6 Bluebonnet Flower Facts
There are many things that make this state great but I especially LOVE springtime when the official state flower (the bluebonnets) in Texas are in full bloom. Here are some interesting facts about this beautiful state flower:
1. They begin to bloom in March and are in full bloom by April.
During Spring, specifically in the month of April, many Texans and other visitors from all over the United States visit Texas to see the bluebonnets in full bloom. It’s a great time to take photos of these stunning vibrant flowers and their bold beautiful colors. You have until late Spring to see them in full bloom.
2. The bluebonnet was chosen as the state flower in 1901.
Ready for a little history lesson? In the Spring of 1901, the Texas Legislature named the bluebonnet as the state flower. There are a variety of bluebonnets but it wasn’t until 1971 that the Texas State Flower was changed to include all of these species as part of our official state flower. Pretty cool huh?!?
Another fun fact is that “State Representative John Nance Garner of Uvalde would become Vice-President of the United States under Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1932. But in 1901, he was promoting the flower of the prickly pear cactus as the best choice for the title of official state flower of Texas. John Nance Garner’s nomination did not win the approval of the Texas Legislature, but his enthusiasm for the plant earned him the nickname of “Cactus Jack” which stayed with him his entire life.” (netstate.com)
3. The Lupinus Texensic and Lupinus Subcarnosis (species of bluebonnets) only grow in Texas.
Texas is known for its bluebonnets and even though it’s not the only place in the United States where they can be found it is the only place you’ll find both the Lupinus Texensic and Lupinus Subcarnosis species.
Did you know? The seeds and leaves from the entire Lupinus plant are poisonous so it’s not a good idea to snack on them!
4. Texas was the first state to plant flowers alongside the state highways.
One of my favorite ways to view the bluebonnets in Texas is by driving down the open highways looking out at the fields of blue wildflowers!
5. Bluebonnets like the full sun which is one reason they do so well in Texas!
The only ideal place for bluebonnets to grow is in a sunny location. In fact, they need no less than 8-10 hours of direct sunlight!
6. You can visit Ennis Bluebonnet Trails in April to get the full Bluebonnet experience!
To really embrace the full bluebonnets experience, plan a stop at the Ennis trails! Be sure to use your southern manners and avoid picking them. We want them to be a part of what makes Texas so beautiful for many years to come!
Where to find bluebonnets in North Texas:
Dallas, TX – George W. Bush Library and Museum
Flower Mound, Tx – A small field of them can be found near Grapevine Lake
Ennis, TX – The famous Ennis Bluebonnet Trails
Where to find bluebonnets in Central Texas:
Marble Falls, TX – Bluebonnet House
Cedar Park, TX – Brushy Creek Lake Park
Spicewood, TX – Pace Bend Park
Austin, TX – Alongside Highway 360
Fredericksburg, TX – Wildseed Farms
Where to find bluebonnets in East Texas:
Hughes Springs, TX – Wildflower Trails of Texas
Linden, TX – Wildflower Trails of Texas
Avinger, TX – Wildflower Trails of Texas
Henderson, TX – East Texas Wildflower Trails
More Ways to Have Fun in Texas:
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What about this amazing indoor water park in Dallas?
Plan a family night out at Medieval Times in Dallas!
