As Texas inches its way closer to summer weather, with it comes the dazzling displays of Texas wildflowers that marry together the spring and summer seasons. For those planning a wildflower-centric road trip this summer or simply going for a cruise somewhere across the state, it does beg the question: Is it illegal to pick these beloved blooms?
The overall answer is no, but as with so many things, there are some stipulations. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed that picking bluebonnets specifically, and wildflowers in general within Texas, isn’t illegal, but there are some laws in place that could limit where and how many you pluck.
Here in Texas, there are laws protecting rights-of-way areas and government property, so those who attempt to either dig up large clusters of wildflowers or drive into fields of them can be held liable. If you spot some wildflowers at a Texas state park, those laws are in place, and it is illegal to “pick, cut, or destroy any plant life on park grounds,” per Take Care of Texas.
Private properties have similar protections, and people who stop to take photos of wildflowers or collect them from a private property can be charged with criminal trespassing.
While wildflower peeping is a Texas rite of passage, Texas DPS urged drivers to be aware of their surroundings and pull over in a safe area with reduced traffic levels to properly gaze and take in the field displays. Similarly, be aware of your surroundings when walking into a wildflower field — nothing can dim a wildflower peeping afternoon quite like an impromptu rendezvous with snakes, fire ants and other critters.