Bluebonnet (plant)

Bluebonnet at the Ivy Reservoir, Texas

Bluebonnet is a name given to any number of species of the genus Lupinus predominantly found in southwestern United States and is collectively the state flower of Texas. The shape of the petals of the flower resembles the bonnet worn by pioneer women to shield themselves from the sun.^{[citation needed]}. Species often called Bluebonnets include:

• Lupinus texensis, Texas Bluebonnet or Texas Lupine
• Lupinus havardii, Big Bend Bluebonnet or Chisos Bluebonnet
• Lupinus argenteus, Silvery Lupine
• Lupinus concinnus, Bajada Lupine
• Lupinus plattensis, Nebraska Lupine
• Lupinus subcarnosus, Sandyland Bluebonnet or Buffalo Clover

On March 7, 1901, Lupinus subcarnosus became the only species of bluebonnet recognized as the state flower of Texas", however Lupinus texensis emerged as the favorite of most Texans. So, in 1971, the Texas Legislature made any similar species of Lupinus that could be found in Texas the state flower". Their deep blue blossoms can be seen from March through May in most areas of Texas.^{[citation needed]}