A native wildflower of Texas, pastures and open fields turn into seas of blue during the month of April. Happy in most any type of soil, bluebonnets do well in full sun and prefer a gentle sloping hillside. Appreciated for its huge swaths of color over centuries, bluebonnets grow naturally throughout Texas. And as you may easily guess, the official flower of Texas must be the bluebonnet. Well, it just wasn't that easy. Texas legislators took this vote very seriously in 1901, and the colorful subject turned into a heated debate. Support for the cotton flower and cactus bloom quickly faded and a unanimous vote selected Lupinus subcarnosus, or the common bluebonnet. Well that vote only spurred on more debate from fellow Texans, expressing their preferences for showier strains of the Lupinus texensis. It took 70 years to solve the dilemma, voting to accept any variety of bluebonnet. So today, the Lone Star State honors all five species of bluebonnets.
   Often accompanied with red or orange Indian paintbrushes, Texas Hill Country is noted for its vast displays of bluebonnets. Ennis was chosen the official Bluebonnet City of Texas in 1997. Ennis also entertains thousands of guests during the month of April with its official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas. Sponsored by Ennis Garden Club, the trail showcases over 40 miles of back-country roads where bluebonnets blanket roadsides and open fields from April 1 through April 30. Although bluebonnets peak near the middle of the month, it's best to check in at the Ennis Welcome Center to locate the best route during your visit. Sparked with ample rainfall, these colorful fields of Texas bluebonnets may be one more reason to celebrate spring.

     Area Map
     Bluebonnet Trail Driving Directions