Texas
Wildbuds

Spring 2023
North-Central Texas

We had been wanting to get to Lake Whitney State Park for some time. It’s west of Hillsboro, not too far from Waco, and located in the Cross Timbers ecoregion. We were there in mid-April and found a very nice park, lush with wildflowers.

The following month we decided that we would go to Abilene State Park, having been deterred from a trip there in 2022 because of a wildfire nearby. It’s located in the Central Great Plains ecoregion. 

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NEW! Argemone polyanthemos
(Crested Prickly Poppy)
8959
Photo Details
Common Name Crested Prickly Poppy
Scientific Name Argemone polyanthemos
Family Papaveraceae
(Poppy)
Date May 10, 2023
Location Abilene State Park, Taylor County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 140 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/100 sec.
ISO 400
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Castilleja indivisa
(Texas Paintbrush)
7995
Photo Details
Common Name Texas Paintbrush, Indian Paintbrush
Scientific Name Castilleja indivisa
Family Orobanchaceae
(Broomrape)
Date April 17, 2023
Location Lake Whitney State Park, Hill County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 130 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/50 sec.
ISO 800
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Clematis pitcheri
(Purple Leatherflower)
8944/8953
Photo Details
Common Name Purple Leatherflower, Bluebill
Scientific Name Clematis pitcheri
Family Ranunculaceae
(Buttercup)
Date May 10, 2023
Location Abilene State Park, Taylor County
Camera Nikon D810 and
Kirk Focus Rail
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 140 mm
Aperture Focus Stack of 10 images at f/6.3
Speed 1/100 sec.
ISO 400
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Descurainia pinnata
(Tansy Mustard)
8647
Photo Details
Common Name Tansy Mustard, Western Tansymustard
Scientific Name Descurainia pinnate
Family Brassicaceae
(Mustard)
Date May 9, 2023
Location Abilene State Park, Taylor County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/20 sec.
ISO 1600
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Erodium cicutarium
(Redstem Stork’s Bill)
7762
Photo Details
Common Name Redstem Stork's Bill
Scientific Name Erodium cicutarium
Family Geraniaceae
(Geranium)
Date April 17, 2023
Location Lake Whitney State Park, Hill County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/100 sec.
ISO 800
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Galium aparine
(Stickywilly)
8720
Photo Details
Common Name Stickywilly, Catchweed Bedstraw, Cleavers
Scientific Name Galium aparine
Family Rubiaceae
(Madder)
Date May 9, 2023
Location Abilene State Park, Taylor County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/13 sec.
ISO 1600
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Glandularia bipinnatifida var. bipinnatifida
(Prairie Verbena)
8057
Photo Details
Common Name Prairie Verbena, Dakota Mock Vervain
Scientific Name Glandularia bipinnatifida var. bipinnatifida
(Verbena bipinnatifida)
Family Verbenaceae
(Verbena)
Date April 18, 2023
Location Lake Whitney State Park, Hill County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/10
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 800
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NEW! Hymenopappus tenuifolius
(Chalk Hill Woollywhite)
8984
Photo Details
Common Name Chalk Hill Woollywhite
Scientific Name Hymenopappus tenuifolius
Family Asteraceae
(Sunflower)
Date May 10, 2023
Location Abilene State Park, Taylor County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-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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Ibervillea lindheimeri
(Lindheimer’s Globeberry)
8684
Photo Details
Common Name Lindheimer's Globeberry. Balsamgourd
Scientific Name Ibervillea lindheimeri
Family Cucurbitaceae
(Gourd)
Date May 10, 2023
Location Abilene State Park, Taylor County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/60 sec.
ISO 800
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Lupinus texensis
(Texas Bluebonnet in white)
7793
Photo Details
Common Name Texas Bluebonnet in white
Scientific Name Lupinus texensis
Family Fabaceae
(Pea)
Date April 18, 2023
Location Lake Whitney State Park, Hill County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 135 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/800 sec.
ISO 800
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NEW! Melilotus indicus
(Annual Sweet Clover)
7861
Photo Details
Common Name Annual Sweet Clover, Sour Clover, Alfalfilla
Scientific Name Melilotus indicus
Family Fabaceae
(Pea)
Date April 17, 2023
Location Lake Whitney State Park, Hill County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/100 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Nuttalanthus texanus
(Texas Toadflax)
7641
Photo Details
Common Name Texas Toadflax
Scientific Name Nuttallanthus texanus
(Linaria texana)
Family Plantaginaceae
(Plantain)
Date April 17, 2023
Location Lake Whitney State Park, Hill County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/800 sec.
ISO 1600
More Photos and Plant Details
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Oenothera macrocarpa
(Big-fruit Evening Primrose)
7883
Photo Details
Common Name Big-fruit Evening Primrose
Scientific Name Oenothera macrocarpa
Family Onagraceae
(Evening Primrose)
Date April 17, 2023
Location Lake Whitney State Park, Hill County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 122 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 800
