Fields of bluebonnets are peaking just outside of DFW. Here’s where to find them

It has been a banner wildflower season across much of Texas but in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we have to wait a little longer.

While bluebonnets have been visible along roadsides for several weeks, the dramatic fields of blue don’t start popping until mid-April.

That’s happening right now in Ellis County, where Ennis was dubbed the “Official Bluebonnet City of Texas” by the Texas Legislature in 1997.

There are 40 miles of mapped trails north and south of town and they’re beginning to reach their peak.

“This is a better season than in the past couple of years,” said Sandy Anderson, chairwoman of the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails. “We will will peak between this weekend and the and week of the 21st.”

Photos posted this week are showing pastures covered in bluebonnets with some Indian paintbrush mixed in.

Drivers are advised to download the Ennis Y’All cellphone app or stop by the Ennis Convention and Visitors Bureau in downtown Ennis for maps. It takes about two hours to drive both trails, Anderson said.

Be safe while enjoying bluebonnets

▪ Keep the vehicles out of the wildflowers.

▪ Make sure to signal when exiting the road to check out bluebonnets.

▪ Park well off the roadway.

▪ Don’t cross lanes of traffic to reach bluebonnets.

▪ Don’t trespass on private property for that perfect bluebonnet photo.

▪ When in a bluebonnet field, beware of snakes and fire ants.

▪ It is illegal to pick wildflowers in state parks.

For more information, go to visitennis.org, bluebonnettrail.org or call 972-878-4748.

This story was originally published April 12, 2019 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Fields of bluebonnets are peaking just outside of DFW. Here’s where to find them."