Sunday Wildflower Hike

On our quest for spring wildflower sightings, the children and I took a little hike around a small neighborhood park this morning. Here are a few of the gems we spotted:

Though this park is only one city block, it was blanketed in fields of cheerful Greenthread (thelesperma filiform).

Although Firstborn was calling this Queen Anne's Lace and Rosebud insisted it was Baby's Breath, I think the feathery fern-like foliage (not visible here) indicates it is actually a Yarrow (achillea millefolium).


One of the most brilliant and among my favorites in the showy spring display is the Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella).




Hmmm...I'll need to try for a clearer picture of this Prairie Phlox (phlox pitosa) next time we are out. It is a brilliant little flower and one I have not seen as often.

We will certainly be checking back to see the prickly pears in full bloom...I wonder which color corolla these buds will bring forth.

Here the delicate Purple Tansy (Phacelia tanacetifolia) is protected by its prickly neighbor. This little flower is unique because the stamens radiate outward; the stamens are twice the length of the petals!
Some sort of lovely greenery Sunshine found growing around the large rocks on the perimeter of the park. It is difficult to research this one without some sort of bloom on it; we'll have to keep an watch for some little sprinkling of color.

Most of the Bluebonnets are gone or shrinking and I am not sure why I didn't take a picture of the Indian Paintbrush Firstborn spotted today. Next time. I am on the look out for some Mexican Hats which is one of the flowers that I found most striking when we first moved here nearly 12 years ago. Evening primroses, Rain Lilies, Silver-leaf Nightshades and some of the other common flowers deserve a photo or two as well. Those can easily be found in the yard this week. More photos to come plus an online album including our annual bluebonnet pictures.