We all know each state has its own dedicated flower to represent it, so we thought it would be fun to go through and list them alphabetically!
Jump to your state by selecting the first letter:
C | D | F | G | H | I | K | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | U | V | W
ALABAMA
State Flower: Camellia (Camellia japonica)
Became Official: 1959
The official state flower of Alabama is the Camellia. The camellia is found throughout the State Parks of Alabama, and about two-thirds of the U.S. camellia crops are cultivated in Alabama!
ALASKA
State Flower: Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis alpestris)
Became Official: 1917
The official state flower of Alaska is the Forget-Me-Not. Did you know Alaska had its dedicated flower before it was even a state? Adopted in 1907 by pioneers who arrived in Alaska, it became the official emblem 42 years before Alaska became the 49th state.
ARIZONA
State Flower: Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea)
Became Official: 1931
The official state flower of Arizona is the Saguaro. These flowers grow on the giant saguaro, the largest cactus in the country. This plant is very important to Arizona’s desert wildlife and thrives in the dry heat of the desert.
ARKANSAS
State Flower: Apple Blossom (Pyrus coronaria)
Became Official: 1901
The official state flower of Arkansas is the Apple Blossom. There once was a time where Arkansas was one of the largest apple producers in the United States, which is why the apple blossom was deemed the official state flower. This is no longer the case today, but the flower continues to have a significant presence in the state throughout April and May.
CALIFORNIA
State Flower: California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Became Official: 1903
The official state flower of California is the California Poppy. This beautiful flower grows wild throughout the state of California, turning hills golden by its presence! A fun fact about this flower would be that it loves to take root in difficult soil, whether it’s sandy, walked through, or disturbed in some way - they still bloom!
COLORADO
State Flower: White & Lavender Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea)
Became Official: 1899
The official state flower of Colorado is the White & Lavender Columbine. This mountain wildflower is actually quite rare in Colorado. They are mostly found at high elevations and grow in the mountains in rich, rocky soil.
CONNECTICUT
State Flower: Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
Became Official: 1907
The official state flower of Connecticut is the Mountain Laurel. Every year visitors head to Norfolk to hike amongst the stunning blooms of the Mountain Laurel bushes. Be wary though, most parts of these flowering plants are poisonous to wildlife and humans!
DELAWARE
State Flower: Peach Blossom (Prunus Persica)
Became Official: 1895
The official state flower of Delaware is the Peach Blossom. Did you know that Delaware was the original “peach” state? Back in the 1800s, Peach Blossoms could be found blooming across the shoreline of Delaware’s coast. Currently, they are rare to find due to the downfall of Delaware’s agricultural industry in the early 1900s.
FLORIDA
State Flower: Orange Blossom (Citrus sinensis)
Became Official: 1909
The official state flower of Florida is the Orange Blossom! Florida is the largest producer of oranges in the United States, so it’s no surprise that the state flower is the Orange Blossom! This flower is used for many things - from flavoring honey to natural skin care products, and even aromatherapy products.
GEORGIA
State Flower: Cherokee Rose (Rosa laevigata)
Became Official: 1916
The official state flower of Georgia is the Cherokee Rose. The Cherokee Rose has a rich history with the state of Georgia. This rose is native to China but was brought over to the United States in the 1700s. Within 50 years, the rose showed up in gardens all over the state, and was also planted by the Native American Cherokee!
HAWAII
State Flower: Hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei)
Became Official: 1988
The official state flower of Hawaii is the Hibiscus. Each island of Hawaii has a different flower to represent it, but the overall official state flower of Hawaii is the amazing, tropical Hibiscus. It’s not just any hibiscus that represents the state though, very recently, in 1988, it was the yellow hibiscus that was elected the state flower.
IDAHO
State Flower: Syringa (Philadelphus lewisii)
Became Official: 1931
The official state flower of Idaho is the Syringa. This gorgeous wildflower turns Idaho’s late springtime hillsides into a snow-white winter with their blooms. The scent of this flower is similar to the Orange Blossom, earning it the nickname of “mock orange.”
ILLINOIS
State Flower: Violet (Violet viola)
Became Official: 1908
The official state flower of Illinois is the Violet. It’s clear why the Violet is Illinois' official state flower, they grow in abundance throughout the state throughout Spring and Summer. Specifically, the Dooryard Violet, which is one of the only flowers to produce two different types of flowers at two different times of the year!
