A Spotlight on the New “Only in Texas” Featured Plants
TLC’s summer campaign, “Only in Texas,” highlights the endemic plants of the Lone Star State. Texas, renowned for its vast landscapes and diverse ecosystems, harbors a wealth of natural treasures, including some rare and fascinating plant species found nowhere else. Today, we delve into the distinctive flora that flourishes across this expansive state, spotlighting five remarkable plants that capture the essence of Texas' botanical diversity—that we have featured on our new “Only in Texas” t-shirt.
1. White rosinweed (Silphium albiflorum)
Imagine fields of sunlit flowers stretching as far as the eye can see, each blossom of the white rosinweed painting the landscape with its radiant presence. Silphium albiflorum, commonly known as white rosinweed, is a striking perennial in the aster family native to Texas. This wildflower boasts large, showy white blooms that attract pollinators during its blooming season, typically from late spring to early summer. With taproots that can extend up to 15 feet, it thrives in open prairies and calcareous soils, contributing not only to the visual splendor of Texas but also supporting local biodiversity as a crucial nectar source.
Photo by Suzanne Tuttle, illustration by Maren McLaughlin-Klotz, map from iNaturalist
2. Traub’s rain lily (Zephyranthes traubii)
In the wake of Texas' seasonal rains, a magical transformation occurs as the Traub’s rain lily suddenly emerges from the earth. This petite perennial flower earns its name from blooming in response to rainfall, adorning its surroundings with delicate, star-shaped blossoms ranging from white to vibrant magenta. Found in grasslands and open woodlands, this ephemeral beauty symbolizes renewal and resilience in the face of Texas' ever-changing climate patterns.
Photo by Terry Woodward on iNaturalist, illustration by Maren McLaughlin-Klotz, map from iNaturalist
3. Neches river rose-mallow (Hibiscus dasycalyx)
Standing tall along the wetlands of eastern Texas, the Neches river rose-mallow displays its large, creamy white flowers as a testament to Texas' wetland habitats. This native hibiscus species thrives in marshy areas with ample sunlight, where its large, trumpet-shaped blooms attract bees and hummingbirds. This non-woody perennial blooms throughout the summer in Cherokee, Harrison, Houston, Nacogdoches, and Trinity Counties and was listed as a federally threatened species in 2013. As a rare and endemic species, it contributes to biodiversity within its habitat, which is crucial for ecosystem health and stability.
Photo by Stephen Ramirez, illustration by Maren McLaughlin-Klotz, map from iNaturalist
4. Scarlet leather flower (Clematis texensis)
Endemic to the Edwards Plateau of Texas, the scarlet leather flower unfolds its exquisite crimson petals against a backdrop of greenery. This vine-like perennial plant, belonging to the buttercup family, enchants observers with bell-shaped flowers during the spring and summer months. The somewhat leathery sepals protect the flower and support its delicate petals, lending it the common name "leather flower." It prefers rocky limestone cliffs and along streams, thriving in harsher terrains where few others dare to grow.
Photo by Stephen Ramirez, illustration by Maren McLaughlin-Klotz, map from iNaturalist
5. Lindheimer’s paintbrush (Castilleja lindheimeri)
Picture a cluster of tubular blooms, crowned majestically atop sturdy stems, their fiery shades of orange, red, and occasional yellow creating a striking contrast against the backdrop of greenish-gray foliage. According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, this perennial ranges from the Blackland prairies of north-central Texas south to the Rio Grande plains in calcareous gravels, sands, and clays. Lindheimer’s paintbrush has a unique adaptation ensuring its survival in the rugged and often unpredictable environments it calls home. It is hemiparasitic, meaning its roots tether to neighboring plants’ roots for sustenance, but can also create its own energy through photosynthesis. These flowers, akin to a painter’s brush dipped in the brightest palette nature can offer, are not just a sight to behold but also a symbol of endurance.
Photo by @lanechaffin on iNaturalist, illustration by Maren McLaughlin-Klotz, map from iNaturalist
Each of these plants not only adds to the visual splendor of Texas but also contributes to its ecological richness and biodiversity. Their existence underscores the importance of conservation efforts to preserve these unique species and their habitats for future generations to cherish and study. Whether you're an avid botanist or simply a nature enthusiast, exploring Texas' flora offers a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of life that thrives within the state's diverse ecosystems.
As we celebrate the beauty and resilience of Texas' endemic plants like the white rosinweed, Traub’s rain lily, Neches river rose-mallow, scarlet leather flower, and Lindheimer’s paintbrush, let us also reflect on the importance of conservation. By protecting these natural treasures, we ensure that Texas remains a haven for biodiversity and a source of wonder for generations to come.
Get your very own “Only in Texas” t-shirt!
The “Only in Texas” t-shirt features five plants found only in Texas. This shirt is more than just a piece of clothing—it’s a symbol of your commitment to protecting the natural heritage of our state.