I’ve often heard it said that Texas meteorologists have their work cut out for them because our weather is notoriously hard to predict – but what if there were a plant that could make their job easier? Texas sage is a beautiful, evergreen shrub that has long been believed to have the power to predict rain. Is there any truth to the claim, or is it just an old wives’ tale? Keep reading to learn the answer.

Texas sage, also known as Leucophyllum frutescens, is our state's official native shrub.
Wikimedia Commons J. M. Garg
Despite its name, the plant is actually not a type of sage at all.
While the plant has a variety of nicknames, including ash-bush and wild lilac, many people know it as the "Texas barometer bush."
Wikimedia Commons 0pen$0urce
This name speaks to an old urban legend that claims the plant starts blooming when rain is on the way - but is there any truth to the widely-held belief?
The answer is "somewhat." Texas sage blooms in response to three changes in its natural environment: increased soil moisture, a change in air pressure, and increased humidity - all of which happen before it rains.
Flickr Tina Reynolds

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Experts remind us, however, that these things can occur without rain.
Wikimedia Commons George E. Koronaios - https://www.flickr.com/photos/198206338@N07/
That being said, if you see a Texas sage bush blooming, it's still an indicator that there is a very strong possibility of rainfall in the near future.
Rainfall also makes Texas sage grow like nothing you've ever seen before.
Flickr Clay Junell
Check out how vibrant this bush looks after a storm!
Meteorological capabilities aside, Texas sage is a very popular ornamental plant because of how easily it can be shaped into hedges.
Wikimedia Commons Forest & Kim Starr
If you've always dreamed of having a whimsical home garden, perhaps you'll consider planting some Texas sage to transform your lawn into a masterpiece.

Have you ever seen a Texas sage bush in bloom before a rainstorm? Tell us in the comments!

Check out our previous article to learn about a poisonous plant that has been spotted right here in Texas. If you’re an avid gardener looking to spruce up your lawn, Etsy has everything from handcrafted pots to actual plants.

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