Bluebonnet Season

In Texas, it is a sure sign of spring when Bluebonnets and wildflowers begin to emerge from the tall green grasses along the highways and interstates. These wildflowers aren’t a completely natural phenomenon, however. Most patches of color seen along the highways are courtesy of some early seed spreading by the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT).

According to TxDOT, about 30,000 pounds of wildflower seed are sewn along Texas highways each year.
The first signs of the wildflowers and Bluebonnets appear after the first big rains of the spring, usually the middle of April. Then, around the middle of May the wildflowers and grasses start to fade into the dry, tan grassland that remains thought he summer and into the fall.

Because this period of growth and color is so brief, most Texans delight in springtime road trips. And because of the variety and beauty of these native plants, many tourists from across the country roll into the state to see the blooms in person. Some have turned wildflower spotting into a hobby.

As the state flower, the Bluebonnet holds a special place on the wildflower stage for Texans. For many people it has become a tradition to take pictures of family and friends – more specifically babies and toddlers – in fields of the blue flowers. However, TxDOT asks the public to take care in not damaging or picking the wildflowers.

Though it is a common misconception that it is illegal to pick Bluebonnets, special care for them and other wildflowers is encouraged. Trampled flowers not only destroy the view for others, but will prevent the flower from seeding for the next year.

Wildflowers are a serious occupation for TxDOT. Not just for driver enjoyment (though that is a big part of it), TxDOT's Xeriscaping helps reduce costs associated with labor maintenance via the growth of native species that need less mowing and care.

HelloMetro Tip: TxDOT offers a web site full of information about the wildflowers in the state, including a wildflower locator tool. Or for more information on the wildflower season, the curious can call the TxDOT wildflower program hot line at (800) 452-9292.

- by Jenn Emerson, Dallas Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jenn Emerson

A veteran of the advertising world, chances are you bought, drank or drove something because of Jenn’s ad copy. Not one to stagnate in one discipline, Jenn also keeps up her writing Jones for short stories, scripts and features. She really digs working for HelloMetro while exploring new places and meeting new people along the way.