INDIANA
State Flower: Peony (Paeonia)
Became Official: 1957
The official state flower of Indiana is the Peony. Why the peony for Indiana? Some of the earliest peonies to arrive in the United States in the 1800s are located in Indiana, and are still growing today! The peony is also known for its ability to withstand harsh temperatures and cold winters - allowing them to thrive in Indiana’s climate.
IOWA
State Flower: Wild Rose (Rosa acicularis)
Became Official: 1897
The official state flower of Iowa is the Wild Rose. Iowa lawmakers chose the Wild Rose to represent their state due to the fact that these breathtaking flowers bloomed every year in the state’s harsh, dry landscape every Summer. They didn’t specify just one type of Wild Rose either, they included any Wild Rose within the state’s borders.
KANSAS
State Flower: Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Became Official: 1903
The official state flower of Kansas is the Sunflower. Sunflowers flourish all over the state of Kansas in the summer and are a symbol of the state’s “frontier days, winding trails, pathless prairies” and the state’s present and future. A Kansas lawmaker got the idea in the late 1800s when he noticed locals wearing Sunflowers and identifying themselves as being from “the Sunflower State!”
KENTUCKY
State Flower: Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea)
Became Official: 1926
The official state flower of Kansas is the Goldenrod. Goldenrod is a newer official flower for the state of Kentucky, replacing Bluegrass in 1926 - mainly because Bluegrass is only grass, and gardeners around the state complained that the grass did not represent the state as a whole. They specifically chose the Solidago Gigantea species, which grows up to twice as tall as other Goldenrod variations!
If you're looking for a source for local flowers in Kentucky, we'd love you to meet In Bloom Flower Farm out of Georgetown! Check out our blog, "6 American Farmer Florists We'd Love to You Meet" to learn more!
LOUISIANA
State Flower: Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
Became Official: 1900
The official state flower of Louisiana is the Magnolia. Residents of Louisiana are very proud of their beautiful state flower with Southern charm; they’ve added the Magnolia name to several streets, historical houses, and schools across the state. Magnolias have a very long and rich history - for example, President Andrew Jackson transplanted a Magnolia tree from his home to the White House in memory of his wife!
MAINE
State Flower: White Pine Cone (Pinus strobus, linnaeus)
Became Official: 1895
The official state flower of Maine is the White Pine Cone. Maine is an interesting one because it’s the only state that does not have a flower as its official state flower! Maine is known as the Pine Tree State, so lawmakers decided to choose the White Pine Cone to represent it. The Pine Tree dominates the landscape of Maine, and lumber products from the tree have boosted the state’s economy since the 1600s!
MARYLAND
State Flower: Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Became Official: 1918
The official state flower of Maryland is the Black-Eyed Susan. Maryland named the Back-Eyed Susan their official state flower in 1918 for a couple of reasons! First, it’s a beautiful bloom that welcomes visitors to the natural landscapes throughout the state. Second, it has 13 petals, which is the same number of original American colonies which Maryland was included in! Lastly, it shares the same colors as the Maryland state flag.
MASSACHUSETTS
State Flower: Mayflower (Epigaea repens)
Became Official: 1918
The official state flower of Massachusetts is the Mayflower. Anyone familiar with America’s history knows why the Mayflower was chosen! Not only is it a common state flower, but it was also the name of the vessel that carried over the pilgrims to the shores of Massachusetts in 1620. A fun fact about this flower is that it has been illegal to remove the flower from nature since 1925, due to their leaves being over-collected for wreath making.
MICHIGAN
State Flower: Apple Blossom (Pyrus coronaria)
Became Official: 1897
The official state flower of Michigan is the Apple Blossom. Michigan and Arkansas share the same state flower, the Apple Blossom! Lawmakers did, however, single out the flowers of the crabapple to be the actual state flower. These trees are abundant around the shores of Lake Michigan and Michiganders even throw an annual Blossomtime Festival to celebrate the arrival of the blooms.
MINNESOTA
State Flower: Pink & White Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium reginae)
Became Official: 1902
The official state flower of Minnesota is the Pink & White Lady's Slipper. Minnesota has a law to protect these gorgeous orchid flowers - since 1925, it has been illegal to pick or disturb these flowers where they grow in any way! The Lady’s Slipper is just one of 43 variations of orchids that grow throughout the state.
MISSISSIPPI
State Flower: Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
Became Official: 1952
The official state flower of Mississippi is the Magnolia. Just like Louisiana, residents of Mississippi (AKA “The Magnolia State”) adore their official state flower. Not only is it the state flower of Mississippi though - it’s also their state tree! The state flower was selected by the schoolchildren of Mississippi through an election held in 1900 - but didn’t officially become the state flower until 1952!
