Texas Wildbuds

Spring 2026
Central Texas

A few days in late April in Bastrop State Park and Buescher State Park, in Central Texas, was a pleasant experience for hiking and wildflower finding. It had been raining in April and the whole area was lush with new growth and flowers. In addition to many familiar species, 12 new ones were found.

Please contact me if you have any comments or corrections to my IDs. Thank you.


New Species from Bastrop and Buescher State Parks
Asclepias tuberosa
Asclepias viridis
Berlandiera X betonicifolia
Clitoria mariana
Croptilon hookerianum var. hookerianum
Froelichia floridana
Lespedeza texana
Mimosa microphylla
Pinus taeda
Pteridium aquilinum
Stylisma pickeringii var. pattersonii
Trametes sanguinea

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Argemone albiflora
(White Prickly Poppy)
5947
Photo Details
Common Name White Prickly Poppy
Scientific Name Argemone albiflora
Family Papaveraceae
(Poppy)
Date April 23, 2026
Location Copperas Creek Campground, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/400 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Asclepias tuberosa ssp. interior
(Butterfly Milkweed)
5817
Photo Details
Common Name Butterfly Milkweed, Butterfly Weed
Scientific Name Asclepias tuberosa ssp. interior
Family Apocynaceae
(Dogbane)
Date April 23, 2026
Location Fehr's Overlook Trail, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 2200
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Asclepias viridis
(Green Antelope Horn)
5966
Photo Details
Common Name Green Antelope Horn
Scientific Name Asclepias viridis
Family Apocynaceae
(Dogbane)
Date April 24, 2026
Location Park Road 1C, Buescher State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 110 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 4500
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Berlandiera X betonicifolia
(Texas Greeneyes)
5905
Photo Details
Common Name Texas Greeneyes
Scientific Name Berlandiera X betonicifolia
Family Asteraceae
(Sunflower)
Date April 23, 2026
Location Fehr's Overlook Trace, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Bradburia pilosa
(Soft Goldenaster)
5657
Photo Details
Common Name Soft Goldenaster
Scientific Name Bradburia pilosa
Family Asteraceae
(Sunflower)
Date April 22, 2026
Location Post Oak Trail, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 200 mm f/4.0
Focal Length 200 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Clitoria mariana
(Pigeonwings)
5582
Photo Details
Common Name Pigeonwings, Butterfly Pea
Scientific Name Clitoria mariana
Family Fabaceae
(Pea)
Date April 22, 2026
Location Scenic Overlook Trail, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 200 mm f/4.0
Focal Length 200 mm
Aperture f/20
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 6400
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Croptilon hookerianum var. hookerianum
(Hooker’s Scratch-daisy)
5729
Photo Details
Common Name Hooker's Scratch-daisy
Scientific Name Croptilon hookerianum var hookkerianum
Family Asteraceae
(Sunflower)
Date April 22, 2026
Location Ol' 9 Loop Trail, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Euphorbia corollata
(Flowering Spurge)
5601
Photo Details
Common Name Flowering Spurge
Scientific Name Euphorbia corollata
Family Euphorbiaceae
(Spurge)
Date April 22, 2026
Location Scenic Overlook Trail, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 200 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 1000
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Froelichia floridana
(Plains Snake-cotton)
5558
Photo Details
Common Name Plains Snake-cotton
Scientific Name Froelichia floridana
Family Amaranthaceae
(Amaranth)
Date April 22, 2026
Location Scenic Overlook Trail, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 200 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Gaillardia pulchella
(Indian Blanket)
5689
Photo Details
Common Name Indian Blanket, Blanketflower
Scientific Name Gaillardia pulchella
Family Asteraceae
(Sunflower)
Date April 22, 2026
Location Ol' 9 Loop Trail, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Helianthemum georgianum
(Rockrose)
5887
Photo Details
Common Name Rockrose, Georgia Frostweed
Scientific Name Helianthemum georgianum
(Crocanthemum georgianum)
Family Cistaceae
(Rock-rose)
Date April 23, 2026
Location Fehr's Overlook Trace, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Lespedeza texana
(Texas Lespedeza)
5539
Photo Details
Common Name Texas Lespedeza, Texas Bush Clover
Scientific Name Lespedeza texana
Family Fabaceae
(Pea)
Date April 22, 2026
Location Scenic Overlook Trail, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 200 mm f/4
Focal Length 200 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 3200
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Mimosa microphylla
(Little-leaf Sensitive-briar)
5741
Photo Details
Common Name Littleleaf Sensitive-briar
Scientific Name Mimosa microphylla
(Schrankia uncinata)
Family Fabaceae
(Pea)
Date April 22, 2026
Location Ol' 9 Loop Trail, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 70-180 mm f/4.0-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Nemophila phacelioides
(Baby Blue-eyes)
5628
Photo Details
Common Name Baby Blue-eyes
Scientific Name Nemophila phacelioides
Family Hydrophyllaceae
(Waterleaf)
Date April 22, 2026
Location Scenic Overlook Trail, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 200 mm f/4.0
Focal Length 200 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 1400
More Photos and Plant Details
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Oenothera berlandieri ssp. berlandieri
(Square-bud Primrose)
5655
Photo Details
Common Name Square-bud Primrose
Scientific Name Oenothera berlandieri ssp. berlandieri
(Oenothera capillifolia ssp. berlandieri)
(Calylophus drummondianus ssp. berlandieri)
(Calylophus berlandieri ssp. berlandieri)
Family Onagraceae
(Evening Primrose)
Date April 22, 2026
