AUSTIN (KXAN) — Sabotage or Mother Nature? 
 
 That’s what the Landscape Services Department at the University of Texas at Austin is wondering after maroon bluebonnets popped up in the flower bed around the UT Tower this season. 
 
 “Recently, the department installed a new landscape and planted a lot of new bluebonnets across the campus, but the UT Tower bed is the only one that the maroon ones showed up,” said Markus Hogue, UT’s irrigation and water conservation coordinator. “Which leads us to believe someone purposefully placed them there.” 
 
 While no one has fessed up to planting the maroon seeds in the flower bed, rumors have been circulating that someone at Texas A&M knows something. 
 
 Several years ago, A&M researchers were able to develop a maroon bluebonnet. 
 
 Even though the flowers are pretty, Hogue says they will start collecting the seeds from the maroon bluebonnets to keep them from spreading. If you head out there now, most of the maroon bluebonnets have faded to a pink. 
 
 The rivalry between A&M and UT doesn’t end with the flowers. 
 
 At the beginning of the spring season, someone sprayed a weed killer on the LBJ lawn to spell out A&M. 
 
 “If they’re planting beautiful flowers, it’s better than killing the grass to spell out A&M,” said Hogue with a laugh. 
 
 Maroon bluebonnet to Lady Bird Johnson Royal Blue bluebonnet 
 
 While developing the maroon bluebonnet, Texas A&M researchers also developed an even bluer bluebonnet, the Lady Bird Johnson Royal Blue bluebonnet. 
 
 “This bluebonnet we found when our researchers were looking for a selection of a maroon bluebonnet, which is especially nice for Texas A&M,” said Daphne Richards, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulture agent. “We saw some really great blue ones in the same field where some really vibrant maroon ones were growing.” 
 
 It took years of cross-breeding the bluebonnet with itself to get the genetics to stick. Now, the selection is a richer blue with more flowers. 
 
 The flower did so well in state-wide tests that it was designated a Texas Superstar. A Texas Superstar plant must be beautiful, perform well and propagate easily. 
 
 To find out where you can see wildflowers, TxDOT has an interactive map where you can see there the flowers are blooming. 

 UT suspects sabotage after A&M-created; maroon flowers pop up near tower 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Photo: Hiro Horikoshi, The University Of Texas At Austin Image 1 of / 92 Caption Close Image 1 of 92 The suspicious bluebonnets started to fade at the University of Texas at Austin. The suspicious bluebonnets started to fade at the University of Texas at Austin. Photo: Hiro Horikoshi, The University Of Texas At Austin Image 2 of 92 The suspicious bluebonnets started to fade at The University of Texas at Austin. The suspicious bluebonnets started to fade at The University of Texas at Austin. Photo: Hiro Horikoshi, UT-Austin Image 3 of 92 An example of the bluebonnets A&M created. (Texas A&M photo) An example of the bluebonnets A&M created. (Texas A&M photo) Image 4 of 92 Maroon bluebonnets seen on the UT campus, April 10, 2014. (Markus Hogue photo) Maroon bluebonnets seen on the UT campus, April 10, 2014. (Markus Hogue photo) Image 5 of 92 Maroon bluebonnet photos from Texas A&M University. Maroon bluebonnet photos from Texas A&M University. Photo: TAMU Image 6 of 92 Maroon bluebonnet photos from Texas A&M University. Maroon bluebonnet photos from Texas A&M University. Photo: TAMU Image 7 of 92 Maroon bluebonnet photos from Texas A&M University. Maroon bluebonnet photos from Texas A&M University. Photo: TAMU Image 8 of 92 Maroon bluebonnet photos from Texas A&M University. Maroon bluebonnet photos from Texas A&M University. Photo: TAMU Image 9 of 92 Maroon bluebonnet photos from Texas A&M University. Maroon bluebonnet photos from Texas A&M University. Photo: TAMU Image 10 of 92 Maroon bluebonnets Maroon bluebonnets Photo: Aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu Image 11 of 92 Readers' favorite wildflower photos 
 
 
 
 Send your flower shots to photos@chron.com 
 
 
 
 This photo: Elijah Day and Cali in Navasota 
 
 Readers' favorite wildflower photos 
 
 
 
 Send your flower shots to photos@chron.com 
 
 
 
 This photo: Elijah Day and Cali in Navasota Photo: Reader Submission Image 12 of 92 Jeffrey Walheim, Seabrook 
 
 Jeffrey Walheim, Seabrook Photo: Reader Submission Image 13 of 92 These bluebonnets came up from a crack in the sidewalk. By Elizabeth Riddles. 
 