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Oenothera suffulta
(Kisses)
7723/7739
Photo Details
Common Name Kisses, Wild Honeysuckle
Scientific Name Oenothera suffulta
(Gaura suffulta)
Family Onagraceae
(Evening Primrose)
Date April 18, 2023
Location Lake Whitney State Park, Hill County
Camera Nikon D810 with
Nirk Focus Rail
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 150 mm
Aperture Focus Stack of 16 images at f/7.1
Speed 1/1600 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Oenothera triloba
(Stemless Evening Primrose)
7801
Photo Details
Common Name Stemless Primrose
Scientific Name Oenothera triloba
Family Onagraceae
(Evening Primrose)
Date April 18, 2023
Location Lake Whitney State Park, Hill County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 150 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 800
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Opuntia englemannii var. engelmannii
(Engelmann’s Prickly Pear)
8805
Photo Details
Common Name Engelmann's Prickly Pear
Scientific Name Opuntia engelmannii var. engelmannii
Family Cactaceae
(Cactus)
Date May 9, 2023
Location Abilene State Park, Taylor County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Opuntia macrorhiza
(Plains Prickly Pear)
8813
Photo Details
Common Name Plains Prickly Pear
Scientific Name Opuntia macrorhiza
Family Cactaceae
(Cactus)
Date May 9, 2023
Location Abilene State Park, Taylor County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 116 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/100 sec.
ISO 400
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Petrorhagia dubia
(Hairy Pink)
7888
Photo Details
Common Name Hairy Pink
Scientific Name Petrorhagia dubia
Family Caryophyllaceae
(Pink)
Date April 17, 2023
Location Lake Whitney State Park, Hill County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Phacelia congesta
(Blue Curls)
8029
Photo Details
Common Name Blue Curls
Scientific Name Phacelia congesta
Family Hydrophyllaceae
(Waterleaf)
Date April 18, 2023
Location Lake Whitney State Park, Hill County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 122 mm
Aperture f/13
Speed 1/100 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Pinaropappus roseus
(White Rock-lettuce)
8988
Photo Details
Common Name White Rock-lettuce
Scientific Name Pinaropappus roseus
Family Asteraceae
(Sunflower)
Date May 10, 2023
Location Abilene State Park, Taylor County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 116 mm
Aperture f/13
Speed 1/400 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Ratibida columnifera
(Mexican Hat)
8703
Photo Details
Common Name Mexican Hat, Prairie Coneflower
Scientific Name Ratibida columnifera (Ratibida columnaris)
Family Asteraceae
(Sunflower)
Date May 9, 2023
Location Abilene State Park, Taylor County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/30 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Rumex hastalus
(Heartwing Sorrel)
7619
Photo Details
Common Name Heartwing Sorrel
Scientific Name Rumex hastalus
Family Polygonaceae
(Buckwheat)
Date April 17, 2023
Location Lake Whitney State Park, Hill County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/800 sec.
ISO 1600
More Photos and Plant Details
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Salvia texana
(Texas Sage)
8851
Photo Details
Common Name Texas Sage, Blue Sage
Scientific Name Salvia texana
Family Laminaceae
(Mint)
Date May 9, 2023
Location Abilene State Park, Taylor County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/100 sec.
ISO 400
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Silene antirrhina
(Sleepy Catchfly)
7661
Photo Details
Common Name Sleepy Catchfly, Sleepy Silene
Scientific Name Silene antirrhina
Family Caryophyllaceae
(Pink)
Date April 17, 2023
Location Lake Whitney State Park, Hill County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-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
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NEW! Streptanthus petiolaris
(Brazos Rock-cress)
7908
Photo Details
Common Name Brazos Rockcress
Scientific Name Streptanthus petiolaris
Family Brassicaceae
(Mustard)
Date April 17, 2023
Location Lake Whitney State Park, Hill County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/100 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Tetraneuris scaposa var. scaposa
(Four-nerved Daisy)
7839
Photo Details
Common Name Four-nerved Daisy, Plains Yellow Daisy
Scientific Name Tetraneuris scaposa var. scaposa
Family Asteraceae
(Sunflower)
Date April 17, 2023
Location Lake Whitney State Park, Hill County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 140 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Teucrium laciniatum
(Cut-leaf Germander)
8856
Photo Details
Common Name Cut-leaf Germander
Scientific Name Teucrium laciniatum
Family Laminaceae
(Mint)
Date May 9, 2023
Location Abilene State Park, Taylor County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/80 sec.
ISO 400
More Photos and Plant Details
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Verbena halei
(Texas Vervain)
7778
Photo Details
Common Name Texas Vervain, Texas Verbena, Slender Verbena
Scientific Name Verbena halei
Family Verbenaceae
(Verbena)
Date April 17, 2023
Location Lake Whitney State Park, Hill County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon-Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/250 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 2024