Blue to Purple Wildflowers

Blue to purple wildflowers.

NPS/CA Hoyt

Guayacan (Guaiacum angustifolium). Gnarly shrubs found along arroyos in the desert. In the early spring the shrubs are covered with purple to blue flowers. In the fall, the bright red fruit are eyecatching.

Big Bend Bluebonnet (Lupinus havardii). The tallest of the Texas bluebonnets. In "normal" years, the Big Bend bluebonnet grows thickly along the park's paved roads. During a superbloom year, the bluebonnets turn the hillsides blue. The best time to see the bluebonnets is February through March.

Mountain Laurel (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum). Large, evergreen shrubs that bloom early in the spring (March-May). The flowers smell strongly of grape soda.

Feather Dalea (Dalea formosa). A low, rounded shrub that is common along the Glenn Springs Road. It blooms from February through October in response to rainfall.

Bluecurls (Phacelia sp.). Eight species of bluecurls or scorpionweed occur in the park. They're beautiful, but don't touch! The juices of Phacelia can cause a nasty rash.

Prairie Verbena (Glandularia bipinnatifida). Verbena can be found in bloom nearly year-round. It grows thickly in recently disturbed areas.

 

Snapdragon Vine (Maurandella antirrhiniflora). You'll need to look carefully for this one, but it's worth it. Snapdragon vine clambers up trees and over rocks in canyons, usually blooming February through November. Look for them along the Windows Trail or the Upper Burro Mesa Trail.

Wild Petunia (Ruellia parryi). Wild petunia is a lovely wildflower that grows in masses in irrigated areas around Rio Grande Village. It blooms most of the summer, as long as water is available.

Morning Glory ( Ipomoea sp.) Eleven species of morning glory can be found in the park. Look for them along the Rio Grande Village nature trail. Go early! The flowers open late in the afternoon and furl by mid-morning.

Silverleaf Nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium). A prickly, low-growing wildflower of disturbed areas.

Desert Lantana (Lantana achyranthifolia). A low-growing, straggly shrub often found under other shrubs.

Havard Nama (Nama havardii). Nama is a low-growing wildflower most often seen in washes. The flowers range widely in color. Four species of nama occur in the park.