 These bluebonnets came up from a crack in the sidewalk. By Elizabeth Riddles. Photo: Reader Submission Image 14 of 92 Joanie and Daryll Hoffner 
 
 Joanie and Daryll Hoffner Photo: Reader Submission Image 15 of 92 A bluebonnet adventure. 
 
 A bluebonnet adventure. Photo: Reader Submission Image 16 of 92 And old cemetery's children's section in Fredericksburg. 
 
 And old cemetery's children's section in Fredericksburg. Photo: Reader Submission Image 17 of 92 Jael Miller 
 
 Jael Miller Photo: Reader Submission Image 18 of 92 Three dogs in the bluebonnets. 
 
 Three dogs in the bluebonnets. Photo: Reader Submission Image 19 of 92 The Shomber family children in Montgomery. 
 
 The Shomber family children in Montgomery. Photo: Reader Submission Image 20 of 92 Bill Kalberer 
 
 Bill Kalberer Photo: Reader Submission Image 21 of 92 Bogey Crowley at 290 and Chappell Hill. 
 
 Bogey Crowley at 290 and Chappell Hill. Photo: Reader Submission Image 22 of 92 Rileigh in the bluebonnets in Plantersville. 
 
 Rileigh in the bluebonnets in Plantersville. Photo: Reader Submission Image 23 of 92 Bear the Bernese mountain dog by Lisa Vavricka. 
 
 Bear the Bernese mountain dog by Lisa Vavricka. Photo: Reader Submission Image 24 of 92 Ladies in blue by Debra Benningfield. 
 
 Ladies in blue by Debra Benningfield. Photo: Reader Submission Image 25 of 92 Ann Wheeler, Magnolia 
 
 Ann Wheeler, Magnolia Photo: Reader Submission Image 26 of 92 Gayle Pendergrass 
 
 Gayle Pendergrass Photo: Reader Submission Image 27 of 92 The DeLeon family 
 
 The DeLeon family Photo: Reader Submission Image 28 of 92 Valerie Nance, Brenham 
 
 Valerie Nance, Brenham Image 29 of 92 Belle in the bluebonnets 
 
 Belle in the bluebonnets Image 30 of 92 
 
 
 
 In Brenham by Gwen Speiss. Texas is home to some of the most beautiful flowers. See why we love these blue bonnets so much at houstonchronicle.com In Brenham by Gwen Speiss. 
 
 
 