Location Scenic Overlook Trail, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 200 mm f/4.0
Focal Length 200 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/640 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Opuntia macrorhiza
(Plains Prickly Pear)
5670
Photo Details
Common Name Plains Prickly Pear, Twist-spine Prickly Pear
Scientific Name Opuntia macrorhiza
Family Cactaceae
(Cactus)
Date April 22, 2026
Location Park Road 1A near Scenic Overlook, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 200 mm f/4.0
Focal Length 200 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/500 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Penstemon laxiflorus
(Nodding Beardtongue)
5930
Photo Details
Common Name Nodding Beardtongue
Scientific Name Penstemon laxiflorus
Family Plantaginaceae
(Plantain)
Date April 23, 2026
Location Lost Pines Loop Trail, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 1100
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Pinus taeda
(Loblolly Pine)
5752
Photo Details
Common Name Loblolly Pine
Scientific Name Pinus taeda
Family Pinaceae
(Pine)
Date April 23, 2026
Location Lost Pines Loop Trail, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 80 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/100 sec.
ISO 10000
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Pteridium aquilinum ssp. pseudocaudatus
(Western Bracken Fern)
5625
Photo Details
Common Name Western Bracken Fern
Scientific Name Pteridium aquilinum ssp. pseudocaudatum
Family Dennstaedtiaceae
(Bracken)
Date April 22, 2026
Location Scenic Overlook Trail, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 200 mm f/4
Focal Length 200 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 9000
More Photos and Plant Details
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Rubus trivialis
(Southern Dewberry)
5499
Photo Details
Common Name Southern Dewberry
Scientific Name Rubus trivialis
Family Rosaceae
(Rose)
Date April 22, 2026
Location Scenic Overlook Trail, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 200 mm f/4.0
Focal Length 200 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 3200
More Photos and Plant Details
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Senecio ampullaceus
(Texas Ragwort)
5680
Photo Details
Common Name Texas Ragwort, Texas Groundsel
Scientific Name Senecio ampullaceus
Family Asteraceae
(Sunflower)
Date April 22, 2026
Location Park Road 1A near Scenic Overlook, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 200 mm f/4.0
Focal Length 200 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 400
More Photos and Plant Details
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Stillingia sylvatica
(Queen’s Delight)
5832
Photo Details
Common Name Queen's Delight
Scientific Name Stillingia sylvatica
Family Euphorbiaceae
(Spurge)
Date April 23, 2026
Location Fehr's Overlook Trace, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 1000
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Stylisma pickeringii var. pattersonii
(Patterson’s Dawnflower)
5862
Photo Details
Common Name Patterson's Dawnflower
Scientific Name Stylisma pickeringii var. pattersonii
Family Convolvulaceae
(Morning Glory)
Date April 23, 2026
Location Fehr's Overlook Trace, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 140 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Tradescantia hirsutiflora
(Hairy-flower Spiderwort)
5556
Photo Details
Common Name Hairy-flower Spiderwort
Scientific Name Tradescantia hirsutiflora
Family Commelinaceae
(Spiderwort)
Date April 22, 2026
Location Scenic Overlook Trail, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 200 mm f/4.0
Focal Length 200 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 1600
More Photos and Plant Details
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Tradescantia subacaulis
(Stemless Spiderwort)
5581
Photo Details
Common Name Stemless Spiderwort
Scientific Name Tradescantia subacaulis
Family Commelinaceae
(Spiderwort)
Date April 22, 2026
Location Scenic Overlook Trail, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 200 mm f/4.0
Focal Length 200 mm
Aperture f/20
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 2200
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Trametes sanguinea
(Cinnabar Bracket Mushroom)
5954
Photo Details
Common Name Cinnabar Bracket Mushroom, Blood Red Bracket Mushroom
Scientific Name Trametes sanguinea
(Picnoporus sanguineus)
Family Polyporaceae
(Bracket Fungi)
Date April 23, 2026
Location Barred Owl Path, Buescher State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 70-180 mm f/4-5.6
Focal Length 170 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 1600
More Photos and Plant Details
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Triodanis perfoliata ssp. perfoliata
(Clasping-leaf Venus Looking-Glass)
5591
Photo Details
Common Name Clasping-leaf Venus Looking-glass
Scientific Name Triodanis perfoliata ssp. perfoliata
Family Campanulaceae
(Bellflower)
Date April 22, 2026
Location Scenic Overlook Trail, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 200 mm f/4.0
Focal Length 200 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/400 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Vaccinium arboreum
(Farkleberry)
5792
Photo Details
Common Name Farkleberry, Sparkleberry
Scientific Name Vaccinium arboreum
Family Ericaceae
(Heath)
Date April 23, 2026
Location Lost Pines Loop Trail, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikkor Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details

Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County

© Tom Lebsack 2026

Every attempt is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and relevant information, but the completeness or accuracy of any information presented on this website cannot be guaranteed. I use authoritative references to insure high standards of accuracy and review and update the information frequently. Please contact me if you find errors.