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This article is about the flower Bluebonnet. For information on the Australina parrot see Bluebonnet (bird).
| Bluebonnets
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Lupinus texensis
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| Scientific classification
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| Species
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Lupinus argenteus var. palmeri
Lupinus concinnus
Lupinus havardii
Lupinus plattensis
Lupinus subcarnosus
Lupinus texensis
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The bluebonnets, several North American species of Lupinus, are the state flower of Texas. They typically grow about 0.3 m (1 ft) tall. The shape of the petals of the flower resembles the bonnet worn by pioneer women to shield themselves from the sun.
On March 7, 1901, Lupinus subcarnosus (also known as Buffalo clover) became the only species of bluebonnet recognized as the state flower of Texas. However, Lupinus texensis (Texas bluebonnet) emerged as the favorite of most Texans. Their deep blue blossoms can be seen from March through May in most areas of Texas. So, in 1971, the Texas Legislature made any variety of bluebonnet the state flower. Lupinus texensis remains as the iconic Texas bluebonnet. Including L. subcarnosus, L. texensis, L. concinnus, L. plattensis and L. havardii.
Although Lupinus texensis is almost exclusively blue in the wild, Texas A&M University researchers were successful in breeding red and white strains, creating a Texas state flag in bluebonnets for the 1986 Texas Sesquicentennial. Further research led to a deep maroon strain -- the university's official color.
Lupinus argenteus var. palmeri formerly L. palmeri grows in California, Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, it is also commonly referred to as a bluebonnet lupine.
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