Wildflowers of Texas

Geyata Ajilvsgi

Publisher:

Shearer Publishing

Publication Date:

January 1, 2003

Category:

Coastal, History, Prairie, Reference, Regional

In this revised edition of her popular Wildflowers of Texas, native-plant expert Geyata Ajilvsgi gives lay readers the most comprehensive field guide currently available on the state’s abundant wildflowers. With the addition of 105 species, the book now contains information on 462 of the most common wildflower species found in the state’s major vegetation zones — from the mountains in the west to the swamplands in the east, from desert to piney woods to coastal plain, from the Panhandle to the semitropical Rio Grande Valley. Each entry reflects the most current scientific knowledge about the plant, such as recent changes in taxonomic classification.

Designed for ease of use in the field, the guide is organized by color — the most obvious characteristic of flowers. The species are thus grouped into four sections: white-green, yellow-orange, red-pink, and blue-purple. Within each color section the species are arranged alphabetically by family, then genus and species. Information about each species includes its bloom period, range and habitat, botanical description, and other helpful facts. A special note in each entry explains the plant’s therapeutic, culinary, or other traditional uses as well as its landscaping value. Alternate common names and the origin and meaning of the plant’s scientific name are also provided, giving readers insight into the rich history and lore of botany.

To simplify the identification of wildflower species in the field, a full-color photograph of each flower appears on the page facing the entry. The book’s stunning photography is the work of not only the author but also some of the best-known nature photographers around the state.

A color map of Texas shows the state’s major vegetation zones, corresponding to the range codes used in the text. This enables the reader to determine at a glance the geographic range of a particular species. Other supplementary material include botanical and plant glossaries and bibliography.

About the Region

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This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason