This is why blankets of bluebonnets thrive along Texas highways
South Texans will see bluebonnets in bloom beginning now through April. The state flower is an important pollinator for bees and butterflies. See some of the patches that have already popped up locally in Calallen and along I-37. Wochit
Blankets of blue flowers mark the beginning of Spring in Texas.
Bluebonnets — the Texas flower — usually bloom from the end of March to early May.
Whether you gather all the kids to snap a photo of them in a field of blue flowers or if you're driving on a state highway, we can all appreciate their beauty.
Besides Mother Nature, you can also thank the Texas Department of Transportation.
The TxDOT Corpus Christi district posted photos of the flowers on social media Thursday morning and explained their role in the seasonal flowers' growth.
The post states the beautiful bluebonnets on Interstate 37 near George West are "courtesy of TxDOT's partnership with Mother Nature."
"We don't mow from winter to early summer, allowing flowers to drop seeds," the tweet reads. "And, our herbicide program targets noxious weeds only, which promotes wildflower growth. She does the rest."
Bluebonnets were named Texas' official state flower in 1901.
But the state flower isn't always blue. While most people envision blue when thinking of bluebonnets, they can be found in shades of pink, white and purple.
There are more than 5,000 species of wildflowers that flourish along highways, TxDOT states on its website.
For more than 60 years, TxDOT has delayed all mowing, unless essential for safety, until bluebonnet season is over.
Through the TxDOT's wildflower program, the department buys and sows about 30,000 pounds of wildflower seed each year, the website states.
Although it's a popular tradition, the department discourages picture-taking that damages the flowers.
"If too many wildflowers are trampled, they will die and not go to seed," the website states. "Since many of these flowers are annuals, this means they have to go to seed to come back the next year. Naturally, we discourage picking the flowers for the same reason."
Since the flowers bring flocks of people each season, the Texas Department of Public Safety offers tips for enjoying the bluebonnet season safely and lawfully.
Safety tips for viewing bluebonnets
- Be mindful of laws against impeding traffic and exercise caution when slowing down to enjoy the view
- If stopping, park off the roadway (off of improved shoulders), parallel to the road in the direction of traffic. Signal before leaving or entering the roadway.
- Obey signs that prohibit parking on a particular stretch of roadway.
- Don’t cross lanes of traffic on foot to get to the flowers.
- Make sure you are not on private property when stopping to enjoy or take photos of the wildflowers.
- Be cautious of snakes, fire ants and other potential dangers while observing wildflowers.