Wildflowers are one of the many staples of the spring season. They grow in a variety of places; from vast fields to the little slivers of grass on the side of the road. Sometimes, identifying the different types of wildflowers can be somewhat challenging, but this guide will hopefully add some useful and interesting information to clear things up.

• Indian Blanket 

Gaillardia pulchella 

While the Indian blanket is the state flower of Oklahoma, it is fairly common in Texas as well. The flower has deep red petals tipped with a golden yellow. A field of these can resemble a large blanket, which explains the name. 

• Purple Coneflower 

Echinacea purpurea

This daisy-shaped wildflower is native to the Midwest and southeast of the country. It has lavender petals with a coned orange-brown center. Interestingly, Echinacea (the flower family the purple coneflower comes from) is an ingredient that can be used in cough drops to soothe sore throats.

• Pink Evening Primrose 

Oenothera speciosa

The Pink Evening Primrose, also known as pink lady, is a wildflower commonly found in the hill country of Texas. It has a golden center that spreads outward into the pale pink color that is attributed to the flower. The evening primrose is normally one of the longest lasting flowers in the spring. 

• Bluebonnet

Lupinus texensis

Of all the wildflowers to come across in Texas, the bluebonnet is the most iconic. As the state flower, many people find them easily identifiable. Around the beginning of spring, people start having photoshoots in fields of bluebonnets. These are tall flowers with bulb-like petals of deep blue, with the occasional purple and white petal.

• Indian Paintbrush 

Castilleja indivisa

Similarly to the bluebonnet, the Indian paintbrush stands tall. This wildflower has long, red blossoms. The name of this wildflower is inspired by a Native American legend. The story goes that a boy was painting in a field and did not have any red paint. He asked for help and was later given red paintbrushes. After he was done using them, the boy scattered the brushes in the field, and these wildflowers bloomed soon after.