Bluebonnet (plant)
Bluebonnet is a name given to any number of blue-flowered species of the genus "Lupinus" predominantly found in southwestern United States and is collectively the state flower of Texas. The shape of the petals on the flower resembles the bonnet worn by pioneer women to shield them from the sun.
Species often called bluebonnets include:On March 7, 1901, "Lupinus subcarnosus" became the only species of bluebonnet recognized as the state flower of Texas; however, "Lupinus texensis" emerged as the favorite of most Texans. So, in 1971, the Texas Legislature made any similar species of "Lupinus" that could be found in Texas the state flower.
Alamo Fire
Maroon and white bluebonnets were developed as part of an effort to compose a Texas flag with red, white, and blue bluebonnets to celebrate Texas' sesquicentennial in 1986. Pink bluebonnets were found in San Antonio, and reddish examples were selectively bred by Dr. Jerry Parsons of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to eventually give maroon bluebonnets in 2000. The color of these bluebonnets was fitting, as the color maroon is strongly associated with Texas A&M University.