Wildflowers and Weeds

A mix of primrose (pink) and coneflower (yellow and brown).

Growing up in Texas, we learn to appreciate and respect wildflowers, especially blue bonnets.  Maybe it is because there is so much open land, so we see a lot of wildflowers growing.  Or maybe it is because Lady Bird Johnson, wife of former President Lyndon Baines Johnson, was such a proponent of wildflowers.  She led the charge to keep medians and boulevards from being mowed during wildflower season.

A black cow looks striking against a field of yellow wildflowers.

As a young girl I loved to pick little white flowers to give to my mom.  They lasted just for the day once picked, but I thought they were beautiful.  They were the perfect size for my little young hands to gather.  My mom was always appreciative…maybe it was because I cleared the yard of weeds! I believe they are crow poison.

I used to pick a handful of these for my mom.

From Queen Anne’s Lace to Indian Paintbrushes, wildflowers lend charm, color and character to what could be rather boring landscape.  Recently, my neighboring pasture was covered in small yellow flowers.  Set against the spring green pasture grasses, they looked amazing.  I would have taken off my shoes and run wild through the flowers if it hadn’t have been for fear of finding hidden cow patties!

So pretty!

Here is a sampling of the wildflowers and weeds that I have seen recently in my part of the world.

My mom called these buttercups, but they are actually primrose.

 

These are the real buttercups.

 

These look like miniature, frilly daisies. In mass, they would be gorgeous! I believe they are Philadelphia Fleabone.

 

These tiny little purple and lavender flowers are charming! I am not sure of their name. Any thoughts? Maybe a scurfy pea or a false day flower?

 

Crimson clover is such a deep red.

 

This is white clover, which is everywhere!

 

This bright orange flower is an Indian Paintbrush; also known as a Texas Paintbrush.

 

Sow thistle is a happy wildflower.

 

Queen Anne’s lace. So lovely!

 

A beautiful field of Queen Anne’s lace.

 

And of course, any Texan’s favorite wildflower…the blue bonnet.

Bonus Information:  You may be asking what the difference is between a wildflower and a weed.  A weed is anything growing where it shouldn’t grow, and a wildflower is a flower growing in its native habitat.

2 thoughts on “Wildflowers and Weeds

  1. The tiny purple and lavender flowers could be vetch. This is a legume that is probably volunteer from the days when local dairies sowed it in pastures to increase protein in the native grasses.

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