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Texas Bluebonnet

Texas Bluebonnet, Lupinus texensis

Source: https://bit.ly/2tIBatf Photo Credit: University of Texas at Austin Public Domain Image

Texas Bluebonnet, Lupinus texensis
Source: https://bit.ly/2tIBatf Photo Credit: University of Texas at Austin Public Domain Image

Texas Bluebonnet Facts

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Texas Bluebonnet Physical Description

The truly stunning Texas Bluebonnet boasts several physiological characteristics that make it worthy of note. The amazing plant actually has quite humble beginnings, though. That holds true due to the fact that this gorgeous plant begins its life as an extremely tiny seed.

That tiny source of life boasts an extremely tough outer layer, however. It’s so tough, in fact, that it often takes months, or even years for the weather to erode the outer layer. This means that germination quite often never has the chance to occur, depending on weather.

Once germinated, however, the tiny seedling of the species most commonly appears in the Fall. The undeniably stunning plant also evolved as a biennial species. The flora additionally grows slowly during the winter and does not attain full growth until the onset of Spring.

But, once the gorgeous flora does reach its full growth, the flower typically reaches a maximum height measuring around 24 in (60 cm). In addition to its size, the magnificent Texas Bluebonnet also presents a striking visual image to those who encounter it.

In point of fact, the individual specimens boast some stunning colors. Individuals plants primarily develop as dark blue in color. But, although rare, variations in this basic pattern do sometimes occur. The colors of these isolated mutations include pink, maroon, and white.

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Photographer: stickywikit
CC License: https://bit.ly/1ryPA8o

Texas Bluebonnet Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Unfortunately for those who appreciate its beauty, the Texas Bluebonnet only inhabits a small section of the globe. That’s because it only lives in a small part of the continent of North America. Specifically, it mainly appears in the state of Texas, in the United States.

The species nevertheless also appears in smaller, widely scattered populations in the states of Florida, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Even within this highly restricted range of habitation, however, this botanical marvel shows decided preferences for the regions it inhabits.

In point of fact, and rather surprisingly, these generally constitute relatively inhospitable regions. The species most often prefers loose, often rocky soil. The truly beautiful flower also commonly grows in uncultivated areas, including prairies, and along roadsides.

The beautiful Texas Bluebonnet also most typically grows in areas of direct sunlight. In such a setting, its dazzling color scheme typically creates a visually dynamic effect to observe. Its inherent beauty, as is often the case in Nature, conceals a dangerous attribute, however.

That holds true due to the fact that this delicate wildflower also lists as moderately toxic. Yet, it does not generally pose a threat to humans unless ingested. Meanwhile, the gorgeous Angiosperm also serves as an important food source for several species of butterflies.

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