Tiny clusters of fresh green leaves are emerging near sidewalks and fences in The Woodlands, bursting into vibrant displays of orange, yellow, pink, or purple flowers alive with butterflies.

That’s lantana — one of the most recognizable warm-season plants in Southeast Texas. And right now, it’s waking up.

In The Woodlands and across Montgomery County, lantana begins pushing out fresh growth in late spring as temperatures climb and the soil warms. After a long winter of looking dry and lifeless, the plant suddenly sends up new shoots from underground roots and scattered seeds.

It’s one of those plants many people pass every day without realizing just how connected it is to our local ecosystem. We’ve noticed them at the edges of driveways and medians and have even started planting some in the native garden in our front yard. It’s becoming increasingly more common for our family to start our nature study for the week just by kneeling down in our front yard wondering what’s growing there.

See you on the pathways.