Spring is in the air. Even though Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow in Pennsylvania, I caught my first glimpse of this year's bluebonnet crop today. Just a small patch on Hwy. 6, but gleaming regally nonetheless.
The bluebonnets need rain to produce that amazing blanket of blue we so vividly yearn for as we make our annual trek through the Navasota, Brenham, Bellville, Independence, Chappell Hill, Roundtop corridor. So come on clouds and storms forcast this week. Thousands are counting on you!
It’s difficult to explain to non-Texans, until they experience it for themselves, the exhilaration of topping a hill to be greeted by a vast sea of bluebonnets waving gently in the breeze, dotted with swirls of yellow coreopsis, pastel pink primrose and crimson phlox. If ever there was a “Kodak Moment,” this is it.
Bluebonnet History
Because of the not-so-famous 70-year Bluebonnet War, Texas officially has five state flowers, maybe more. On March 7, 1901, the Texas Legislature adopted the Lupinus subcarnosus as the official state flower. Beautiful enough, though daintier, a faction of bluebonnet enthusiasts felt this species was the least attractive of Texas’ bluebonnet population. They argued in favor of the Lupinus texensis, the showier, bolder bloom which covers the majority of the state and provides inspiration for many an artist. In the way of true “political correctness,” the Legislature eventually reached a solution to appease these sparring groups. In 1971, it added the texensis, plus "any other variety of bluebonnet not heretofore recorded," making both the state flower. What politicians didn’t realize was that three other species of Lupines are native to Texas, so the umbrella clause makes all five, officially, our state flower. And, if any new species are discovered, they will assume the exalted title as well.
Bluebonnet Facts
Each year the TXDOT sows 5000+ different species of 30,000 pounds of wildflower seeds, including the brilliant Lupinus texensis, along our highways.
Their website discourages “picture-taking that damages the wildflowers” because too much trampling will kill them preventing them from seeding. If you know anything about annuals, they must go to seed to come back next year, so TXDOT further discourages “picking the flowers for the same reason.”
As you can see, we follow instruction well
Illegal to Pick?
Contrary to what you’ve been told since birth, there is no law on Texas' books against picking the state flower. You will not receive a fine, be hauled off to jail, or incur the evil wrath of the bluebonnet gods if you do. According to the TXDOT press release on the subject, you may legally pick a bluebonnet or two as long as you don’t break any other laws in the process.
Your Very Own Bluebonnet Garden
The more adventurous devotee may desire their own bluebonnet patch, but it’s too late for the 2009 season. Bluebonnets must be planted in the fall. The Texas Cooperative Extension Service recommends planting scarified seeds — seeds chemically treated to encourage germination. The process of scarification occurs naturally in the wild meaning only a small percentage of the seed germinates during the first season after planting. “This delayed germination ensures species survival during periods of adverse growing conditions such as prolonged drought.”
It appears the bluebonnet seed understood our south central Texas climate quite well.
The ideal location is an area of full sun with a minimum daily requirement of 8-10 direct hours. The soil must be well drained as opposed to sticky, thick clay. Should you need to build a planting bed, you’ll want at least 6 inches of depth topped with 3-4 inches of organic matter. When planted, the seed must be raked into the soil or lightly covered over. If merely scattered, birds will have a field day. Optimal fall planting occurs in September or October but definitely no later than mid-November.
For a truly spectacular patch, don’t overwater during winter months, but do water occasionally during dry spells.
Texas Bluebonnet Seed Company in Bedias sells a one-pound bag for $20.00. For a complete price list, visit their website at www.texasbluebonnetseeds.com.
Updates
To enjoy this year’s season, TXDOT will keep you updated with WEB postings and its highway hotline at 1-800-452-9292. They also provide listings of numerous wildflower festivals and events.
Pick up a Wildflowers Trails map at the Washington County Visitors Center, from numerous businesses around Washington County or request one online at www.brenhamtexas.com.
Historian Jack Maguire wrote, "The bluebonnet is to Texas what the shamrock is to Ireland, the cherry blossom to Japan, the lily to France, the rose to England and the tulip to Holland." He further affirmed, "It's not only the state flower but also a kind of floral trademark almost as well known to outsiders as cowboy boots and the Stetson hat."
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