Thanks to recent rains, Texas Bluebells — also known as showy prairie gentian — bloomed in the fields along creek beds on the east of IH-35S. Sightings of this wildflower are quite rare these days, and the reason for this can be attributed to their beauty. According to the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, people have literally picked Texas Bluebells to the brink of extinction, leaving wild populations of the plant been unable to reseed in their native habitat. One more argument in favor of the “Look, don’t pick” practice when enjoying wildflowers. Photos by Celeste Cook
