The fascinating story of why there are fifty state flowers in the United States and how they continue to be used to this day. Did you know that each of the fifty states has an official state flower? From the sweet-smelling magnolia of Mississippi to the vibrant orange blossom of Florida, each flower represents the unique character and natural beauty of its state. The tradition of state flowers began in the late 1800s and continues to this day. These flowers are not just symbols of their respective states but also an essential part of their culture and history.
50 State Flowers in the USA
It all began in the late 1800s when the United States was rapidly expanding, and the idea of having a flower to represent each state began to gain popularity. Each state had its unique flora and fauna, and people wanted to celebrate their natural beauty and diversity. So, in 1910, Ohio became the first state to adopt an official state flower, the scarlet carnation.
Over time, other states followed suit, and by 1985, all fifty states had an official state flower! These flowers range from the humble bluebonnet of Texas to the stunning hibiscus of Hawaii. Each one represents the unique character and natural beauty of its state and its people.
But what about today? Are these state flowers still relevant? You bet they are! The state flowers are used in a variety of ways to this day. They can be found on state flags, in state songs, and even in state holiday celebrations. For example, the goldenrod is the state flower of Kentucky, and it is used in their annual Goldenrod Gala.
State flowers are also used to promote tourism and encourage people to visit each state. Many state parks and attractions highlight their state flower, and visitors can take guided tours to see them in their natural habitats. Or as a symbol like the Florida State Flower stands for purity and new beginnings in all kinds of celebrations.
Let's Dive Into the World of State Flowers
When it comes to state symbols, few are as beautiful and representative as state flowers. Each state in the US has its own unique flower, chosen to represent the state's natural beauty, history, and culture. In this guide, we'll explore all 50 state flowers alphabetically with their meanings, their fascinating stories, and why they were chosen. And if you're a US citizen... what is your state flower?
Alabama State Flower - Camellia (Camellia japonica)
The Camellia was named Alabama's state flower in 1959. This stunning flower comes in a variety of colors, from white to pink to red, and is known for its ability to bloom in the winter months. It is said to represent grace, excellence, and perfection.
Alaska State Flower - Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis alpestris)
Alaska's state flower is the Forget-Me-Not, chosen in 1917. These small, delicate blue flowers are often seen growing in meadows and along streams. They represent love and fond memories.
Arizona State Flower - Saguaro Cactus Blossom
The Saguaro Cactus Blossom was designated as Arizona's state flower in 1931. This flower is unique in that it only blooms for one night each year, and is pollinated by bats. It represents resilience and survival in the harsh desert climate.
Arkansas State Flower - Apple Blossom
Arkansas chose the Apple Blossom as its state flower in 1901. These sweet-smelling flowers grow on apple trees and are known for their beauty and fragrance. They represent the state's apple industry, as well as the beauty of springtime in Arkansas.
California State Flower - California Poppy
California's state flower is the California Poppy, chosen in 1903. This bright orange flower is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in harsh conditions. It represents the state's natural beauty and spirit of independence.
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Colorado State Flower - Rocky Mountain Columbine
The Rocky Mountain Columbine was named Colorado's state flower in 1899. This unique flower has white petals with purple accents and is found growing in the high altitude of the Rocky Mountains. It represents the state's rugged beauty and resilience.
Connecticut State Flower - Mountain Laurel
Connecticut's state flower is the Mountain Laurel, chosen in 1907. This stunning flower grows in the state's wooded areas and is known for its large clusters of pink and white blooms. It represents the state's natural beauty and resilience.
Delaware State Flower - Peach Blossom
Delaware chose the Peach Blossom as its state flower in 1895. These delicate pink flowers grow on peach trees and represent the state's peach industry, as well as the beauty of springtime in Delaware.
Florida State Flower - Orange Blossom
The official state flower of Florida is the Orange Blossom. The Orange Blossom is the fragrant flower of the orange tree (Citrus sinensis) and is particularly associated with the state due to Florida's historical prominence in citrus agriculture, especially orange cultivation. The Orange Blossom was designated as the state flower in 1909. Its delicate white petals and sweet fragrance make it a symbol of Florida's natural beauty and agricultural heritage. Additionally, the Orange Blossom holds cultural significance, often used in weddings and celebrations as a symbol of purity and new beginnings.
Georgia State Flower - Cherokee Rose
Georgia's state flower is the Cherokee Rose, chosen in 1916. Legend has it that the rose grew along the Trail of Tears, the route taken by Native Americans forced to relocate to Oklahoma. It represents the state's history and resilience.
Hawaii State Flower - Yellow Hibiscus
The Yellow Hibiscus was named Hawaii's state flower in 1988. This bright yellow flower is known for its beauty and represents the spirit of aloha, or love and hospitality.
Idaho State Flower - Syringa
Idaho's state flower is the Syringa, chosen in 1931. This fragrant white flower grows on lilac bushes and represents the state's rugged beauty and hardiness.
