US State Flowers

Every U.S. state has designated an official state flower, chosen to represent the state's natural beauty and cultural heritage. These flowers, selected through legislative action or popular vote, often hold special significance in the state's history or ecosystem.

State flowers appear on official state symbols, government buildings, and are frequently featured in local art and culture. Many were chosen for their native status or historical importance to the state.

State Flowers Directory

State Official Flower Scientific Name Year Adopted
Alabama Camellia Camellia japonica 1959
Alaska Forget-me-not Myosotis alpestris 1917
Arizona Saguaro Cactus Blossom Carnegiea gigantea 1931
Arkansas Apple Blossom Malus domestica 1901
California California Poppy Eschscholzia californica 1903
Colorado Rocky Mountain Columbine Aquilegia caerulea 1899
Connecticut Mountain Laurel Kalmia latifolia 1907
Delaware Peach Blossom Prunus persica 1895
Florida Orange Blossom Citrus sinensis 1909
Georgia Cherokee Rose Rosa laevigata 1916
Hawaii Yellow Hibiscus Hibiscus brackenridgei 1988
Idaho Syringa Philadelphus lewisii 1931
Illinois Violet Viola sororia 1908
Indiana Peony Paeonia 1957
Iowa Wild Rose Rosa pratincola 1897
Kansas Sunflower Helianthus annuus 1903
Kentucky Goldenrod Solidago gigantea 1926
Louisiana Magnolia Magnolia grandiflora 1900
Maine White Pine Cone and Tassel Pinus strobus 1895
Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta 1918
Massachusetts Mayflower Epigaea repens 1918
Michigan Apple Blossom Malus domestica 1897
Minnesota Pink and White Lady's Slipper Cypripedium reginae 1902
Mississippi Magnolia Magnolia grandiflora 1952
Missouri Hawthorn Blossom Crataegus 1923
Montana Bitterroot Lewisia rediviva 1895
Nebraska Goldenrod Solidago serotina 1895
Nevada Sagebrush Artemisia tridentata 1917
New Hampshire Purple Lilac Syringa vulgaris 1919
New Jersey Violet Viola sororia 1913
New Mexico Yucca Yucca glauca 1927
New York Rose Rosa 1955
North Carolina Flowering Dogwood Cornus florida 1941
North Dakota Wild Prairie Rose Rosa arkansana 1907
Ohio Scarlet Carnation Dianthus caryophyllus 1904
Oklahoma Mistletoe Phoradendron serotinum 1893
Oregon Oregon Grape Mahonia aquifolium 1899
Pennsylvania Mountain Laurel Kalmia latifolia 1933
Rhode Island Violet Viola palmata 1968
South Carolina Yellow Jessamine Gelsemium sempervirens 1924
South Dakota Pasque Flower Pulsatilla patens 1903
Tennessee Iris Iris 1933
Texas Bluebonnet Lupinus texensis 1901
Utah Sego Lily Calochortus nuttallii 1911
Vermont Red Clover Trifolium pratense 1895

Interesting Flower Facts

Native Species

Many states chose native wildflowers as their symbols, like Oklahoma's Mistletoe and California's California Poppy.

Shared Flowers

The Purple Violet is claimed by multiple states, including Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.

Seasonal Blooms

State flowers bloom in different seasons, from Alaska's summer Forget-me-nots to Alabama's winter-blooming Camellia.

Cultural Significance

Many state flowers have deep cultural roots, like Hawaii's Yellow Hibiscus (Ma'o hau hele) in traditional lei making.

Categories of State Flowers

Wildflowers

  • California - California Poppy
  • Texas - Bluebonnet
  • Wyoming - Indian Paintbrush
  • Alaska - Forget-me-not

Trees & Shrubs

  • Alabama - Camellia
  • Mississippi - Magnolia
  • Hawaii - Yellow Hibiscus
  • Florida - Orange Blossom

Garden Flowers

  • Georgia - Cherokee Rose
  • Kansas - Sunflower
  • Vermont - Red Clover
  • Oregon - Oregon Grape

Endangered Species

  • Nevada - Sagebrush
  • Tennessee - Iris
  • Utah - Sego Lily
  • Colorado - Rocky Mountain Columbine

History of State Flowers

1890s

First State Flowers

Oklahoma became one of the first states to adopt an official flower, choosing the Mistletoe in 1893.

1900-1920

Women's Movement Impact

The Women's Federation of Garden Clubs played a crucial role in selecting many state flowers during this period.

1920-1950

Conservation Era

States began choosing native species to promote conservation awareness and local pride.

Present Day

Modern Significance

State flowers now play important roles in conservation efforts and environmental education programs.

Did You Know?

Rarest State Flower

Hawaii's Yellow Hibiscus (Ma'o hau hele) is one of the rarest state flowers, found only in specific Hawaiian islands.

Most Common

The Rose, in various species, is the state flower of multiple states including New York, Oklahoma, and North Dakota.

Edible Flowers

Several state flowers are edible, including Oregon's Oregon Grape and Vermont's Red Clover.

Native Americans

Many state flowers were first used by Native Americans for medicine, like Utah's Sego Lily and Nevada's Sagebrush.