 In Brenham by Gwen Speiss. Texas is home to some of the most beautiful flowers. See why we love these blue bonnets so much at houstonchronicle.com In Brenham by Gwen Speiss. Photo: Reader Submission Image 31 of 92 In the Harris County Flood Control Basin off North Gessner. (Mona Strickland) In the Harris County Flood Control Basin off North Gessner. (Mona Strickland) Photo: Picasa, Reader Submission Image 32 of 92 A classic car in the bluebonnets. A classic car in the bluebonnets. Photo: Reader Submission Image 33 of 92 Easter Sunday in Splendora (Barbara Hoyt) Easter Sunday in Splendora (Barbara Hoyt) Photo: Reader Submission Image 34 of 92 Handstand in the flowers. (Kali Miller) Handstand in the flowers. (Kali Miller) Photo: Reader Submission Image 35 of 92 Along Highway 6 (Joyce Boister) Along Highway 6 (Joyce Boister) Photo: Reader Submission Image 36 of 92 Jackson Price (Photo by Gayle Jackson) Jackson Price (Photo by Gayle Jackson) Photo: Reader Submission Image 37 of 92 Bluebonnets in Memorial Park, by Steve Boyd Bluebonnets in Memorial Park, by Steve Boyd Photo: Reader Submission Image 38 of 92 "The attached picture was snapped in 2008. We think it is both beautiful and humorous, so we would like to share it with others." (Ron and Carolyn Bouchard) "The attached picture was snapped in 2008. We think it is both beautiful and humorous, so we would like to share it with others." (Ron and Carolyn Bouchard) Photo: Reader Submission Image 39 of 92 Submitted by Charles Barfield. Submitted by Charles Barfield. Photo: Reader Submission Image 40 of 92 Sylvia Nelson's Alvin flower garden. Sylvia Nelson's Alvin flower garden. Photo: Reader Submission Image 41 of 92 Baby Avery enjoying a spring day in Central Texas (Diana Miller) Baby Avery enjoying a spring day in Central Texas (Diana Miller) Photo: Reader Submission Image 42 of 92 Bike ride break by Lana Ho. Bike ride break by Lana Ho. Photo: Reader Submission Image 43 of 92 Memorial Park by Steve Boyd. Memorial Park by Steve Boyd. Photo: Reader Submission Image 44 of 92 Twins Lyndsay and Lydia Strickland, 8, enjoy the flowers in the Harris County Flood Control Basin off North Gessner. (Mona Strickland) Twins Lyndsay and Lydia Strickland, 8, enjoy the flowers in the Harris County Flood Control Basin off North Gessner. (Mona Strickland) Photo: Picasa, Reader Submission Image 45 of 92 White Hall, Texas on Thursday, March 3. LeRoy Laycock is a WWII veteran. White Hall, Texas on Thursday, March 3. LeRoy Laycock is a WWII veteran. Photo: Reader Submission Image 46 of 92 Spring in Chappell Hill. Spring in Chappell Hill. Photo: Reader Submission Image 47 of 92 Anna Broussard's love for bluebonnets led her to broadcast seed in her Sharpstown backyard several years ago. This is the result. (Juanita Hood) Anna Broussard's love for bluebonnets led her to broadcast seed in her Sharpstown backyard several years ago. This is the result. (Juanita Hood) Photo: Reader Submission Image 48 of 92 Easter Sunday in Splendora (Barbara Hoyt) Easter Sunday in Splendora (Barbara Hoyt) Photo: Reader Submission Image 49 of 92 A redbud in bloom in Friendswood. (Ken Helmreich) A redbud in bloom in Friendswood. (Ken Helmreich) Photo: Reader Submission Image 50 of 92 Riley on the White Oak Bayou. (August and Robert Wiley) Riley on the White Oak Bayou. (August and Robert Wiley) Photo: Reader Submission Image 51 of 92 Sasha enjoys flowers at the lake in Sugar Land. (Boyce and Liz Funderburk) Sasha enjoys flowers at the lake in Sugar Land. (Boyce and Liz Funderburk) Photo: Reader Submission Image 52 of 92 Pink primrose along I-45 near the John M. O'Quinn Estuarial Corridor. (Pat Jakobi) Pink primrose along I-45 near the John M. O'Quinn Estuarial Corridor. (Pat Jakobi) Photo: Reader Submission Image 53 of 92 1986 Porsche 911, College Station. (Richard Franke) 1986 Porsche 911, College Station. (Richard Franke) Photo: Reader Submission Image 54 of 92 Wildflowers in drought in Bandera County (Charles Wilson) Wildflowers in drought in Bandera County (Charles Wilson) Photo: Reader Submission Image 55 of 92 bluebonnets near old baylor park on 3-29-/11. Photos by Kathy Huber bluebonnets near old baylor park on 3-29-/11. Photos by Kathy Huber Image 56 of 92 Navasota (Mitzi Pate) Navasota (Mitzi Pate) Photo: Reader Submission Image 57 of 92 The Baby Blue Eyes were grown by Beth Galiano. Beth manages the Community Garden on Alba between W.43d and Chamboard. She lives in Shepherd Park Plaza and has managed the garden for 20 years. The garden supplies organically grown vegetables, free of charge to church food pantries in the area. less The Baby Blue Eyes were grown by Beth Galiano. Beth manages the Community Garden on Alba between W.43d and Chamboard. She lives in Shepherd Park Plaza and has managed the garden for 20 years. The garden ... more Image 58 of 92 This antique yellow rose of Texas blooms once a year in early spring. Submitted by Martha L. Smith. This antique yellow rose of Texas blooms once a year in early spring. Submitted by Martha L. Smith. Image 