Wildflowers Still in Bloom Despite Recent Drought

AUSTIN, Texas, March 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Brown and green could
dominate as the colors most visible along many Texas roadsides this spring,
rather than the preferred pastels of wildflowers Texas motorists are
accustomed to seeing this time of year.

Even though this may be the case, the Texas Department of Transportation
(TxDOT) predicts roadways will not be completely without bright flora as
wildflower seedlings struggled to survive the recent Texas drought.

"Lack of adequate rainfall last fall and throughout the winter has left very
poor stands of wildflowers in some areas," said Dennis Markwardt, TxDOT
vegetation management director. "This year motorists might not see the usual
amount of colorful, spring wildflowers alongside highways in several parts of
the state."

The central Texas region is thought to have suffered the most from the
drought's impact. Typical areas of great wildflower stands throughout the
area are expected to have a mere scattering of wildflowers this season.

But all is not lost. East Texas did receive adequate rainfall last fall and
winter and is predicted to have brilliant wildflower displays this spring.

In particular, Brazos County'sBryan-College Station area has already reported
healthy stands of bluebonnets in the area.

"Areas in east and northeast Texas should have some good displays of the
Lance-leaved coreopsis or tickseed, starting in a few weeks through May,"
Markwardt added.

Normally, the peak wildflower blooming season draws tourists from across Texas
and beyond to witness the colorful display each spring.

TxDOT buys and sows an estimated 30,000 pounds of wildflower seed each year.

As a reminder, TxDOT plants wildflowers for everyone's enjoyment.
Picture-taking that leads to potential damage of wildflowers is discouraged.
If too many wildflowers are trampled or damaged, they die and do not re-seed.

Naturally, TxDOT also discourages picking wildflowers for the same reason.

TxDOT's wildflower hotline, providing statewide information on select
wildflower locations, operates 24 hours a day at (800) 452-9292. The hotline
will operate until late spring.

See more information on wildflowers at:
http://www.dot.state.tx.us/public_involvement/wildflowers/default.htm

For more information contact TxDOT's Government and Public Affairs Division at
(512) 463 - 8588.

The Texas Department of Transportation

The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining nearly
80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail and public
transportation across the state. TxDOT and its 15,000 employees strive to
empower local leaders to solve local transportation problems, and to use new
financial tools, including tolling and public-private partnerships, to reduce
congestion and pave the way for future economic growth while enhancing safety,
improving air quality and preserving the value of the state's transportation
assets. Find out more at www.txdot.gov.

SOURCE Texas Department of Transportation

Mark Cross of the Texas Department of Transportation, +1-512-475-0942