2005 Wildflower Forecast: Fall Rain Yields Good Display of Wildflowers for Travis County; Bluebonnets May Suffer in Some Areas Due to Fungal Infections.

AUSTIN, Texas -- Ecologists at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center are keeping a close eye on wildflower seedlings expected to start blooming in early March. Adequate rain throughout the fall months is a key factor in healthy germination for many early spring wildflowers. Higher than average rainfall in the fall of 2004 points to a bountiful wildflower display this spring for most of Travis County. By the end of 2004, rainfall in Travis County was approximately 20 inches above normal. E[acute accent]Lots of rain, however, is not always good news for all wildflowers, especially Texas bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis). Excessive amounts of rain and persistent damp conditions can make young bluebonnet seedlings sensitive to fungal infections. E[acute accent]"In late November we received several calls reporting bluebonnet seedlings that had suddenly died off," said Mark Simmons, Wildflower Center ecologist. "We want to better understand the conditions in which bluebonnets are prone to infection, so we sent several infected samples to Texas A & M for study." E[acute accent]A fungus that causes root rot (Phytophthora) was found to be the culprit. Root rot fungus can infect healthy seedlings if they get too much water and are not planted in well-drained soil. E[acute accent]"We don't think the problem is widespread, but there could be some areas where bluebonnet displays may suffer," said Simmons. Additional studies must be done to determine the extent and impact this fungus will have on Central Texas bluebonnet crops. E[acute accent]Many of the other wildflower species are not as sensitive to fungal infections. Wildflower enthusiasts can expect to see plenty of Indian blanket and Black-eyed Susan blooms this year. E[acute accent]At the Wildflower Center, visitors can enjoy six different photo opportunity spots throughout the grounds. These areas allow visitors to capture a wonderful photo next to a bluebonnet display without trampling the flowers for the next visitor. E[acute accent]As the bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush begin to fade, the region will experience other blooms and colors. Many of these flowers overlap from one month to another.

March Blooms       April Blooms       May Blooms
-----------------  -----------------  ----------------------
Bluebonnets        Indian Blanket     Mexican hat
Indian paintbrush  Texas lantana      Black-eyed Susan
Winecups           Rose mallow        Standing cypress
Blackfoot daisy    Foxglove           Pink evening primrose
Drummond phlox                        Butterfly weed
Giant spiderwort

E[acute accent]Tips to help you plant a better bluebonnet crop:

E[acute accent]--Ideally, bluebonnet seeds should be planted in the fall. No later than the end of November. Seeds planted later may not receive the conditions needed to germinate, and even if they do, the flowers tend to be very small resulting in a poor display.

E[acute accent]--Put bluebonnet seeds in the freezer overnight. Then, carefully pour boiling water over seeds placed in a colander. Let seeds sit in water for a day. Plant within a day or two.

E[acute accent]--Rake seeds in to well-drained soil.

E[acute accent]--Make sure the seeds get adequate water, but avoid consistently damp conditions.

E[acute accent]--Removal of competition from other plants. Bluebonnets like their own space and own soil.

E[acute accent]For more information on these and other wildflowers, visit www.wildflower.org and click on Explore Plants.