Inspired by . . . the lone star state
Inspired by . . . the lone star state
When my mom moved to Texas a couple of years ago a friend gave her a bumper sticker that reads, "I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could!" It's a fun sentiment, but I can't honestly say that I've spent the first 35 years of my life trying to get here. What I can honestly say is that when I moved here seven years ago it felt like coming home.
The state flower is the bluebonnet and what a beauty she is! "The bluebonnet is to Texas what the shamrock is to Ireland, the cherry blossom to Japan, the lily to France, the rose to England and the tulip to Holland," affirms historian Jack Mcguire.
Did you know that Texas actually has five state flowers? All of them are bluebonnets!
Lupinus subcarnosus, the original champion and still co-holder of the title, grows naturally in deep sandy loams from Leon County southwest to LaSalle County and down to the northern part of Hidalgo County in the Valley. It is often referred to as the sandy land bluebonnet. The plant's leaflets are blunt, sometimes notched with silky undersides. This species, which reaches peak bloom in late March, is not easy to maintain in clay soils. Lupinus texensis, the favorite of tourists and artists, provides the blue spring carpet of Central Texas. It is widely known as THE Texas bluebonnet. It has pointed leaflets, the flowering stalk is tipped with white (like a bunny's tail) and hits its peak bloom in late March and early April. It is the easiest of all the species to grow. Lupinus Havardii, also known as the Big Bend or Chisos Bluebonnet, is the most majestic of the Texas bluebonnet tribe with flowering spikes up to three feet. It is found on the flats of the Big Bend country in early spring, usually has seven leaflets and is difficult to cultivate outside its natural habitat. Lupinus concinnus is an inconspicuous little lupine, from 2 to 7 inches, with flowers which combine elements of white, rosy purple and lavender. Commonly known as the annual lupine, it is found sparingly in the Trans-Pecos region, blooming in early spring. Lupinus plattensis sneaks down from the north into the Texas Panhandle's sandy dunes. It is the only perennial species in the state and grows to about two feet tall. It normally blooms in mid to late spring and is also known as the dune bluebonnet, the plains bluebonnet and the Nebraska Lupine.
I've added white and pink bluebonnets to my bucket list. They're very rare. There is a legend about the pink bluebonnet. You can read it here: Legend of the Pink Bluebonnet
The name Texas is based on the Caddo word tejas, meaning "friend" or "allies."
It's true the concept of size is a little different here. Texas is the 2nd largest state {behind Alaska} and has the world's 13th largest economy. No kidding.
I've seen cows here that stood taller than horses, and jackrabbits that I mistook for small deer. No kidding.
It's a pretty fabulous place. And if you're ever in the neighborhood, remember . . .
. . . you have a friend in Texas!
Blessings,
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