Each spring Texas Bluebonnets prove why they’re the official flower of the Lone Star State. Generally, bluebonnet fields bloom for about six weeks, roughly from late February or March through mid- or late April. The start of the season depends on many factors such as winter weather or soil quality and might differ depending on the area. Mild winters result in early bluebonnet season. The peak bloom usually falls in early-to-mid April. Also, on April 24th, a number of towns and cities in Texas celebrate State Wildflower Day.

A couple of the best spots to see a huge amount of beautiful Texas bluebonnets include Ennis near Dallas and the Texas Hill Country west of Austin. However, you’ll discover many more fruitful locations if you simply travel across the state during the bluebonnet flowering season.

One of the top locations is Ennis, which was designated as the home of the “Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail” and the “Official Bluebonnet City of Texas.” Annually in April, it showcases over 40 mi (64 km) of mapped driving Bluebonnet Trails. Tens of thousands of visitors come here to observe the beauty of nature during Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival. The city of Ennis sits 35 mi (56 km) south of Dallas. However, there’re more bluebonnet places to discover nearby. You can find them here.

Texas bluebonnets love residing in the Hill Country. The perfect idea would be to go on a road trip and cover some of the most brilliant locations across the region. You can set off from Fredericksburg, continue to Marble Falls, then optionally check out the lesser-known Burnet and Llano. Some of the most impressive bluebonnet landscapes unveil on Willow City Loop and Highway 16 between Fredericksburg and Llano. Also, reserve some time for the scenic Highland Lakes Bluebonnet Trail which spans multiple cities, including Burnet, Llano, and Marble Falls. Additionally, each of the spots listed above boasts its own highlight. While visiting Fredericksburg, stop by Wildseed Farms, the largest working wildflower farm in the US with beautiful bluebonnet displays. When in Marble Falls, visit Turkey Bend Recreation Area, take a perfect shot against the famous Bluebonnet House, and pay a visit to the Blue Bonnet Cafe. The city of Burnet is the glorious Bluebonnet Capital of Texas, where you may find lots of bluebonnet trails and attend a bluebonnet festival. Lastly, the main advantage of the small town Llano is the lack of popularity, which allows you to enjoy bluebonnets without crowd

In a Hot Wire article by Take Care of Texas, they address whether it’s illegal to pick bluebonnets. Anyone who has spent at least one spring season here has probably heard it. But is there any truth to it?

There is actually no law that prohibits picking bluebonnets in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. However, there are some areas where you should not pick bluebonnets. For example, there are laws against criminal trespassing, so ensure that you are not on private property. And if you plan to visit a Texas State Park for wildflower viewing, note that it is against the law to pick, cut, or destroy any plant life on park grounds.

It’s also important to be aware that there are laws against damaging or destroying rights-of-way and government property. While picking a few wildflowers on the side of the road may not be illegal, you should not dig up large clumps of flowers, and you should never drive your vehicle into a field of wildflowers.

Many of the wildflowers growing on the side of the road are annuals that won’t reseed if they are picked or trampled. Therefore, the Texas Department of Transportation discourages taking pictures among the wildflowers if doing so will damage them. The agency also discourages picking the bluebonnets or other plants.

Here are some tips for roadside viewing.

While enjoying the gorgeous wildflowers along our state’s roadways, consider following these tips from the Texas DPS—for your safety, and the safety of others:

• Park off the roadway, parallel to the road in the direction of traffic.
• Park on the same side of the roadway that the flowers are on.
• Don’t cross lanes of traffic on foot to get to the wildflowers.
• Always signal before leaving or entering the roadway.
• Obey all signs that prohibit parking on the roadway.
• Look out for snakes!

Wildflower season will be here soon. These treasures attract many visitors each year and you can find them across the state. So get outside and enjoy!

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