Roadside Bluebonnets: Are they legal to pick

One of the most beautiful settings we all can enjoy during the spring or Easter time is the blooming of our state flower, the Bluebonnet.

The gorgeous looking flowers begin to grow in the early spring in fields, resident yards as well as along state highways and farm roads.

Usually peaking during April to early May, these flowers form a seedpod, which is green at first but turns yellow and then brown. The seeds mature between the formation of the yellow and brown seedpod.

Texans who wish to get the flowers growing on their property will sometimes go out in the fields or along a roadway to pick and transplant them.

This poses the question – Is it legal to pick bluebonnets?

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there is no law that prohibits picking bluebonnets in Texas.

However, there are some areas where bluebonnets should not be picked when its considered criminal trespass when going onto someone’s private property, unless you have obtained permission.

Also, it is against the law to pick, cut, or destroy any plant life, including bluebonnets, in Texas State Parks.

Another thing to know is that bluebonnets and the many other wildflowers that grow along the roads are considered annuals, which means they won’t grow back if they are picked or trampled on before the plant produces its seeds.

With that in mind, TxDOT discourages the taking of photos among the wildflowers, which cause them to be damaged.

Tips issued by TxDOT for keeping safe while stopping and enjoying the view of these beautiful flowers include:

• 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 blooming.

• 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.

Photo Opportunities

Bluebonnets growing in fields or on roadways usually create a picturesque opportunity for parents to take photos of their children with a bluebonnet background.

Although these growing flowers poses a beautiful setting for taking photos, parents and grandparents need to be aware there are dangers that could be lurking in the flowers and grasses.

There could be anything from prickly plants to bees pollinating the plants as well as fire ant beds.

However, the most dangerous culprit that may be found among the bluebonnets are snakes, especially a rattlesnake or copperhead.

Because the weather has begun to warm up, these snakes are coming out of hibernation and are more present, thus we need to be more alert.

There have been many tragic stories where a child, while posing for the photo, has been bitten by one of these venomous snakes .

It certainly is not the kind of enjoyment hoped for when taking the photo.

To stay safe while trying to find the right spot for a photo opportunity, make sure to check the area for snakes, fire ants, bees, even cowpies or anything else that might pose a danger.

Also, bluebonnets are toxic for humans and most animals so keep small children and dogs from trying to eat the flowers.

One other tip, if you’re going to photograph portraits of another person, try to find empty patches among the bluebonnets to avoid flattening the flowers and causing them to be damaged.

Whether you are wanting to pick bluebonnets, take a photo with someone posing among them, or just enjoy the view of the flowers, you need to do it soon, because they won’t be around much longer.