Page 43 - March Sun Rays_Text_01-49_proof_FinalTrim
P. 43
PHOTO BY ANNE MARSHALL sandy dunes. Known commonly as the
dune bluebonnet, plains bluebonnet and
Nebraska lupine, it usually blooms in mid
to late spring with stalks reaching up to
two feet.
Finally, Lupinus perennis, also known
as the sundial lupine, wild lupine, Indian
beet or old maids’ bonnets, features showy,
elongated clusters of purple that can grow
the Lupinus texensis, a showier, bolder The classic Texas bluebonnet is a true PHOTO BY DAVID WERNER
blue beauty commonly found in most of gem and a favorite of Texans, artists,
Central Texas. photographers and tourists. It is the easiest up to two feet. The leaves of this perennial
to grow and favors Central Texas, where plant were once used by Native Americans
For over 70 years, Texas legislators worked blue stalks tipped with white blanket the as a diuretic and antiemetic. However, due
to correct the bluebonnet boondoggle. When landscape along highways and open fields to the tremendous toxicity of its seeds it
they finally succeeded in addressing the throughout late March and April. They is not recommended as a medicinal plant.
issue on March 8, 1971, they diplomatically wave at passersby in gentle spring winds, Wild lupine can be found from April
opted to include Lupinus texensis along as if to say, “Welcome to Texas.” through July, blooming along roadsides in
with “any other variety of bluebonnet not eastern Texas and throughout the eastern
heretofore recorded,” thereby combining Commonly known as the Big Bend United States. Unfortunately, wild lupines
every known species of bluebonnet – as bluebonnet, Lupinus havardii is probably have declined in number and range since
well as every species not yet known - into the most majestic of Texas’ official six, with 1900 and may eventually become extinct.
one official state flower. flowering spikes reaching up to three feet
in height. As its name suggests, this plant Continued on the next page
Every species of bluebonnets has its own grows along the roads in Big Bend and
unique shape, color and environmental usually begins blooming the last week of MARCH 2017 SUNRAYS | 41
requirements. Bloom shades may vary February with blossoms lasting through
slightly, as do bloom times, but no matter the middle of March. It is extremely
the variety any bluebonnet can reward an difficult to grow outside its natural and
enthusiast with a splendid sight provided preferred habitat.
they know where and when to look.
The Bajada bluebonnet may be a little guy
Of our state’s six official species of genus growing a mere two to seven inches tall,
Lupinus, only two are Texas natives: but what Lupinus concinnus lacks in height
the Sandyland bluebonnet, Lupinus it makes up for with a preponderance of
subcarnosus, and the Texas bluebonnet, colors ranging from a combination of white,
Lupinus texensis. rosy purple and lavender. It is an annual
lupine found sparingly in the Texas-Pecos
Named for the deep, sandy loams in which region in early spring.
it grows, the Sandyland bluebonnet can
be found from Leon County to LaSalle The Lupinus plattensis is the only
County and down to the northern part of perennial species in Texas which can
Hidalgo County. The blooms reach their be found in the Texas Panhandle’s
peak in late March.
ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG
