Is It Really Illegal To Pick Bluebonnets In Texas? It Depends

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Spring in Texas, it's coming quickly and that means throughout the state wildflowers will be in full bloom and some are predicting that bluebonnets will really take off this year in parts of the state where you normally see them.

If you grew up in Texas or even if you just recently moved here, the odds are pretty good that you have heard that picking bluebonnets, Texas' official State Flower, is against the law. Some say it could lead to a hefty fine, even jail time! But is that true, or is it a myth?

Is It Illegal To Pick Bluebonnets in Texas?

Despite what we all grew up hearing, in Texas, it's actually not illegal to pick bluebonnets. Except in certain places which we will get to shortly.

When driving through the Hill Country or any other part of the state and you see a field of bluebonnets and you get out to take a picture, don't freak out too much if your kid picks one. It's not illegal. Of course, there are some activities that are frowned upon. For example, digging up large clumps of bluebonnets and driving into a field is something you shouldn't do. The Texas Department of Public Safety also reminds citizens that "there are laws against damaging or destroying rights-of-way and government property".

Take Care of Texas also reported that while it's not illegal to pick bluebonnets, it's not encouraged because you could actually do real harm to future bluebonnets.

Many of the wildflowers growing on the side of the road are annuals, which means they won’t grow back if they are picked or trampled before they can seed. Therefore, the Texas Department of Transportation discourages taking pictures among the wildflowers if doing so will damage them. The agency also discourages picking the bluebonnets or other plants. It’s best for everyone to leave the flowers to grow for everyone to enjoy.

So feel free to get your pictures taken around bluebonnets and enjoy their beauty, just use common sense and be careful.

Where Is It Illegal To Pick Bluebonnets in Texas?

While in most places in Texas, it's not illegal to pick a bluebonnet, it is illegal to pick a bluebonnet inside a state or national park in Texas as reported by the Houston Chronicle. State and national parks prohibit picking, cutting, or destroying any plant life on park grounds.

It's also illegal to trespass and pick bluebonnets on private property.

When Can You See Bluebonnets in Texas?

Bluebonnets and other wildflowers can be seen normally from March until mid-April.