MISSOURI
State Flower: White Hawthorn Blossom (Crataegus)
Became Official: 1923
The official state flower of Missouri is the White Hawthorn Blossom. Missouri is home to over 75 species of Hawthorn! The legislation does not single out one variety as the state flower, but the Missouri Department of Conservation believes the Downy Hawthorn should receive the recognition. The Hawthorn tree has many purposes, from producing valuable fruit for jams and medicines, and acting as shelter for wildlife.
MONTANA
State Flower: Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva)
Became Official: 1895
The official state flower of Montana is the Bitterroot! Bitterroot was discovered by explorers Lewis and Clark, and named by the leader of their expedition - but was being used by the Native Americans in the area long before they discovered it. This flower grows around the base and valleys of the mountains in Western Montana. The Bitterroot Mountains, the Bitterroot Valley, and the Bitterroot River all owe their names to this beautiful purplish-pink bloom.
NEBRASKA
State Flower: Goldenrod (Soldiago gigantea)
Became Official: 1985
The official state flower of Nebraska is the Goldenrod. Nebraska shares the same state flower as Kentucky (also the state wildflower of South Carolina.) It was chosen to represent the pioneering spirit through its ability to thrive in harsh conditions and to “foster a feeling of pride in our state, and simulate an interest in the history and traditions of the commonwealth.”
NEVADA
State Flower: Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)
Became Official: 1917
The official state flower of Nevada is Sagebrush, Sagebrush is known for being able to grow in the desert, where other plants cannot. It is able to keep leaves all year round, where the sheep and cattle can eat them throughout the winter. It grows so thickly in some areas that it actually slowed down the famous cattle drives of the Old West! They produce yellow flowers in late Summer that bring color to the desert landscape.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
State Flower: Purple Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
Became Official: 1919
The official state flower of New Hampshire is the Purple Lilac. Lilac bushes can live for hundreds of years, and the hardiness of the flower inspired lawmakers to choose it because it symbolizes the robust character of the men and women of the state. The Purple Lilac was initially brought over from England and planted at the home of the Governor at the time, Benning Wentworth in 1750.
NEW JERSEY
State Flower: Common Meadow Violet (Viola sororia)
Became Official: 1971
The official state flower of New Jersey is the Common Meadow Violet. New Jersey very recently made their state flower official in 1971 - but was adopted unofficially as the state flower in 1913. There are several states that have the Violet as their official flower; Rhode Island, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The Common Meadow Violet is the most common species out of the 400+ other varieties and can be found blooming anywhere in New Jersey from March to June each year.
NEW MEXICO
State Flower: Yucca (Yucca glauca)
Became Official: 1927
The official state flower of New Mexico is the Yucca. The early settlers of New Mexico referred to the beautiful sight of the Yucca flower as “our Lord’s candles” or “lamps of the Lord” due to its beautiful glow under the moonlight in the desert. This flowering plant is abundant in New Mexico’s grassy desert highlands and was made the state flower officially in 1927.
NEW YORK
State Flower: Rose (Rosa)
Became Official: 1955
The official state flower of New York is the Rose. Which rose, specifically, you may be asking? All of them! New York lawmakers didn’t want to play favorites, and chose in 1955 the Rose “in any color or combination of colors common to it.” The Rose is also America’s national flower, symbolizing love and beauty. All throughout the state of New York, you can visit beautiful rose gardens made for tourists to come and see the stunning bloom.
NORTH CAROLINA
State Flower: Flowering Dogwood (Cornus Florida)
Became Official: 1941
The official state flower of North Carolina is the Flowering Dogwood. The Dogwood tree is one of the most common trees found from border to border in North Carolina, which made it the perfect candidate as the official state flower. This incredible flowering tree blooms in Springtime continues into Summer, and in Autumn when the flowers fall off, it becomes a beautiful display of orange, red, and scarlet leaves with red berries. In the Winter, tiny button-shaped buds emerge from the twigs, making it an all-year-round enchanting display of nature!
If you're looking for a source for local flowers in North Carolina, we'd love you to meet Wild Flora Farm out of Chapel Hill! Check out our blog, "6 American Farmer Florists We'd Love to You Meet" to learn more!
