Lindale, Texas – With winter still holding on tight in East Texas, many people are eagerly waiting for spring’s warmer weather. When the chill finally fades, it’s time to enjoy the blooming flowers that will pop up, especially along roadsides.

One of the most beautiful flowers that bloom in Texas is the bluebonnet, which also happens to be the state flower. But is it okay to pick one of these flowers? Is it illegal, or are there rules we need to follow?

Let’s take a closer look at the laws around picking bluebonnets in Texas.

Is It Illegal to Pick Bluebonnets?

The bluebonnet is officially the State Flower of Texas. The state legislature chose the Sandyland Bluebonnet in 1901 to represent Texas. For many years, Texans have been told not to pick bluebonnets, with some even saying it’s illegal. But is it really illegal? The short answer is: not exactly.

According to State Trooper Robbie Barrera, it is not against the law to pick bluebonnets in Texas. However, there are certain things to keep in mind. The location where you pick the flowers makes all the difference.

Private Property vs. Public Property

Picking bluebonnets from the side of the road or from public land is perfectly fine. But you need to be cautious about where you pick them. If you go onto someone’s private property without permission to pick flowers, that could get you into legal trouble. So, it’s important to make sure you are picking bluebonnets from a public space or with the landowner’s permission.

While it’s okay to pick flowers from public roadsides, it’s always a good idea to ask for permission first if you’re unsure about where the flowers are growing. Respecting other people’s property is key to avoiding any issues.

What Are the Rules for Picking Bluebonnets?

Even though it’s not illegal to pick bluebonnets in certain areas, there are still some guidelines to keep in mind to stay out of trouble.

Don’t Destroy Property: It’s important to be gentle with the flowers. Picking a few flowers is fine, but digging them up with tools like shovels is a different story. That can be considered destruction of property, which can result in fines or other legal consequences.

Park Safely: If you find a field full of bluebonnets that you want to photograph or take a selfie with, make sure to park your car as far off the highway as possible. This keeps you and others safe and prevents traffic problems while you enjoy the flowers.

Leave the Area Clean: After taking photos or picking flowers, make sure to leave the area just as you found it. Don’t leave trash behind, and don’t pick too many flowers. Always be respectful of nature.

Bluebonnet Festivals and Celebrations

If you love bluebonnets, there’s a special place in Texas you might want to visit. Ennis, Texas, is known as the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas. Every year, from April 1 through April 30, Ennis hosts the Texas Bluebonnet Trail, a 40-mile-long driving route that showcases some of the best bluebonnet blooms in the state.

During this time, you can enjoy the beauty of these flowers and take part in the Bluebonnet Trails Festival. The festival offers many events and activities for bluebonnet lovers, and it’s a perfect way to celebrate the state flower.

If you’re looking for more information on how to enjoy bluebonnets in Texas, the Bluebonnet Trails Festival website is a great resource. It provides all the details you need to plan your visit and experience the beauty of the flowers in full bloom.

Final Thoughts

While it is not illegal to pick bluebonnets in Texas, it’s important to follow the rules and be respectful of nature and property. Always make sure you’re picking flowers from public land or with permission, and avoid causing damage to the plants. By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy the beauty of Texas’ state flower while respecting the environment.

So, the next time you see a field of bluebonnets, feel free to take a photo, or pick a few for yourself—just be sure to follow the rules and enjoy the flowers responsibly!