The State Flower of Texas: The Bluebonnet

The bluebonnet is the official state flower of Texas. These pretty flowers grow to about a foot tall. The name comes from the shape of the petals of the flower and their resemblance to the bonnets worn by pioneer women and girls to shield themselves from the hot Texas sun.

Lupinus Texensis is almost exclusively blue in the wild. There is a random genetic mutation that occasionally creates an albino white bluebonnet naturally. For the Texas Sesquicentennial in 1986, Texas A&M University researchers successfully created red and white strains to create a Texas state flag in bluebonnets. Continuing their research, the Aggies created a deep maroon strain, the university’s official color.

Lupinus argenteus grows in Texas, California, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico and is commonly referred to as a bluebonnet lupine.

In 1901, Lupinus Subcarnosus, or Buffalo Clover, became the only species of bluebonnet recognized as the state flower of Texas. While this is true, Texas bluebonnet has emerged as the favorite strain of most Texans.

The flowers’ deep blue blossoms can be seen from March through May in many parts of Texas. In 1971, the Legislature made any species of the bluebonnet the state flower. Lupinus Texensis remains the iconic Texas bluebonnet.

In the spring, many Texas families hit the road to photograph children, family members, and pets sitting amongst a field of bluebonnets. Some families return to the same spot every year for photographs as part of a family tradition.

When the year before has been moist and not drought filled, the hills and fields around Austin are home to large quantities of bluebonnets.

Contact an Austin Real Estate Agent

For more information on the best spots to find bluebonnets or on re-locating to the Austin area, contact the Austin real estate agents of The Carvajal Group at 512-419-7770.