Texas Parks and Wildlife shares the importance of wildflowers

AUSTIN, Texas (KAUZ) - The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is highlighting the importance of local wildflowers that line the hills on highways of Texas.

TPWD is also informing that autumn is the perfect time to plant wildflower seeds to see spring blooms next year.

According to TPWD, native wildflowers provide critical habitat for pollinators, many of which have seen declines in their population. These important insects, birds, and mammals are key to sustaining native plant species, human food crops and even crops for livestock.

As more than 94 percent of Texas lands are privately owned, TPWD said effective native pollinator conservation requires landowner engagement and involvement.

Texans can play a significant role in conserving and maintaining populations of native pollinators by applying management practices that benefit these species.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department shared tips on planting a backyard wildflower pollinator garden:

Pick a spot in the yard or garden that doesn't have preexisting turf (St. Augustine and Bermuda) or remove turf if needed.

Scatter seed by hand. Smaller seeds are easier to handle if mixed with sand. One part seed to four parts sand.

Rake or tamp in seeds, but make sure they are only about 1/8 inch deep; seeds need will need the sun to germinate.

Keep moist for several days unless rainfall is expected. Water every 2-3 weeks during prolonged periods of no rain during the winter.

It is recommended that wait till after flowers have bloomed in the spring and have an opportunity to drop their seeds, before mowing fields, or trim plants back.

TPWD said you might also consider leaving the dead stems, as they provide nesting homes for many of our solitary bee pollinators.

Additional native wildflower resources can be found on pages of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center or the Native Plant Society of Texas .

Additional information on Texas pollinators can be found here .