The Texas Redbuds (Cercis canadensis var. texensis) are blooming around town.
Although they are called “redbuds,” they really are magenta in color. These native small trees surprise me each year when they burst into bloom rapidly. They are in the pea family, and this becomes obvious when the elongated seed pods form. The oval heart shaped leaves develop after the flowers.
You may also have noticed the white larger trees blooming along with the redbuds. These Mexican Plums (Prunus Mexicana) are also native to the Hill Country area. The wildlife consumes the plums that form on this tree. Both of these native early spring blooming trees drop their seeds — which then germinate to produce new plants. If you are patient, you can start these trees in your yard by transplanting volunteer plants or planting their seeds.
On a recent trip to San Marcos, I saw some yellow “bastard” cabbage by the roadside. These are invasive plants that several Keep Wimberley Beautiful members have worked hard to eliminate from the Wimberley area. Another early yellow blooming plant found in more shaded areas is Groundsel, also called Ragwort. There are many different species of Groundsel found throughout the United States. The two most common native Groundsels found in our area are Golden Groundsel (Senecio obovatus) and Texas Groundsel (Senecio ampullaceus).
By the time this article is published, the bluebonnets in the area might also be blooming. Keep your eyes open for them. Spring is such a lovely time for diverse flowers in Texas.
