The most reliable predictor of rain here in Central Texas is the Texas sage, Leucophyllum frutescens. When this plant blooms, rain is on the way. There has been many a time when the local weather forecasters are not predicting rain, but my Texas sages are all blooming like crazy, and within a couple of days we will get rain. It is almost uncanny how reliable these plants are. Anyway, they are all blooming now in anticipation of the rain we are expecting from the tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico.
Texas Sage in Bloom
I can tell you that we will be grateful for some rain and cooler temperatures. It is 102 today.
5 Comments To "Rain is Coming"
#1 Comment By Pam/Digging On August 4, 2008 @ 10:30 pm
I’ve noticed that they’re in bloom here in Austin too. I’ve never kept track of how accurate cenizo is in predicting rain, but it seems that sometimes they bloom just because a cold front comes through, though no rain. I will watch with anticipation this time!
#2 Comment By Lori On August 5, 2008 @ 4:01 am
Only one of my three Texas sages were blooming this afternoon, so my fingers are crossed for rain for both of us!
#3 Comment By Carol On August 5, 2008 @ 7:04 am
Pam and Lori, I remain optimistic that we will all get some of the wet stuff today and tomorrow!
#4 Comment By Annie in Austin On August 5, 2008 @ 4:37 pm
My Texas sage popped out in flowers yesterday, too, Carol – and the sages along Shoal Creek Road looked wonderful this morning. I hope you get some soaking rain while staying safe from flash flooding – which is a fine line sometimes!
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
#5 Comment By Carol On August 6, 2008 @ 7:14 am
Hi Annie – we got a half an inch of rain yesterday, and we got some light rain overnight. I am hoping for a few showers today as well. I hope those of you in town got some rain as well.