Join / Renew / Gift Donate Shop Member Portal Language

Search
npsot_bluebonnet_full_color

Native Plant Society of Texas

History of Botanical Exploration in the Texas Panhandle Region

Presentation Details

Characterization of the native plants of the Panhandle Region began with the Long Expedition of 1820. In early August of 1820 the members of the Long Expedition followed the Canadian River across the panhandle. Notable plants seen on this traverse were Sand sage (Artimisia filifolia), and mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa).

The journal of Lieutenant Abert provides a thorough account of the flora, fauna and landscapes and native inhabitants along their route from Bents Fort in southeastern Colorado, across Raton Pass, down Ute Creek to its confluence with the Canadian then down the Canadian River into the Texas Panhandle. This journey was undertaken in 1845.

The exploration of the Red River of Louisiana by Captain Randolph B. Marcy in 1852 included Dr. George Shumard who was responsible for the collection of specimens of rocks, minerals, fossils, soils and plants. The plants collected were forwarded to Dr. John Torrey of New York. The report of the trip from Fort Smith to the headwaters of the Red River in the central Texas Panhandle references the abundant trees and shrubs encountered along the route.


Other more recent surveys of the Caprock canyonlands in 1905 and a survey done for the National Park Service in 1935 helped to complete the survey of native plants in the Panhandle.
And last but not least, Dr. Larry Higgins began the West Texan A&M University Herbarium in 1969.

Equipment Required:
None
Additional Requirements:
None
Ecoregions Covered:
Central Great Plains, Chihuahuan Deserts, Cross Timbers, East Central Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, High Plains, Southern Texas Plains, Southwestern Tablelands, Texas Blackland Prairies, Western Gulf Coastal Plain

Presenter Information

No associated speaker.

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason