AUSTIN, Texas — Bluebonnets, the Lone Star State's official state flower, are beloved by Texans everywhere. Many feel fiercely protective of the wildflower, which blankets fields and highway roadsides every spring.
Because bluebonnets are sacred to many, a lot of Texans grow up believing it's illegal to pick the flower.
Recently, when country singer and Texas native Kacey Musgraves posted a photo of herself on Instagram, holding a bouquet of bluebonnets, the comments were flooded with fans who were either certain it was illegal to pick the flower or who expressed confusion about whether or not it is legal.
So, can you legally pick bluebonnets in Texas? Yes, you can.
According to the Texas State Law Library, there is not a law on the books about picking bluebonnets. However, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said in a 2015 press release that there are laws that are flower-picking-adjacent.
"While there is no law against picking the state flower, laws do exist against damaging or destroying rights-of-way and government property," DPS said. "So even though picking a few flowers may be okay, individuals should not dig up clusters of flowers or drive their vehicle into a field of flowers."
DPS said flower fans should also consider laws against criminal trespassing and ensure that they're not on private property when they stop to enjoy or take photos in bluebonnets. It's also important to always be aware of snakes, ants and other critters that could be lurking in the blooms.
DPS said those who wish to enjoy the flowers up close should signal before leaving or entering a roadway; park off the roadway, off of improved shoulders and parallel to the road in the direction of traffic; and obey signs that prohibit parking on a particular stretch of road.
So, again, it actually is legal to pick bluebonnets – you just need to be careful if you do.
And don't worry: you weren't alone in thinking it was against the law. Even Musgraves replied to one fan's comment, saying, "I thought it was my whole life too."