Fall wildflowers bloom on schedule despite drought

Fall-blooming native plants including late boneset, Tall Thistle, cardinal flower, blue mistflower, and Lanceleaf blanketflower were recorded in mid-September across Edmond and Oklahoma City, suggesting these species are tracking toward normal autumn phenology despite extreme water stress.¹ Under prolonged drought, late-season bloomers may deplete soil moisture further and reduce their own overwintering reserves.¹