Heat-Stressed American Lotus
The American lotus is the largest wildflower in Texas. Found in wetlands and lakes, it normally blooms from early June through late August. The yellow cone-shaped structure in the center is the seed pod, and when the flower dies, the stalk will bend over and the seeds will fall out into the water, setting up for next year's bloom cycle.
Given the wilted, curled edges of the petals, this flower has clearly seen better days. The wilting is undoubtedly due to the hot, dry summer of 2022 that southeast Texas has experienced.
Heat-Stressed American Lotus
The American lotus is the largest wildflower in Texas. Found in wetlands and lakes, it normally blooms from early June through late August. The yellow cone-shaped structure in the center is the seed pod, and when the flower dies, the stalk will bend over and the seeds will fall out into the water, setting up for next year's bloom cycle.
Given the wilted, curled edges of the petals, this flower has clearly seen better days. The wilting is undoubtedly due to the hot, dry summer of 2022 that southeast Texas has experienced.