It's a sure sign of spring, bluebonnets springing up on the side of the road.
We spotted bluebonnets along I-30 at State Highway 360 in Arlington, and NBC 5 viewer Maurie sent in a photo of bluebonnets in Palo Pinto County.
"The seeds left behind by annual wildflowers such as bluebonnets don't care if it's the worst drought in recorded history, as long as they get bouts of rain at the right time for germination and growth," said Damon Waitt, senior director for the wildflower center, in a news release last month.
Texas Department of Transportation buys and sows about 30,000 pounds of wildflower seed each year.
There are no laws against shooting photographs in the bluebonnets, nor is it illegal to pick a few, but TxDOT discourages picture-taking that damages the wildflowers. If too many wildflowers are trampled, they will die and not go to seed, and since many of these flowers are annuals, this means they have to go to seed to come back the next year. That's also why picking the flowers is discouraged.
For public sightings, visit the Wild About Texas Wildflowers website, contact the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) at 1-800-452-9292, or view TxDOT's online flora map. Additionally, more info can be found on the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's website.
Share your bluebonnet sightings in the comments section below, and send your bluebonnet photos (taken without trampling) to isee@nbcdfw.com or upload them here.
