Texas Bluebonnet

(Lupinus texensis)

The official state flower of Texas, bluebonnets are as loved by Texans as they are by bees. These deep blue, pea-like blossoms bloom early in the season and help produce light-colored, delicately flavored honey. Bluebonnets were once used by native tribes to treat fevers.

Prairie Coneflower

(Ratibida columnifera)

Tall and elegant with drooping yellow or red petals and a distinctive raised cone, this wildflower paints open fields with color during the summer months. It’s drought-tolerant and a favorite of pollinators. Traditionally used in teas by Native Americans to treat headaches and snakebites.

Thistle

(Cirsium spp.)

Often misunderstood as a weed, Texas thistles are some of the most nectar-rich flowers around. Their purple, spiky blossoms are a magnet for bees. Some thistle species have been used for liver support and detoxifying remedies in herbal traditions.

Black-eyed Susan

(Rudbeckia hirta)

These bright yellow blooms with dark brown centers are iconic in Texas meadows. Hardy and sun-loving, they provide excellent forage for bees and butterflies. While mostly admired for their cheerful appearance, roots were once used in folk medicine similarly to echinacea.

Mexican Blanket

(Gaillardia pulchella)

Also known as firewheel, this dazzling flower mixes reds, oranges, and yellows like a desert sunset. Found along roadsides and pastures, it blooms throughout summer and supports bees during dry months. Its deep taproots make it resilient even in poor soils.

Wild Plum

(Prunus mexicana)

A small native tree that bursts into fragrant white or pale pink flowers in early spring, often before the leaves even appear. It’s one of the first major nectar sources of the season, helping bees kick off their foraging year. Fruits are edible and can be used in preserves or jellies.

Mesquite

(Prosopis glandulosa)

Though famous for its wood, mesquite trees also produce clusters of pale yellow, sweet-smelling flowers that bees love. These blooms contribute to a mild, earthy tone in honey. Historically, mesquite pods were ground into meal by Indigenous peoples and used as a staple food.

Bee Balm (Horsemint)

(Monarda citriodora)

This pale purple, mint-scented wildflower grows in tall spikes and is a top nectar source. It’s beloved not just by bees but also by herbalists; its leaves and flowers are used to make teas that soothe sore throats and support respiratory health.

Winecup

(Callirhoe involucrata)

Trailing vines with bold magenta or wine-red flowers that open during the day and close at dusk. These low-growing blooms offer rich nectar and are drought-resistant. Historically, the roots were used as a poultice for wounds and swelling.

Sunflower (Wild)

(Helianthus annuus)

Towering and radiant, wild sunflowers are late-summer powerhouses for bees. They offer ample pollen and nectar and can stretch well into the fall. Sunflower seeds are rich in oils and nutrients, and the stalks have even been used historically in folk building materials.