Whether your mom told you when you were a kid, or a friend scolded you later on, all Texans know one thing to be true: It’s illegal to pick bluebonnets in Texas.
But as much as we believe it and as much as the no-plucking rule was passed around the state like a sacred text, it’s actually just a myth.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has said that no law exists against picking the flowers, which have started to pop up around the Austin area. It’s hard to believe, I know. But you could technically pluck a bluebonnet up and bring it home. (You’d never do that though, right?)
Some spots are off limits to picking, however. You can’t pick flowers off someone’s private property, and it’s against the law, according to the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, to pick, cut, or destroy any plant life on Texas park grounds.
Picking bluebonnets could also have longlasting negative effects: Bluebonnets and other annuals growing on the side of the road won’t reseed if they are picked or trampled, the association says. Avoid taking pictures among the flowers, too, because it could damage them.
Bluebonnet season has already started and will peak in mid-April, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center says. But Central Texas is seeing a weaker season this year after inconsistent to little rain fell in the fall.
So, it goes without saying that you should avoid picking bluebonnets. They’re the official state flower and serve as a special spring treat for Texans to enjoy. Let’s leave them be and I won’t tell anyone if you keep up the myth with your kids. 😉