59 of 92 A dog named Maybe on the bayou at 11th and T.C. Jester (Chas Hollis/Reader submission) A dog named Maybe on the bayou at 11th and T.C. Jester (Chas Hollis/Reader submission) Photo: Reader Photo Image 60 of 92 Texas wildflowers (Lisa Griffis/Reader submission) Texas wildflowers (Lisa Griffis/Reader submission) Photo: Reader Photo Image 61 of 92 Huey Conn riding Tennessee walking horse “Lucas” in the bluebonnets on the Jacobs Cattle Ranch in Brenham. (Laura Kidder/Reader submission) Huey Conn riding Tennessee walking horse “Lucas” in the bluebonnets on the Jacobs Cattle Ranch in Brenham. (Laura Kidder/Reader submission) Photo: Reader Photo Image 62 of 92 These early bluebonnets started blooming about Feb. 1. (E.L. Gill/Reader submission) These early bluebonnets started blooming about Feb. 1. (E.L. Gill/Reader submission) Photo: Reader Photo Image 63 of 92 Zooming in shows the detail on a verbena blossom along a trail in the Medical Center area of San Antonio. Courtesy Rich Olivieri/WildflowerHaven.com (WildflowerHaven.com) Zooming in shows the detail on a verbena blossom along a trail in the Medical Center area of San Antonio. Courtesy Rich Olivieri/WildflowerHaven.com (WildflowerHaven.com) Image 64 of 92 Wildflowers Indian blanket Credit: Courtesy Murry Grigsby Wildflowers Indian blanket Credit: Courtesy Murry Grigsby Image 65 of 92 Wildflower enthusiast Rich Olivieri, editor of WildflowerHaven.com, captured a horse in a field of bluebonnets at Texas 16 and Jett Road, about 10 miles north of Poteet. (WildflowerHaven.com) Wildflower enthusiast Rich Olivieri, editor of WildflowerHaven.com, captured a horse in a field of bluebonnets at Texas 16 and Jett Road, about 10 miles north of Poteet. (WildflowerHaven.com) Image 66 of 92 Wildflowers Pink Evening Primrose Credit: Courtesy Murry Grigsby Wildflowers Pink Evening Primrose Credit: Courtesy Murry Grigsby Image 67 of 92 Saturday S.A. Life 0321 Wildflowers horsemint cutline: Horsemint (Monarda citriodora) aka lemon beebalm credit: Joseph A. Marcus/Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Cen) Saturday S.A. Life 0321 Wildflowers horsemint cutline: Horsemint (Monarda citriodora) aka lemon beebalm credit: Joseph A. Marcus/Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Cen) Image 68 of 92 Wild flowers at Memorial Drive and Waugh Thursday, March 26, 2009, in Houston. ( Michael Paulsen / Chronicle ) (Chronicle) Wild flowers at Memorial Drive and Waugh Thursday, March 26, 2009, in Houston. ( Michael Paulsen / Chronicle ) (Chronicle) Image 69 of 92 Wild flowers at Memorial Drive and Waugh Thursday, March 26, 2009, in Houston. ( Michael Paulsen / Chronicle ) (Chronicle) Wild flowers at Memorial Drive and Waugh Thursday, March 26, 2009, in Houston. ( Michael Paulsen / Chronicle ) (Chronicle) Image 70 of 92 A bee works on a spring wild flower at the Galveston City Cemetery Wednesday, April 15, 2009, in Galveston.( Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle ) (Houston Chronicle) A bee works on a spring wild flower at the Galveston City Cemetery Wednesday, April 15, 2009, in Galveston.( Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle ) (Houston Chronicle) Image 71 of 92 Bryan Gattis, of Falmouth, Maine, rides past a bunch of bluebonnets as he rides along US 290 Wednesday, March 31, 2010, in Brenham. Gattis is on a cross-country trek in an effort to raise money for a health clinic in southwest Kenya. Gattis, who is writing a blog about his ride at www.crossingforkenya.weebly.com, started his ride on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge in February. He is hoping to finish by May 1. ( Brett Coomer / Chronicle ) (Houston Chronicle) less Bryan Gattis, of Falmouth, Maine, rides past a bunch of bluebonnets as he rides along US 290 Wednesday, March 31, 2010, in Brenham. Gattis is on a cross-country trek in an effort to raise money for a health ... more Image 72 of 92 Bluebonnets shown Friday, April 1, 2011, in Chappell Hill. ( Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle ) (Houston Chronicle) Bluebonnets shown Friday, April 1, 2011, in Chappell Hill. ( Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle ) (Houston Chronicle) Image 73 of 92 A small bloom of bluebonnets are seen along the south meadow trail at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center Tuesday, March 13, 2012, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) (Houston Chronicle) A small bloom of bluebonnets are seen along the south meadow trail at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center Tuesday, March 13, 2012, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) (Houston Chronicle) Image 74 of 92 Streptanthus bracteatus Gray Bracted jewelflower, Bracted twist-flower credit: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (see main text) Streptanthus bracteatus Gray Bracted jewelflower, Bracted twist-flower credit: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (see main text) Image 75 of 92 Field of Bluebonnets on a cloudy spring day Field