Spring is in the air. That means, wildflowers are in the ditches. Foraging native flowers for bouquets or arrangements can be fun to do. Just keep a few tips in mind.
- Safety First – Whether you’re traipsing through a pasture or cutting in the bar ditch, there are things to keep in mind. Make sure you never trespass. Always ask permission to be on someone else’s property, especially in Texas where we shoot first, ask questions later. Ha! If you’re in the bar ditch, no need to ask for permission. Keep in mind, you need to be parked safely, off the road, on the shoulder, or in the ditch. You may even want to turn on your hazard lights if it’s a busier road. Don’t be surprised if someone stops to ask for help. Lastly, watch for rattlesnakes. Warmer temps mean wildflowers blooming, but it also means snakes are out of their dens. Look before you reach down and cut a flower. And it’s always a good idea to wear boots and long pants. If you see a snake, freeze and back up slowly.
- Know What You’re Picking – Flower farmers pinch their flowers when they’re small to increase the amount of branching stems. Some wildflowers are actually noxious weeds. That means they’re invasive to our area and it’s illegal for a landowner not to control their spread. By cutting what you think is a pretty flower, you may actually be increasing the amount of stems and therefore, the amount of seeds a plant puts off. An example of a noxious weed in North Texas is the Musk Thistle. Flowers can also be dangerous to you. Euphorbia, also known as Snow on the Mountain, would be a beautiful foliage for bouquets with it’s variegated leaves. But…it gives off a sap that causes very bad irritation if it gets on the skin or in the eyes. Don’t believe me? Just google “Snow on the Mountain Wedding Disaster.”
- Leave Some – My last tip is to always leave some. If you want to keep enjoying Mother Nature’s bounty, you have to leave some flowers to set seed. Don’t be greedy. Don’t pick it all. That way, you can keep enjoying foraging wildflowers for years to come.
Some of my favorite blooms to forage in North Texas include Liatris mucronata, also known as Texas Blazing Star or gayfeather. I also enjoy the entoxicating scent of Bee Balm or Monarda, known locally as Horse Mint. You can find it growing in ditches.
If you’re interested in knowing more about wildflowers, check out these books, Range Plants of North Central Texas and Roadside Flowers of Texas.
