
What is a Bluebonnet flower called?
They bear flowers that are deep purple or blue. The wildflower bluebonnet goes by many names, including; wild perennial lupine, wild lupine, sundial lupine, blue lupine, Indian beet bluebonnet, or old maid’s bonnets.
How big does a Bluebonnet plant get?
They are not hard to spot as their centers typically have while or yellow spikes and the flower can grow to around 1 foot tall. The origins of the Bluebonnet is chalked full of myths, legends, and quirky stories, but the flower remains one of the most beloved and recognizable symbols of the great state of Texas.
What looks like a Bluebonnet but isn't?
Flowers like mealy blue sage and wild hyacinth may look like bluebonnets, but take a closer look to discover some new blooms. Grape Hyacinth (Muscari spp.)(Daniel Cunningham / Special Contributor)
Are bluebonnets Texas’ state flower?
Frankly, we tend to agree. A final, under-reported fact: Hill Country bluebonnets aren’t the only official state flower. Yes, the most famous variety, Lupinus texensis grows in our region, but the state actually has four others – all members of the large lupine genus.

Are Lupin and bluebonnets the same?
Texas bluebonnets are actually six different Lupinus species with only one having the official name of Texas Bluebonnet or Lupinus texensis. Bluebonnets grow in most southwestern states, while Wild Lupine (Lupinus perrenis) grows in Wisconsin and most northeastern and southeastern states.
What is the difference between a bluebonnet and a bluebell?
Their bell-shaped blossoms come in shades of beautiful blue, with many appearing more lilac or lavender in hue. Depending on the species, some blooms are scented, and others are unscented. Bluebonnets, on the other hand, belong to the genus Lupinus. They are flowering plants that come in a variety of appearances.
How do you identify a bluebonnet?
Texas lupine has larger, more sharply pointed leaves and more numerous flower heads than similar lupines. Light-green, velvety, palmately compound leaves (usually five leaflets) are borne from branching, 6-18 in. stems. These stems are topped by clusters of up to 50 fragrant, blue, pea-like flowers.
Are there different types of bluebonnets?
Texas bluebonnetLupinus subcarnos...Lupinus havardiiLupinus plattensisLupinus concinnusLupinus argenteusBluebonnet/Representative species
What are the plants that look like bluebonnets?
From the Image GalleryIndian-turnip. Pediomelum cuspidatum.Texas plains indian breadroot. Pediomelum latestipulatum.Turniproot. Pediomelum cyphocalyx.Large indian breadroot. esculentum.Subterranean indian breadroot. Pediomelum hypogaeum var. ... Sundial lupine. Lupinus perennis.Nebraska lupine. Lupinus plattensis.Woolly locoweed.More items...•
What are the purple wildflowers in Texas called?
Eryngo (Eryngium leavenworthii) blooms July through October in Central Texas. Also called false purple thistle, the striking flowers adorn plants that grow up to 3 feet tall. In late summer, it forms dense masses of purple in fields, prairies, and along roadsides.
Are bluebonnets poisonous to touch?
Bluebonnets are toxic to humans and animals. Leave the flowers as you found them.
Is it illegal to pick a bluebonnet in Texas?
There is actually no law that prohibits picking bluebonnets in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. However, in certain areas it may be illegal or dangerous. Also, it's important to be courteous and take care of the flowers so that all Texans can enjoy them.
What is the most common flower in Texas?
Here are the top 20 most common wildflowers you'll see in Texas during spring and summer.Texas Bluebonnet. Support our mission by adopting a bluebonnet!Texas Indian Paintbrush.Firewheel. Support our mission by adopting a firewheel!Pink Evening Primrose.
What is the national flower of Texas?
BluebonnetTexas / State flowerBluebonnet is a name given to any of a number of purple-flowered species of the genus Lupinus predominantly found in southwestern United States and is collectively the state flower of Texas. The shape of the petals on the flower resembles the bonnet worn by pioneer women to shield them from the sun. Wikipedia
What happens if you eat bluebonnets?
Believe it or not, the bluebonnet is actually toxic if ingested. Leaves and seeds from the entire Lupinus plant family are poisonous, although actual toxicity is determined by a number of different biological and environmental factors (see 'Benefit'). Even animals steer clear of bluebonnets when they get the munchies.
Can bluebonnets be different colors?
Bluebonnets colors can range from white to light pink to maroon. AUSTIN, Texas — Bluebonnets are in full bloom -- but sometimes, they aren't actually blue. Some of them are light pink, maroon or white.