of Bluebonnets on a cloudy spring day Image 76 of 92 The White Firewheel is a unique and rare flower only found in Hardin County. The wildflower has been documented in Roy E. Larson Sandyland Sanctuary. (The Nature Conservancy) The White Firewheel is a unique and rare flower only found in Hardin County. The wildflower has been documented in Roy E. Larson Sandyland Sanctuary. (The Nature Conservancy) Image 77 of 92 Bluebonnets in a farmer's field at FM 304 and 171 going north from 290. Photo taken 3/19/09 before noon. (butterhummer | chron.commons) Bluebonnets in a farmer's field at FM 304 and 171 going north from 290. Photo taken 3/19/09 before noon. (butterhummer | chron.commons) Image 78 of 92 Bluebonnets in a farmer's field at FM 304 and 171 going north from 290. Photo taken 3/19/09 before noon. (butterhummer | chron.commons) Bluebonnets in a farmer's field at FM 304 and 171 going north from 290. Photo taken 3/19/09 before noon. (butterhummer | chron.commons) Image 79 of 92 The wildflowers that line the banks of White Oak Bayou and other bayous aren’t just there for aesthetics. Wildflowers, such as Bluebonnets, Drummond Phlox, Indian Blankets, Indian Paintbrush and Mexican Hats are planted by the Harris County Flood Control District for very practical purposes. Aside from beautifying the local landscape, a carpet of wildflowers can offset the first mowing cycle, saving the District's maintenance dollars for other needed projects and preventing tons of cut organic materials from entering our channels. Wildflowers also provide sustainable landscape and wildlife habitat. So, not only does the public benefit in many ways, but so do the creatures that depend on the local waterways for survival. (HCFCD) less The wildflowers that line the banks of White Oak Bayou and other bayous aren’t just there for aesthetics. Wildflowers, such as Bluebonnets, Drummond Phlox, Indian Blankets, Indian Paintbrush and Mexican Hats ... more Image 80 of 92 Donkeys in the bluebonnets at a fence in the fog at Chappell Hill in March 2009 (chron.commons) Donkeys in the bluebonnets at a fence in the fog at Chappell Hill in March 2009 (chron.commons) Image 81 of 92 An ocean of wildflowers - Indian blanket, prickly poppy and vervain - floods a South Texas sendero this past weekend. Spring turkey hunters, who have seen back-to-back wildflower-poor years caused by persistent drought, are enjoying the explosion of vegetation triggered by this year's wet conditions. (Houston Chronicle) less An ocean of wildflowers - Indian blanket, prickly poppy and vervain - floods a South Texas sendero this past weekend. Spring turkey hunters, who have seen back-to-back wildflower-poor years caused by persistent ... more Image 82 of 92 Nathan in the Bluebonnets by dav345 (DAV345) Nathan in the Bluebonnets by dav345 (DAV345) Image 83 of 92 Bluebonnets field; grass; trees; roads (Texas Parks & Wildlife) Bluebonnets field; grass; trees; roads (Texas Parks & Wildlife) Image 84 of 92 FILE - In this April 2, 2004 file photo, Texas bluebonnets are shown blooming in a bed on the grounds of the Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas. With some blooms already popping up, a Texas botanist says that the state should have a good showing of wildflowers this spring because of the fall and winter rains. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck, File) (AP) less FILE - In this April 2, 2004 file photo, Texas bluebonnets are shown blooming in a bed on the grounds of the Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas. With some blooms already popping up, a Texas botanist says that ... more Image 85 of 92 Toby - LauraKellam Toby - LauraKellam Photo: LauraKellam Image 86 of 92 Bluebonnets are in bloom near T.C. Jester at 11th Street and White Oak Bayou. (Houston Parks and Recreation Dep) Bluebonnets are in bloom near T.C. Jester at 11th Street and White Oak Bayou. (Houston Parks and Recreation Dep) Image 87 of 92 White Oak Bayou TC Jester at 11th Street -- WHITE OAK BAYOU BLUEBONNETS White Oak Bayou TC Jester at 11th Street -- WHITE OAK BAYOU BLUEBONNETS Image 88 of 92 A Houston Chronicle reader sent in this photo of a child in the bluebonnets for chron.com's wildflower map. It was taken along Highway 71 near Interstate 10. (Unknown) A Houston Chronicle reader sent in this photo of a child in the bluebonnets for chron.com's wildflower map. It was taken along Highway 71 near Interstate 10. (Unknown) Image 89 of 92 Texas A&M; researchers found a way to create maroon bluebonnets. Texas A&M; researchers found a way to create maroon bluebonnets. Photo: Skip Richter Image 90 of 92 Texas A&M researchers found a way to create maroon bluebonnets. Texas A&M researchers found a way to create maroon bluebonnets. Photo: Skip Richter Image 91 of 92 Texas A&M researchers found a way to create maroon bluebonnets. Texas A&M researchers found a way to create maroon bluebonnets. Photo: Skip Richter Image 92 of 92 UT suspects sabotage after A&M-created; maroon flowers pop up near tower 1 / 92 Back to Gallery 
 
