Bluebonnets In Houston and Surrounding Areas

Is it illegal to pick Bluebonnets?

The Bluebonnets in Texas are what Shamrock’s are to Ireland. The Texas flower is entrenched in Texas culture and they have started to bloom. Bluebonnets are the perfect backdrop for a perfect family portrait. I’ve rounded up a few spots where you can find Bluebonnets.

Background Info On Texas Bluebonnets.

Technically, Texas has five state flowers! They are all different species of the Bluebonnet and grow in different regions with slight deviations in appearance. And it is legal (and encouraged!) to grow these beauties at your home (it’s best to plant them in the fall).

A common myth is that you cannot pick bluebonnets, and while that is not the case many Bluebonnet enthusiasts discourage from picking vast swathes of flowers. When it comes to taking the most epic Bluebonnet photo remember its all about your camera angle, even a small batch can seem more significant depending on the angle from which you take your picture. And remember to be kind to the flowers and minimize your stomping or squashing of them while you take your pictures.

My son many years ago with the Bluebonnets.

Bluebonnet Locations

Buffalo Bayou – You can park at The Dunlavy (restaurant) or on Allen Parkway’s paid parking area and walk the trail about half a mile, and you’ll find them past the first bridge.

Northwest Houston – You can find them in Cypress. Fallbrook near the Wortham subdivisions

The Woodlands. Visit the large Rob Fleming Park for patches of bluebonnets. The park is ideal for an afternoon out, and you can make a day of it and bring a picnic lunch. You can also enjoy the amenities, from fishing to the various playgrounds. Address: 6055 Creekside Forest, The Woodlands.

Stude Park  – Off White Oak Bayou at Studemont and White Oak (near I-10). This is a park so you won’t struggle to find parking or places to sit. Address: 1031 Studemont, Houston

Memorial Drive: there are many spots off Memorial Drive. If you park off Memorial Loop, you will find patches just a walk away near the road all the way to Loop 610.

White Oak Bayou near Loop 610 and 18th St.
The bayou that runs alongside TC Jester from W. 34th St. to Ella Boulevard usually has an abundance of flowers perfect for your pictures.

League City – Flowers have been spotted on Hwy. 96 in between I-45 and Hwy. 3. Be sure to check out Hometown Heroes Park at 1001 E. League City Parkway, League City.

Medical Center – On the corner of Almeda Road and S. MacGregor Way, a beautiful patch has been spotted, but it may be hard to access.

West Houston/Energy Corridor – Terry Hershey Park has lots of flowers to go around, and the park has great amenities to make for a good afternoon out, from the playgrounds, fishing and hiking trails. Address: 15200 Memorial Drive, Houston.

West Houston –Be sure to visit Blessington Farms if you live in West Houston. The farm plants Bluebonnets every year in its flower patch. Call ahead to check the status of their flower patch to make sure they are in full bloom. Address: 510 Chisholm Trail, Wallis.

North Houston/Spring – Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens have a small patch in its native wildflower/flower area but don’t expect a large field. Address: 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble.

Southwest Houston – The green spaces at the Willow Waterhole Greenway have plenty of patches of Bluebonnets. It’s a large park (291 acres), you won’t feel crowded by your fellow Houstonians. Address: 5300 Dryad Drive, Houston.

Sugar Land – Telfair‘s master-planned community has Bluebonnets blooming along the river that runs north-south through the territory, especially near the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land, located at New Territory and University Blvd.

Outskirts of Houston

If you drive along I-10 west toward San Antonio, you will encounter several patches not too far past Katy.

Drive out on Hwy. 290 toward Austin, and there are usually big patches near Washington County and east of Brenham. And while you’re out there, you can visit the Blue Bell Ice Cream creamery.

There are many spots in and near Brenham to take pictures, including Old Baylor Park and Washington on the Brazos historic site.

Drive north on I-45 toward Conroe and take exit 89; there are several patches along the road.

Enjoy the Texas Tradition of Chasing Bluebonnets in the Spring. Share your pics on our blog or Facebook page.