Illinois State Flower - Violet
Illinois chose the Violet as its state flower in 1908. This small purple flower is commonly found growing in wooded areas and represents the state's natural beauty.
Indiana State Flower - Peony
Indiana's state flower is the Peony, designated in 1957. This large, fragrant flower comes in a variety of colors and represents the state's love of horticulture and gardening.
Iowa State Flower - Wild Prairie Rose
The Wild Prairie Rose was named Iowa's state flower in 1897. This fragrant pink flower grows on wild rose bushes and represents the state's natural beauty and spirit of resilience.
Kansas State Flower - Sunflower
Kansas's state flower is the Sunflower, chosen in 1903. This tall yellow flower is known for its beauty and resilience and represents the state's agricultural industry.
Kentucky State Flower - Goldenrod
Kentucky chose the Goldenrod as its state flower in 1926. This bright yellow flower is commonly found growing in fields and meadows and represents the state's natural beauty and hospitality.
Louisiana State Flower - Magnolia
The Magnolia was designated as Louisiana's state flower in 1900. This large white flower is known for its beauty and fragrance and represents the state's southern charm and hospitality.
Maine State Flower - White Pine Cone and Tassel
Maine's state flower is the White Pine Cone and Tassel, designated in 1895. This unique flower is actually the cone and tassel of the white pine tree and represents the state's natural beauty and history.
Maryland State Flower - Black-Eyed Susan
Maryland chose the Black-Eyed Susan as its state flower in 1918. This bright yellow flower is commonly found growing in fields and meadows and represents the state's natural beauty and spirit of resilience.
Massachusetts State Flower - Mayflower
The Mayflower was named Massachusetts's state flower in 1918. This small white flower grows in wooded areas and represents the state's history and spirit of independence.
Michigan State Flower - Apple Blossom
Michigan's state flower is the Apple Blossom, chosen in 1897. This sweet-smelling flower grows on apple trees and represents the state's apple industry, as well as the beauty of springtime in Michigan.
Minnesota State Flower - Pink and White Lady's Slipper
The Pink and White Lady's Slipper was designated as Minnesota's state flower in 1967. This unique flower has pink and white petals and is commonly found growing in wooded areas. It represents the state's natural beauty and spirit of independence.
Mississippi State Flower - Magnolia
Mississippi's state flower is the Magnolia, chosen in 1952. This large white flower is known for its beauty and fragrance and represents the state's southern charm and hospitality.
Missouri State Flower - Hawthorn
Missouri chose the Hawthorn as its state flower in 1923. This fragrant white flower grows on hawthorn bushes and represents the state's natural beauty and spirit of resilience.
Montana State Flower - Bitterroot
The Bitterroot was named Montana's state flower in 1895. This pink flower is commonly found growing in mountainous areas and represents the state's rugged beauty and hardiness.
Nebraska State Flower - Goldenrod (Solidago Gigantea)
Nebraska's state flower is the Goldenrod, designated in 1895. This bright yellow flower is commonly found growing in fields and meadows and represents the state's natural beauty and spirit of hospitality.
Nevada State Flower - Sagebrush
Nevada's state flower is the Sagebrush, designated in 1959. This small, silver-gray shrub is commonly found growing in desert areas and represents the state's unique natural beauty
New Hampshire State Flower - Purple Lilac
The Purple Lilac was named New Hampshi's state flower in 1919. This fragrant purple flower is commonly found growing in gardens and represents the state's love of horticulture and gardening.
New Jersey State Flower - Violet
New Jersey also chose the Violet as its state flower in 1971. This small purple flower is commonly found growing in wooded areas and represents the state's natural beauty.
New Mexico State Flower - Yucca Flower
New Mexico's state flower is the Yucca Flower, designated in 1927. This white flower grows on the yucca plant and represents the state's unique natural beauty and resilience.
New York State Flower - Rose
New York's state flower is the Rose, designated in 1955. This beautiful flower comes in a variety of colors and represents the state's love of beauty and diversity.
North Carolina State Flower - Dogwood
North Carolina chose Dogwood as its state flower in 1941. This white or pink flower is commonly found growing on Dogwood trees and represents the state's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
North Dakota State Flower - Wild Prairie Rose
North Dakota also chose the Wild Prairie Rose as its state flower in 1907. This beautiful pink flower grows in prairies and represents the state's natural beauty.
Ohio State Flower - Scarlet Carnation
Ohio's state flower is the Scarlet Carnation, designated in 1904. This bright red flower represents the state's love of horticulture and was chosen in honor of President William McKinley, an Ohio native who often wore a red carnation on his lapel.
Oklahoma State Flower - Mistletoe
Oklahoma's state flower is the Mistletoe, designated in 1893. This small white flower grows on trees and represents the state's unique natural beauty and resilience.
Oregon State Flower - Oregon Grape
Oregon's state flower is the Oregon Grape, designated in 1899. This small yellow flower grows on an evergreen shrub and represents the state's love of nature and unique natural beauty.