 President Barack Obama's visit to the University of Texas in Austin could be overshadowed by the emergence of a scandal of potentially epic proportions. 
 
 Maroon bluebonnets are taking over flowerbeds below the school's iconic tower. Officials fear their landscape has been infiltrated by longtime rival Aggies. 
 
 "There were just a few at first but now there's much more," said Markus Hogue, program coordinator for UT Irrigation and Water Conservation. 
 
 Hogue said his team had planted regular bluebonnet seeds all over the campus. It's only in the beds below the tower that the maroon ones are showing, leading him to believe that they were planted there deliberately. 
 
 "When we started seeing the maroon, I started researching it more, (that) led me to believe that it was more likely these seeds were created at A&M and brought over here," Hogue said. 
 
 Insert dramatic music here. 
 
 Over at the Texas A&M campus, horticulturalists confirmed Thursday that maroon-bonnet seeds were indeed bred by them after researchers spotted a few occurring naturally in the Texas countryside. 
 
 "They took red ones and isolated them, and continued to select them until there was only maroon left," said Skip Richter from A&M's agrilife extension center in Harris County. 
 
 Richter is just one of thousands of A&M scientists and specialists all over the state, leading some to suggest that they had plenty of opportunity to slip onto the UT campus, perhaps under cover of darkness, to spread their maroon interlopers. 
 
 Richter said he didn't know anything about that, but he said it is likely that someone did plant them deliberately. 
 
 "Somebody scattered the seed probably," said Richter. "You wouldn't have a bunch of one color sprouting up (otherwise)," he said, undoubtedly smirking. 
 
 Bluebonnets also come in white and pink but if they are put with blue ones all would naturally return to blue over time, according to Richter. A Texas flag once created out of different colored bluebonnets has now turned back to blue. 
 
 At UT, the opposite is happening. More maroon ones are appearing. It's led to much consternation from some students. 
 
 "Some find it cute," said Hogue. "Others say if they get too much they want them removed." 
 
 Hogue's team is preparing to stop the rival breed in its tracks by cutting off seed cases with scissors before they can propogate. 
 
 At A&M, though, the controversy has led to much hilarity. 
 
 Richter said the school also bred special maroon carrots, and is quick to point out that "God chose to put a maroon gene in (the bluebonnet family), but there ain't no orange one."
– There's a devious plot afoot, or, as the Houston Chronicle cheekily puts it, "a scandal of potentially epic proportions." The University of Texas in Austin has noticed some maroon bluebonnets popping up in flowerbeds beneath the UT Tower, a place where only traditional bluebonnets (that is, blue ones) have been planted. So what's behind the strange growth? The leading theory: sabotage, courtesy of Texas A&M, which confirmed it was indeed the one to breed maroon-bonnet seeds. Says the head of the UT team that handles the school's plantings, it's "likely these seeds were created at A&M and brought over here." An A&M horticulturalist says it probably was an intentional planting, but professes to have no knowledge of any such plot. He notes, however, "God chose to put a maroon gene in (the bluebonnet family), but there ain't no orange one." UT can take solace in the fact that when planted with blue ones, white and pink bluebonnets tend to become blue over time, and KXAN notes some of the maroon ones have already started to turn pink. UT plans to further squash the maroon variety by cutting off seed cases to halt the spread. (Click to read about how a flower shortage might have doomed the mighty woooly mammoth.)