Are bluebonnets actually blue?
Most bluebonnets are blue and white, but the flowers actually come in varying shades of pink, purple, and white as well.
Are there bluebells in Texas?
In Central Texas, bluebells grow along the edge of spring-fed streams and rivers and in overgrazed meadows. Bluebells can be found in isolated prairies in the Sam Houston National Forest. In the High Plains, you will spot them along the Canadian and Red rivers.
Do bluebells grow in Texas?
Bluebell can be found growing over most of Texas (except the most arid areas). It likes fertile, prairie-type soil (you will not often find it growing in deep sand) and needs at least a moderate amount of moisture. It can tolerate wet conditions, but not standing water.
What month do bluebonnets bloom in Texas?
That said, bluebonnets typically start blooming in the “bluebonnet belt” of Central/East Texas toward the end of March and continue through mid- to late April.
The Origin of Bluebonnet Flower History
As the name goes the bluebonnet flowers are found in blue and purple colors. Bluebonnet is the native flower of the United States of America. It is specifically found in texas. The shape of the petals of a Bluebonnet is in the shape of a worm. The flowers were found on March 7th. 1901.
Bluebonnet Flower Meaning
The bluebonnet flower meaning is bravery and admiration. It is also known as bluebonnet flower texas as it is the native flower of the state. The Bluebonnet flower symbolizes sacrifice. The petals of the bluebonnet flower are in the shape of worms. The tip of the petals covers the inner portions of the flower.
Which State Flower is the Bluebonnet Flower?
The bluebonnet is the Texas state flower. The bluebonnet flower is available in 2 colors which are blue and violet. Both of these colors are the ideal choices for the gift purpose on any happy occasion such as a birthday or a wedding as they are very visually pleasing.
The Symbolism Facts about the Bluebonnet Texas State Flower
The bluebonnet flower begins to grow around the month of march and keeps growing till April. It is a spring season flower. This flower is native to texas so people from all around the globe visit texas around these months to watch the growth of the bluebonnet flower.
How tall do bluebonnets get?
They are not hard to spot as their centers typically have while or yellow spikes and the flower can grow to around 1 foot tall. The origins of the Bluebonnet is chalked full of myths, legends, and quirky stories, but the flower remains one of the most beloved and recognizable symbols of the great state of Texas.
What is the least attractive bluebonnet?
While the Lupinus subcarnosus species was originally chosen, it also happened to be the least attractive of the Bluebonnet varieties. As a result, in 1971, the legislature decided to settle the debate by combining all varieties of bluebonnets under the official state flower. According to Flo Oxley, a program coordinator at ...
Why is the Texas State Flower the Bluebonnet?
After a heated flower war in 1901, the National Society of Colonial Dames of America successfully convinced the Texas legislature to choose the bluebonnet, a name that paid homage to the many brave Texas pioneer women.
Are bluebonnets only in Texas?
Texas is the only place you’ll find both the Lupinus Texensic and Lupinus Subcarnosis species of Bluebonnets, but it’s not the only state where bluebonnets can be found. You might be able to spot the flowers in Florida, Louisiana, and Oklahoma because the flowers thrive on 8-10 hours of sunshine a day, alkaline soils, and low moisture.
Is it illegal to pick bluebonnets?
Contrary to the myth, it is not illegal to pick bluebonnets in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. That being said, there are some areas where you should not pick bluebonnets, most notably the Texas State Park for wildflower viewing where it is against the law to pick, cut, or destroy and plant life on park grounds. When hunting for the best bluebonnets, also make sure that you are not on private property, as trespassing is illegal and is taken very seriously in Texas.
What is the state flower of Texas?
Texas State Flower: The Bluebonnet & The Amazing Story Behind It. Scientifically named Lupinus texensis, the bluebonnet is the official flower of Texas and was adopted by the Texas state legislature in 1901. Also known as the buffalo clover, wolf flower, and “el conejo” (“rabbit” in Spanish), the vibrant sapphire blue petals are said ...
Why did the Bluebonnets decorate the floor of the legislature?
They displayed paintings of bluebonnets on the floor of the legislature and made floral arrangements of bluebonnets to adorn each politician’s desk the day of the voting. Sure enough, the bluebonnets were able to win the vote with its striking beauty.
When do sage trees bloom?
During mild winters, they may start blooming in late February or March but, more often than not, early April is the best time to head out to look for them. They bloom only a few weeks and then are replaced with other less famous but no less stellar blooms (like that pretty firewheel in our logo).
When did the Texas Legislature give the mantel to native blooms?
