at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center -
http://www.wildflower.org/?nd=lbj

Also, wander over Fredrickburg way. Charming little town with great antique shopping.

nawlaw,
Welcome to Central Texas! Wildflower season is certainly one of our prettiest. The highways and back roads are literally ablaze with color.

Having said that, this year's crop may not be so good. We are in the middle of a drought, with rain being waaaay below normal. The wildflowers need the winter rains to start popping through the hard ground, especially our beloved bluebonnets.

Advice: Pray for rain. Any bit helps!

Happy travels!

It causes me pain to deter anyone from visiting Central TX, but kopp is right. I fear that this won't be a good year for wildflowers due to dry conditions. But there are still plenty of things to do, so please come for a visit anyway.

Yes, the drought here is horrible. In Dallas, we ended 2005 with 20 inches of rain below normal! Please, if anyone in your party smokes, DON'T let them throw a cigarette out onto the ground, as it can immediately start a wildfire!

In the Sunday paper this morning, I noticed an article on the Texas wine trail. This year on April 21-23 and April 28-30, the Wine and Wildflower Trail event will be held with wildflower viewing, vineyard tours and music. In August, there will be the grape stomps and tastings. Check out www.texaswinetrail.com. Sounds interesting even if the wildflowers may not be up to par this year.

The Fredericksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau now provides biweekly updates on spring wildflower conditions in Gillespie County. Access www.fredericksburg-texas.com.

Source: Houston Chronicle