Wildflowers are big to the people in our area, as we are a popular stop for tourists to catch a look at some bluebonnets and other spring treats that grow around here.
Unseasonably cold temperatures, however, have some wildflowers looking a little under the weather. But AgriLife Extension Program Specialist Tim Hartmann says it has more to do with the wind than the cold.
“A lot of that is likely due to a phenomenon we call ‘desiccation.’ So, the air that came through with that front was really cold and dry. So, what happened was that the water was being sucked out of the plants faster than the roots could replenish it. A lot of the foliage simply…just really, really dried out,” Hartmann said.
Hartmann mentioned that most flowers are already starting to bounce back and it may slow things down, but we should still have a good wildflower show this year.