According to the Handbook of Texas Online, the Texas Legislature bestowed that mantel upon the native blooms in 1901. It beat out both the prickly pear cactus and the cotton boll to claim it’s right to fame.
Can you pluck flowers in an open field?
Nope, but it’s kinda, ahem, rude to pluck blooms in an open field. If you really want some to have and hold, growing them is the most considerate option.
Is the bluebonnet a state flower?
Frankly, we tend to agree. A final, under-reported fact: Hill Country bluebonnets aren’t the only official state flower.
When did Lupinus become the state flower of Texas?
On March 7, 1901, Lupinus subcarnosus became the only species of bluebonnet recognized as the state flower of Texas; however, Lupinus texensis emerged as the favorite of most Texans. So, in 1971, the Texas Legislature made any similar species of Lupinus that could be found in Texas the state flower. As an extension of Lady Bird Johnson 's efforts ...
What is the state flower of Texas?
Bluebonnet is a name given to any number of purple-flowered species of the genus Lupinus predominantly found in southwestern United States and is collectively the state flower of Texas. The shape of the petals on the flower resembles the bonnet worn by pioneer women to shield them from the sun.
What family is blue bonnet?
Blue bonnets are of the Lupine family. Lupinis perennis, the Sundial lupine, provides a blue bonnet specimen for Northern gardeners.
Where do blue bonnets grow?
Some blue bonnets are native exclusively to the state; in fact, blue bonnets are the Texas state flower, although six types are included in the classification. Texas blue bonnets grow in other areas too, such as southern Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. Gardeners in other places can add types of blue bonnets to the spring landscape by planting ...
Can blue bonnets be planted in Texas?
Texas blue bonnets can even be seeded into the lawn for color before the grass turns green. Plant seeds of Texas blue bonnets into lawns seeded with Bermuda or Zoysia grass for early season blooms. Limit watering of established plants, as plants of this genus are accustomed to the hot, dry summers of Texas and are drought resistant.
Can you grow blue bonnets from seed?
When growing blue bonnets from seed, you may purchase seed that is already scarified or plant already sprouted seedlings.
Can blue bonnets grow in soggy soil?
Young seedlings of Te xas blue bonnets should be grown in well draining soil that is never allowed to stay soggy, as blue bonnet flowers have a tendency to damp off.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
and it looks suspiciously like the Texas Bluebonnets (our state flower).
Sure Looks Like a Bluebonnet
and it looks suspiciously like the Texas Bluebonnets (our state flower).
How tall do bluebonnets get?
Bluebonnets are typically herbaceous annuals and grow about 0.3 metre (1 foot) tall, though perennial species may be larger.
What is the name of the family of flowering plants?
Fabaceae, pea family of flowering plants (angiosperms), within the order Fabales. Fabaceae, which is the third largest family among the angiosperms after Orchidaceae (orchid family) and Asteraceae (aster family), consists of more than 700 genera and about 20,000 species of trees, shrubs, vines, and herbs and is….
Where are lupines found?
Lupines are widely distributed in the Mediterranean area but are especially numerous on the prairies of western North America.
How tall are bluebonnets in Texas?
Gail Morris of Cedar Hill recently asked Curious Texas: What are those little blue wildflowers that are out right now? Not the bluebonnets. They are about 1-3 inches tall.
What kind of flowers are in Cunningham's garden?
Cunningham says they could possibly be dayflowers or Texas bluebells. He also came up with three more blue Texas wildflowers that you will see around this time of year.
What does a mealy Sage look like?
This blue-spiked native flower may look like a bluebonnet if you're driving by at 55 mph. Their blue to deep purple (and sometimes even white) blooms are narrow and grow 2 to 3 feet in the air. Although mealy sage begins to bloom just as the bluebonnets begin to fade, these delightful and showy perennial wildflowers will bloom until the first frost, making them a great addition to any home landscape.
When do bluebells bloom in Texas?
Bluebells are often more purple than blue and bloom in late summer to fall.
What is the color of hyacinth flowers?
Wild hyacinth has lighter blue flowers with green to yellow centers, which make them stand out from bluebonnets. Their leaves are also quite different, forming grass-like clumps.
What flowers are in Texas?
There are pink, red, orange and yellow flowers sprinkled in, plus blue flowers that may look like bluebonnets.
How tall do urn shaped spikes grow?
The spikes with small, urn-shaped flowers arise from a small onion-like bulb, but they usually don't grow taller than 8 inches. Their blooms are quite narrow in comparison to bluebonnets.