This is why blankets of bluebonnets thrive along Texas highways
Bluebonnets — the official state flower of Texas — are present along highways all over the state during the spring.
This is why blankets of bluebonnets thrive along Texas highways Bluebonnets — the official state flower of Texas — are present along highways all over the state during the spring. Check out this story on gosanangelo.com: https://www.gosanangelo.com/story/news/2019/02/25/why-bluebonnets-thrive-along-texas-highways-state-flower-spring-2019/2952295002/
Monica Lopez, Corpus Christi Caller Times Published 1:25 p.m. CT Feb. 25, 2019 | Updated 4:37 p.m. CT Feb. 25, 2019
Bluebonnets make for a eye catching drive between Llano and Fredericksburg along State Highway 16, Saturday, March 24, 2018. (Photo: San Angelo Standard-Times)
Blankets of blue flowers mark the beginning of spring in Texas.
Bluebonnets — the official state flower of Texas since 1901 — 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, or if you're simply driving on a state highway, we can all appreciate their beauty.
Besides Mother Nature, you can also thank the Texas Department of Transportation.
"We don't mow from winter to early summer, allowing flowers to drop seeds," a tweet from TxDOT's south region states. "And, our herbicide program targets noxious weeds only, which promotes wildflower growth. She does the rest."
Despite their name, bluebonnets aren't always blue. They can also be found in shades of pink, white and purple.
There are more than 5,000 species of wildflowers that flourish along Texas 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 TxDOT's wildflower program, the department buys and sows about 30,000 pounds of wildflower seed each year, the website states.
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.
Bluebonnets make for a eye-catching drive between Llano and Fredericksburg in this Standard-Times file photo. (Photo: San Angelo Standard-Times)
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.
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