NORTH DAKOTA
State Flower: Wild Prairie Rose (Rosa arkansana)
Became Official: 1907
The official state flower of North Dakota is the Wild Prairie Rose. The USDA may consider the Wild Prairie Rose a weed, but we think it’s a very charming flower! The Wild Prairie Rose grows and spreads like wildfire across the state in natural settings - even in cities. Locals love the fragrance of the flower and love to pick them because of it.
OHIO
State Flower: Scarlet Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
Became Official: 1904
The official state flower of Ohio is the Scarlet Carnation. The Scarlet (red) Carnation was chosen by Ohio residents for a very profound reason. It was chosen back in 1904 to honor President William McKinley who was assassinated in 1901. He was known to wear red Carnations on the lapel of his jacket and said the flower represents love, respect, and reverence. There’s even a Carnation City, Ohio, where each year they celebrate the state flower during the Carnation Festival!
If you're looking for a source for local flowers in Ohio, we'd love you to meet Tracey Rae Farmer Florist out in Midland! Check out our blog, "6 American Farmer Florists We'd Love to You Meet" to learn more!
OKLAHOMA
State Flower: Oklahoma Rose (Rosa odorata)
Became Official: 2004
The official state flower of Oklahoma is the Oklahoma Rose. The Oklahoma Rose is a newer symbolic flower for the state, becoming the official flower in 2004! The original and oldest Oklahoma state floral symbol was the mistletoe, but lawmakers never made it a symbol because of its parasitic nature. The Oklahoma rose is fragrant and beautiful and is adored by residents throughout the state.
OREGON
State Flower: Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium)
Became Official: 1899
The official state flower of Oregon is the Oregon Grape. From the name, you may think that the state flower is a fruit and not a flower. That actually isn’t the case, this flowering plant does produce grape-like berries, but it also produces small, gorgeous yellow and green flowers with a spicy scent. It was another flower mentioned by explorers, Lewis and Clark, on their expedition, where it was referred to as “mountain holly.”
PENNSYLVANIA
State Flower: Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latiflolia)
Became Official: 1933
The official state flower of Pennsylvania is the Mountain Laurel. Just like Connecticut, the Mountain Laurel is the perfect flower to represent Pennsylvania because it’s everywhere there! The mountainsides are covered with the flower by mid-June, and travelers from all over the state visit, specifically the Appalachian Mountains, to see them in bloom.
RHODE ISLAND
State Flower: Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia)
Became Official: 1968
The official state flower of Rhode Island is the Common Blue Violet. There are four states with the Violet as their official flower, but Rhode Island was the first to make the Violet official in 1968. They are spotted mainly in the northern part of the state, and are also used for flavoring and for cake decorating!
If you're looking for a source for local flowers in Rhode Island, we'd love you to meet Robin Hollow Farm out of Saunderstown! Check out our blog, "6 American Farmer Florists We'd Love to You Meet" to learn more!
SOUTH CAROLINA
State Flower: Yellow Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens)
Became Official: 1924
The official state flower of South Carolina is the Yellow Jessamine. Those who live in South Carolina love their state flower because of its beautiful yellow blooms and vine that winds around everything; making everything beautiful! It is referred to as the “mailbox plant” because many people have it grow around their mailboxes for decoration. This absolutely stunning flower has a very sweet fragrance that draws anyone in, but beware, it is poisonous when eaten!
SOUTH DAKOTA
State Flower: American Pasque (Pulsatilla hirsutissima)
Became Official: 1903
The official state flower of South Dakota is the American Pasque. The Pasque flower has been a resident of South Dakota for some time, even becoming the subject of Native American songs and legends before it became South Dakota’s official flower in 1903. It is a very hardy flower that can withstand cold temperatures, with a stem that is covered with silky hairs that help to insulate it.
TENNESSEE
State Flower: Iris (Iridaceae)
Became Official: 1973
The official state flower of Tennessee is the Iris. Every year Tennessee residents host the Iris Festival, where they can go to see a floral show, and celebrate the state flower with family, food, and fun activities. Interestingly, the Passion Flower was the first state flower of Tennessee, chosen by school children in the late 1910s. Lawmakers noticed the popularity of the Iris flower growing in the 1930s and proposed that the Iris should be the state’s flower. Passion flower enthusiasts were not very happy about the proposal, which led to 40 years of indecision - when finally the Iris was made official in 1973.
