KEEP WIMBERLEY BEAUTIFUL

I appreciate our long Southern Springs. We start getting flowers in January and although the temperature fluctuates this time of year, we can enjoy a parade of Spring flowers until June.

In addition to the adaptable (but not native) bulbs that are blooming now, such as hyacinths, daffodils and narcissus, we also have many native flowers currently in bloom.

When I walk my dog I past one house I get a whiff of grape bubble gum aroma from the blooming Texas Mountain Laurel (Saphora secundiflora). This deer resistant understory bush often grows to be a small tree. I notice more flowers on bushes found in the shade.

The Agarita (Berberis trifoliolata) yellow flowers are attracting bees that will pollinate the flowers to make bright red berries for the bird feast. Agarita is a prickly deer resistant native shrub typically found at the base of trees. I am guessing their location is due to birds excreting while sitting on a tree limb after eating Agarita berries.

The Red Buckeye (Aesculus Pavia) is blooming. I recently found it in flower on the Cypress Creek Nature Trail (parallel to Old Kyle Road). I had never noticed until this year the yellow version also seen on this trail . I know it is a Buckeye from the palmate leaves, but according to the Enquist Wildflowers of Texas Hill Country book it could either be an Aesculus Pavia var. Flavescens or Aesculus arguta. Both of these Buckeyes have palmate leaves and white/yellow flowers.

The Hill Country environment also supports Mexican Buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa).

However this is not a true buckeye as it does not have palmate leaves. I have tried growing Mexican Buckeye in my yard, but after two unsuccessful attempts I decided I did not have the proper growing conditions. May you enjoy the season.

Written by Jackie Mattice, Hays County Master Naturalist