The orange blossom, or Citrus sinensis, is Florida’s state flower. The sweet-scented white flowers bloom from February to April and are associated with the state’s history of growing and producing oranges. Orange blossom honey, perfume, candies, and tea are made from the flowers. Florida’s state flower is the orange blossom, or Citrus sinensis. Orange blossoms […]
Idaho’s state flower is the mock orange syringa, chosen following a design contest for the state seal. Syringa is known for its white petals and Native Americans used it for various purposes. The plant was officially adopted as the state flower in 1931, but was already well-established in the minds of Idaho citizens. Idaho’s state […]
Goldenrod is Kentucky’s state flower, with nearly 100 species and 30 in Kentucky. It blooms in the fall and is often mistaken for causing allergies, but it’s actually ragweed. Goldenrod has ecological relationships with insects, including the goldenrod woodworm. It was used to make “liberty tea” during the Boston Tea Party and was considered a […]
Delaware, not Georgia, is known as the Peach State due to its once-abundant peach harvest. The peach blossom is Delaware’s state flower, and the peach tree is native to China. Despite a devastating blight in the 19th century, the peach blossom remains beloved in Delaware. Many people, if asked which state in the United States […]
The wild rose was chosen as Iowa’s state flower in 1897, but the specific species was not specified. The wild prairie rose eventually became the official state flower, but Rosa blanda and Rosa carolina are also contenders. Each species grows in different regions of Iowa and has distinct characteristics. Iowa selected the wild rose as […]
South Dakota’s state flower is the pasque flower, known for its deep pink to purple colors and early spring blooming. It represents the state motto “I lead” and was chosen over other candidates in 1903. The flower has cultural significance for Native American tribes and settlers and is a source of pride for South Dakotans. […]
The mountain laurel is the state flower of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, and is an evergreen shrub that blooms between May and June. It has pink, white, or mottled flowers and is toxic to some animals. The plant was used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes. The mountain laurel is the official state flower of Connecticut, […]
The yucca plant was named the state flower of New Mexico in 1927, but lawmakers did not specify which species. Yucca elata or Yucca glauca are believed to be the intended species. Yucca plants have been used for soap, fiber for baskets and mats, and as an edible source of nutrition. The unique pollination system […]
The Washington state flower is the coastal rhododendron, which is an evergreen shrub with pale pink bell-shaped flowers and leathery leaves. It grows up to 26 feet and prefers moist, acidic soil. The plant is low maintenance but poisonous if ingested. It was voted as the state flower in 1892 and is protected by the […]
The wild prairie rose is North Dakota’s state flower, shared with Iowa. It was adopted in 1907 and is estimated to be over 35 million years old. The prairie rose is edible and has medicinal properties, and is found throughout central North America. The state flower of North Dakota is the wild prairie rose. Designated […]
The magnolia is the state flower and tree of Mississippi, known for its large, fragrant flowers and evergreen leaves. It was chosen as the state flower in 1900 and the state tree in 1938. Magnolias are an important part of Mississippian culture and history. The state flower of Mississippi is the magnolia or Magnolia grandiflora. […]
The state flower of New Jersey is the common blue violet, which has alternative names such as hooded violet and wood violet. It was used for food and medicine by Native Americans, and became the state flower in 1971 after multiple attempts. Other US states have also adopted the violet as their official flower. The […]
Louisiana’s state flower is the magnolia tree blossom, approved by the state legislature in 1900. There are many types of magnolia trees, and the flower is also the state flower of Mississippi. In 1950, legislation was introduced to change Louisiana’s state flower to an iris, but it was not adopted. Magnolia is also a symbol […]
Michigan’s state flower is the fragrant apple blossom, formally adopted in 1897. The state ranks second in apple production in the US and has approximately 8-9 million apple trees. The state also has other state symbols, including the wolverine, white pine, and dwarf lake iris. Michigan’s state flower is the apple blossom. The Latin name […]
The wood violet, a wildflower that grows in moist woodlands of Wisconsin, has been the official state flower since 1949. It was chosen because it is a native species and blooms in all regions of the state. The flower has four or five oblong dark blue or purple petals and is often used to make […]
The state flower of West Virginia is the Rhododendron maximum, also known as large or laurel laurel. It has white or pale pink flowers and is often confused with other mountain laurels. It blooms in early to late summer and was chosen as the state flower in 1903. The state flower of West Virginia is […]
Alabama replaced goldenrod with Camellia japonica as the state flower in 1959. The change was due to goldenrod being considered a weed. Camellia japonica was chosen again in 1999 to differentiate from other varieties. The plant blooms in late winter and early spring, has glossy dark green leaves, and can reach 20 feet when mature. […]
The Rocky Mountain Lavender and White Columbine is Colorado’s state flower, discovered in 1820 and officially adopted in 1899. Its scientific name is Aquilegia caerulea and it represents the state’s blue skies, white snow, and gold mining industry. The flower is protected by law and can be seen growing throughout the state. Colorado’s state flower […]
Chinese leek blossom dip is a condiment made from the long stem and bulb-shaped flower of the Chinese leek flower. It has a garlicky flavor and can be served with a variety of foods, but should be added to dishes with caution. The plant grows well in containers and small spaces, and can also be […]
The sunflower is the state flower of Kansas and is found throughout the state. It has 11 different species and is on the state flag and quarter. The flower head follows the sun and is made up of 1,000 to 2,000 single flowers. Sunflower seeds are a good food source and were domesticated by Native […]
