Sunflowers in mid-March

 

Most of the plants we call sunflowers inhabit the genus Helianthus (which is Greek for ‘sunflower’). I say most, but not all. Here you’re looking at Simsia calva, known as the bush sunflower, a few clumps of which I found already flowering in Burnet County on March 17th. The second picture came from aiming somewhat downward to include several bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis) near the ground.

 

 

Because bush sunflower stalks tend to grow tall, I could get on the ground beneath one and take a lofty look.

 

 

© 2023 Steven Schwartzman

 

 

 

Texas dandelions and Indian paintbrushes

 

Pyrrhopappus pauciflorus and Castilleja indivisa along FM 812 in western Bastrop County on March 19th.

 

© 2023 Steven Schwartzman