The bluebonnet, a species of Lupinus, is the state flower of Texas. It was chosen in 1901 after a long debate that included other flowers like cotton boll and prickly pear. In 1971, all bluebonnet species were declared the state flower. It is not illegal to pick bluebonnets, but certain rules apply.
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet, of the genus Lupinus. This is a blue flower that bears a strong resemblance to an old-fashioned lady’s sunhat. In 1901, the state legislature adopted a specific species of blue bonnet as the state flower of Texas. This was later changed in the 1970s to include all bluebonnet species.
Lupinus is a genus that contains several species of bluebonnets. Some other colloquial names for bluebonnets include buffalo clover and wolfflower. Waves of these small, but showy blue flowers can be seen all over Texas during the spring.
Texas was the 28th state to join the United States. It was admitted to the union in 1845. In 1901, members of the state legislature met to decide what the Texas state flower should be.
The debate to determine the state flower of Texas has been long and heated. Another of the candidate flowers for status included the cotton boll, which is the fluffy white pod of the cotton plant. In those days, cotton was a very important flower, as it helped build the Texas economy.
Another candidate for the Texas state flower was the prickly pear. This suggestion was made by John Nance Garner, who later became vice president in 1932. Garner campaigned for this flower so zealously that he earned the nickname “Cactus Jack.”
Eventually, however, the bluebonnet came to be known as the state flower of Texas. This flower is said to have been suggested by a Dallas women’s club. The original species of Lupinus called the state flower of Texas was Lupinus subcarnosis.
However, Lupinus texensis is more showy and produces more colorful flowers. As a result, many Texans decided that this species of bluebonnet should instead be chosen as the state flower of Texas. After 70 years of debate, the Texas legislature has finally found a diplomatic solution to this problem.
In 1971, the legislature announced that all bluebonnet species would be considered the state flower. There are also three other common species of bluebonnets. Lupinus concinnus is the smallest of these species, while Lupinus havardii is the largest. Lupinus platensis is found in the northern part of Texas.
Many people believe it is illegal to pick the Texas state flower. While this is not true, individuals are not allowed to do certain things when harvesting bluebonnets. For example, they are not allowed to trespass on another person’s property. Individuals are also asked not to block traffic if they choose to pick flowers near roads.
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