I have lived in Austin for many years and have hiked the Bull Creek Preserve area several times. Bull Creek is a very popular area, but I had never explored two trails right by the busy Capital of Texas Highway and Spicewood Springs Road.
The Irving and Hazeline Smith Memorial trail is short and flat, totaling only 1.3 miles (2.1 km). As short as it is, the trail packs a lot in that space. There are plenty of wildflowers, and since Bull Creek runs right there, you will also find waterfalls and places to go swimming or just stay cool. The trail is not very far from St. Edwards Park, which is also very popular. The afternoon I spent exploring the Irving and Hazeline Smith Memorial trail was an eye-opener. There were plenty of flowers to appreciate and a very cool creek area.
One of the most common wildflowers in Texas, Mexican Hat (Ratibida columnifera) is also known as Upright Prairie Coneflower, Rocketflower, and Longhead Prairie Coneflower. In this part of Texas, I often hear people referring to it as Mexican Hat.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Austin, FlowerHour, Irving and Hazeline Smith Memorial trail, Macros, Mexican hat, Parks, Texas, and Wildflowers. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
For Terri’s Flower Hour #16: The Shapes of Flowers.
Discover more from Through Brazilian Eyes
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Anita
Beautifully captured, Egidio. The Mexican Hat is such a characterful flower, and you’ve shown it so well.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Anita. Much appreciated.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Strani e bellissimi!
Egidio Leitao
Grazie.
Steve Schwartzman
A Google search for “The Irving and Hazeline Smith Memorial Trail” just now already included your post among the first hits. I’ve walked that trail many times, particularly to get to the main waterfall. AI, however, wasn’t so good, as it gave this misinformation: “The main waterfall on the Irving and Hazeline Smith Memorial Trail in Austin, Texas, is known as Twin Falls. This scenic, often double-cascade waterfall is a popular feature on the trail, which follows Barton Creek and is best visited after rainfall to see the falls at their peak.”
Egidio Leitao
Well, that’s interesting that the post made it to a Google search. AI clearly confused that trail with the Barton Creek trail. I’ll try to have another post about the Irving/Hazeline trail focussing on the waterfall along the trail. Maybe AI will learn the distinction. Thanks for the feedback.
Steve Schwartzman
There used to be a placard along the Smith Memorial Trail telling about the history of the property, but the last time I checked, the elements had made the writing illegible.
When the creek is high after a good rain the waterfall, apparently called Stone Bridge Falls, is impressive:
https://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com/2019/07/10/stone-bridge-falls/
Egidio Leitao
Maybe the Austin Parks and Recreation site contain more info. Thanks for the link.
Bay Photos By Donna
Beautiful flower!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much, Donna.
Hammad Rais
Such an interesting flower
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Hammad. Soon, there’ll be field of those flowers again.
Wandering Dawgs
Such a beautiful and colorful flower! Mexican hat is a perfect name for them.
Egidio Leitao
Isn’t it?! It’s very appropriate indeed. Thanks for writing, Beth.
Anne Sandler
Beautiful flowers and images Egidio. I love the flowers’ colors.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Anne. They grow wildly around here.
shoreacres
This is one of my favorites, and your first photo is especially lovely.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Linda. I liked the shades the permeate in that first image.
Pepper
Mexican hat is a perfect name for that wildflower. I’ll have to look for that trail the next time I head to Texas.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Pepper. You’ll see them everywhere, even along the highways.
Terri Webster Schrandt
This is such a colorful, cute flower, Egidio! And it does like a Mexican hat!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Terri. Yes, they look like Mexican hats.