Pennsylvania State Flower - Mountain Laurel
Pennsylvania chose the Mountain Laurel as its state flower in 1933. This beautiful pink and white flower is commonly found growing in wooded areas and represents the state's natural beauty.
Rhode Island State Flower - Violet
Rhode Island's state flower is the Violet, designated in 1968. This small purple flower is commonly found growing in wooded areas and represents the state's natural beauty.
South Carolina State Flower - Yellow Jessamine
South Carolina's state flower is the Yellow Jessamine, designated in 1924. This bright yellow flower grows on a vine and represents the state's natural beauty and resilience.
South Dakota State Flower - Pasque Flower
The Pasque Flower was named South Dakota's state flower in 1903. This small purple flower grows in prairies and represents the state's unique natural beauty and resilience.
Tennessee State Flower - Iris
Tennessee chose the Iris as its state flower in 1933. This beautiful flower comes in a variety of colors and represents the state's love of beauty and unique natural beauty.
Texas State Flower - Bluebonnet
Texas's state flower is the Bluebonnet, designated in 1901. This beautiful blue flower grows in fields and represents the state's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
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Utah State Flower - Sego Lily
The Sego Lily was named Utah's state flower in 1911. This small white flower grows in high-altitude meadows and represents the state's unique natural beauty and resilience.
Vermont State Flower - Red Clover
Vermont's state flower is the Red Clover, designated in 1894. This small pink flower grows in fields and represents the state's love of farming and agriculture.
Virginia State Flower - Dogwood
Virginia also chose Dogwood as its state flower in 1918. This white or pink flower is commonly found growing on Dogwood trees and represents the state's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Washington State Flower - Coast Rhododendron
Washington's state flower is the Coast Rhododendron, designated in 1959. This large pink flower grows in abundance in the state's coastal region and represents the state's natural beauty.
West Virginia State Flower - Rhododendron
West Virginia also chose the Rhododendron as its state flower in 1903. This beautiful pink flower grows in abundance in the state's mountainous regions and represents the state's natural beauty.
Wisconsin State Flower - Wood Violet
Wisconsin's state flower is the Wood Violet, designated in 1909. This small purple flower is commonly found growing in wooded areas and represents the state's natural beauty.
Wyoming State Flower - Indian Paintbrush
Wyoming's state flower is the Indian Paintbrush, designated in 1917. This beautiful red and orange flower grows in abundance in the state's prairies and represents the state's unique natural beauty.
Unique Stories
Each state flower tells a unique story about the history and natural beauty of its respective state. Whether it's the rose in New York representing the state's love of beauty or the Indian Paintbrush in Wyoming representing the state's prairies, these flowers provide a window into the diverse landscape and cultural heritage of the United States.
This is the story of why there are fifty state flowers in the United States and how they continue to be relevant to this day. I hope this has brought a smile to your face and a renewed appreciation for the natural beauty of our country.
The List and Its Common + Bontanical Names
Alabama - Camellia (Camellia japonica)
Alaska - Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis alpestris)
Arizona - Saguaro Cactus Blossom (Carnegiea gigantea)
Arkansas - Apple Blossom (Pyrus coronaria)
California - California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Colorado - Rocky Mountain Columbine (Aquilegia coerulea)
Connecticut - Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
Delaware - Peach Blossom (Prunus persica)
Florida - Orange Blossom (Citrus sinensis)
Georgia - Cherokee Rose (Rosa laevigata)
Hawaii - Hawaiian Hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei)
Idaho - Syringa (Philadelphus lewisii)
Illinois - Violet (Viola)
Indiana - Peony (Paeonia)
Iowa - Wild Prairie Rose (Rosa arkansana)
Kansas - Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Kentucky - Goldenrod (Solidago altissima)
Louisiana - Magnolia (Magnolia)
Maine - White Pine Cone and Tassel (Pinus strobus)
Maryland - Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Massachusetts - Mayflower (Epigaea repens)
Michigan - Apple Blossom (Pyrus coronaria)
Minnesota - Pink and White Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium reginae)
Mississippi - Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
Missouri - Hawthorn (Crataegus)
Montana - Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva)
Nebraska - Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea)
Nevada - Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)
New Hampshire - Purple Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
New Jersey - Purple Violet (Viola sororia)
New Mexico - Yucca Flower (Yucca glauca)
New York - Rose (Rosa)
North Carolina - Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
North Dakota - Wild Prairie Rose (Rosa arkansana)
Ohio - Scarlet Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
Oklahoma - Mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum)
Oregon - Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Pennsylvania - Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
Rhode Island - Violet (Viola sororia)
South Carolina - Yellow Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens)
South Dakota - Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla hirsutissima)
Tennessee - Iris (Iris)
Texas - Bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis)
Utah - Sego Lily (Calochortus nuttallii)
Vermont - Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Virginia - American Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Washington - Coast Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum)
West Virginia - Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum)
Wisconsin - Wood Violet (Viola papilionacea)
Wyoming - Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja linariifolia)
