If you've ever driven through Texas in April, you already know the feeling. That first flash of blue along the highway, spreading out into wide open fields — it stops you every time, no matter how many springs you've seen it.
The bluebonnet has been part of Texas identity for over a century, and I've always loved it as a subject. While I was creating Texas Bloom, I found myself going down a little rabbit hole of bluebonnet history — and honestly, the story behind how it became our state flower is too good not to share.
A Flower Chosen by Strong Women
The bluebonnet (Lupinus subcarnosus) was adopted as the state flower of Texas by the legislature in 1901 — beating out, of all things, the cotton plant and the pear cactus. Yes, really. A politician nicknamed "Cactus Jack" actually nominated the pear cactus. The National Society of Colonial Dames of America had other ideas.
Reportedly horrified by both options, they nominated the bluebonnet and made sure it won. They brought bluebonnet paintings onto the floor of the legislature and placed fresh bluebonnet arrangements on every politician's desk. The blue beauty won — and Texas hasn't looked back since.
Years later, when it was pointed out that Texas actually has more than one species of bluebonnet, the legislature handled it the Texas way — they passed a bill in 1971 declaring that all species of bluebonnets are the state flower. Problem solved.
A Few Fun Facts Worth Knowing
The bluebonnet goes by several names — buffalo clover, wolf flower, and el conejo (Spanish for "rabbit"). The name bluebonnet comes from the resemblance of each individual bloom to the bonnets pioneer women wore to shield themselves from the sun.
A few other things worth knowing before you go chasing fields of blue:
- Bluebonnets are poisonous if eaten — keep that in mind around curious pets and little ones
- It is not illegal to pick them — that's actually a myth. It is illegal to trespass on private property to get to them though
- Watch for rattlesnakes — they love bluebonnet fields just as much as we do
And if you're wondering where to find the best displays? Ennis, Chappell Hill, and Burnet are known for their stunning bluebonnet season every April.
Thank You, Lady Bird
We also have Lady Bird Johnson to thank for the wildflower-lined highways we love so much. In 1969 she began presenting Texas Highway Beautification Awards and writing personal checks to winners — inspiring communities across the state to plant bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and black-eyed Susans along roadsides. Her belief was simple: people won't litter on a field of wildflowers. I think she was right.
(And yes — Indian paintbrushes are part of the South Texas Flower Series. See Texas Bloom No. 2 Here.)
Watch Texas Bloom Come to Life
I captured the entire creation of Texas Bloom in a one minute timelapse — start to finish. I hope it gives you a little peek into the process and the love that goes into each piece.
If this little bit of Texas spring made you smile, you can bring it home. Texas Bloom prints are available in my shop — ready to add a little blue to your walls year round.
[Shop Texas Bloom Prints Here]
XO, Kris
Reference:
Texas State Flower: The Bluebonnet & The Amazing Story Behind It - Texas Proud
