Texas State Flower – The Bluebonnet

The land known as Texas is actually the 2nd largest state within the United States. It's a place of legacy and lore that extends back to the ranchers, cowboys and oilmen who built it into the proud place of independent people that it still is today. You will find this Lone Star State boasts three big cities, but still prides itself on its vast area of land and beautiful scenery.

Bluebonnets

One of the most gorgeous flowers in the state, it's not surprising that the bluebonnet is the official state flower. Texas is covered in bluebonnet blooms during their season and you'll be able to recognize the tall-stemmed blossoms by the way they fade from deep, rich blue at the bases to a pale whitish shade at their tips.

With star shaped leaves and proud waving blossoms, it's not much of a leap to see why they could remind one of the Lone Star State itself. A springtime drive through the Texas countryside will showcase the waving sea of pure blue that the bluebonnets bring with them. The rich colors make for gorgeous photographs and many vacationers snap a few during their visits.

Sadly, the bluebonnets do not last for long. Their season's duration only covers the spring and by summer they've faded out almost completely. With their beauty, it's no wonder that they've come to be seen as almost sacred by many Texans. Some will tell you that it's a crime to pick these blossoms, but that's simply a Texas whopper. You can pick as many as you like, but you might get a few odd looks from the natives if you do.

Growing Bluebonnets

Strangely, despite being one of the heartier species of wildflower in Texas, the bluebonnet is not known as easy to garden. It's an annual and if you plant the seeds or transplants during Autumn, then you can expect some blossoms in the spring if everything goes as planned. They need full sunlight and well drained soil to survive and establish their network of roots.