TEXAS
State Flower: Bluebonnet (Lupinus)
Became Official: 1901
The official state flower of Texas is the Bluebonnet. In 1971, the Texas state government expanded the “Lupinus texensis” state flower definition to include all native species of Bluebonnets. This species of flower only grows in Texas, and there is evidence that it is an indigenous species to North America. Texas was the first state in the nation to plant flowers alongside the state highways, and yes, you guessed it, they were the Bluebonnets!
If you're looking for a source for local flowers in Texas, we'd love you to meet Camellia Farm Flora out of Fort Worth! Check out our blog, "6 American Farmer Florists We'd Love to You Meet" to learn more!
UTAH
State Flower: Sego Lily (Calochortus gunnisonii)
Became Official: 1911
The official state flower of Utah is the Sego Lily. The Sego Lily has a history with the first Utah settlers - using their bulbs to survive when the crops were scarce. That is why it was a clear choice for the state lawmakers to make it official back in 1911. It is a beautiful and unique flower and flourishes in hot, dry conditions and sandy soil.
VERMONT
State Flower: Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Became Official: 1895
The official state flower of Vermont is the Red Clover. Inspired by the Red Clover in 1893 at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Vermonters fell in love with the flower and were determined to make it their official state flower. Red Clover is now grown vastly in the Northern United States - back in 1940, as many as 10 million acres of Red Clover were grown in the North!
VIRGINIA
State Flower: American Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Became Official: 1918
The official state flower of Virginia is the American Dogwood. Did you know, Thomas Jefferson grew American Dogwoods on the grounds of his Virginia estate Monticello in the 1770s? With a rich history in the state, it was clear to Virginia lawmakers that the American Dogwood would be the perfect flower to represent the state. A fun fact about the origin of its name - dogs with mange used to be treated using a wash created by boiling the Dogwood’s bark!
Virginia is also the home of our wonderful partner Holly Chapple's Hope Flower Farm. She purchased this historic property just two miles away from her and her husband Evan's home. Now it is a place where beautiful flowers grow and fellow florists gather for farm-to-table dinners, styled shoots, and workshops.
If you're looking for a source for local flowers in Virginia, we'd love you to meet Harmony Harvest Farm out of Weyers Cave! Check out our blog, "6 American Farmer Florists We'd Love to You Meet" to learn more!
WASHINGTON
State Flower: Coast Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum)
Became Official: 1959
The official state flower of Washington is the Coast Rhododendron. Washington’s state flower became official in 1959, but was actually voted on by over 15,000 women back in 1893! It was a close race between the clover and the Coast Rhododendron, but the Coast Rhododendron came out the winner. As its name suggests, the Coast Rhododendron can only be found along the coast of Washington, and even extends down into California.
If you haven't heard of Floret Farm in Skagit Valley, Washington, we highly encourage you to check her out! Erin, owner of the farm, and her family source seeds from a network of specialty seed farmers and grow many varieties on their farm. They also offer their favorite cut flower seeds, as well as tools, supplies, and gifts. She also has joined the Magnolia Network and has her own show, Growing Floret, which is now available on the new Discovery streaming service, discovery+!
WEST VIRGINIA
State Flower: Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum)
Became Official: 1903
The official state flower of West Virginia is the Rhododendron. “I know none more beautiful and none more common in West Virginia, than the Rhododendron.” This was said by Governor George Atkinson back in 1901, two years before lawmakers made their state flower official. They are very common in the state and can live through many various conditions. Fun Fact: The name “Rhododendron” means “rose tree” in Ancient Greek.
WISCONSIN
State Flower: Wood Violet (Viola papilionacea)
Became Official: 1909
The official state flower of Wisconsin is the Wood Violet. Seeing the Wood Violet blooming all over the state signifies the beginning of Spring up in Wisconsin. The Wood Violet was made the official state flower of Wisconsin in 1949, but a century earlier, pictures of it appeared on state stamps - making it a long-time favorite of residents!
WYOMING
State Flower: Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja linariaefolia)
Become Official: 1917
The official state flower of Wyoming is the Indian Paintbrush. The Indian Paintbrush is a truly unique plant. It’s technically not a flower, as its bright red “painted cups” are actually flower-like-bracts. Another unique quality of this flower is that it’s semi-parasitic. It needs a host plant in order to grow. At first, there was opposition to the Indian Paintbrush as the state flower for Wyoming because it was uncommon to see, but the schoolchildren had the final vote and the Indian Paintbrush prevailed, becoming the official state flower in 1917.
We hope you enjoyed learning more about the different state flowers! It might even be fun to try to incorporate your state flowers more into your designs!
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