Bracted Twistflower (Streptanthus bracteatus)

The Bracted twistflower (Streptanthus bracteatus) is Federally Threatened

The Bracted twistflower (Streptanthus bracteatus) is an elusive species that can only be found on the southern edge of the Edward’s Plateau region in Central Texas. Historically, this plant thrived in habitats with adequate sunlight and exposure to beneficial wildfires. Today, it is found under densely covered thickets.

This type of habitat is not ideal for bracted twistflower seeds to grow; however, it does provide protection from the threat of white tailed deer. Further threats include decrease in fire as a land management tool and habitat degradation. The dedication of the Bracted Twistflower Working Group* has been critical in the protection of this species through monitoring the health of the remaining wild populations and providing suggestions onhow to protect this species. Some key suggestions are proper habitat maintenance and implementation of protective fencing. Ultimately, collaboration between landowners, government agencies, conservation organizations, and academic institutions is necessary for the long term survival of bracted twistflower in the wild.

*Bracted Twistflower Working Group consists of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, parties of the Balcones
Canyonlands Habitat Conservation Plan, The City of Austin Wildlands Conservation Division, and the City
of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Departments. They have been meeting since 2000 to promote the
conservation of bracted twistflower.

Information generously provided by:

Jessi White, The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Conservation Partnerships Coordinator

Artwork ©Juliet Whitsett |Social: @juliet_whitsett_art | Purchase prints: HERE

5% of the profits of any sale supports Endangered & Threatened Species.

COLOR PALETTE SAMPLED FROM IMAGES OF THE BRACTED TWISTFLOWER COMING SOON:

IMAGE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streptanthus_bracteatus

RANGE: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2856

BIODIVERSITY OF TEXAS SERIES: With approximately 90 state and federal endangered species and 140 threatened species in Texas, Whitsett’s work underscores the urgency of conservation while emphasizing that protection is still possible.

Through the process of developing species-derived color palettes sampled from crowd-sourced images, Whitsett creates original artworks that draw inspiration from these distinctive palettes, as well as the lives and forms of the rarest and most at-risk. Collaborating closely with scientists and leading experts, she continually seeks to deepen her understanding of these species, contributing to both environmental education and conservation.

Juliet Whitsett is an Austin-based artist and environmental advocate specializing in biodiversity, ecological storytelling, and public engagement. Through research-driven art, she makes scientific knowledge accessible, inspiring awareness and action for the natural world.