Flower Symbol of Each State of America

Flowers are a big part of our culture; every state has a flower representing it. In some cases, the flower is the official state flower. In other cases, it is simply a popular flower often associated with that state.

America as a country as a whole also has a flower that symbolizes it - the beautiful and delicate rose. Rosaholics is always focused on beauty and originality so that it can surprise you with a natural "American" bouquet. 

It remains to know what other state the rose symbolizes and what flowers symbolize other states. Especially for you, Rosaholics has prepared an overview of each of the 50 American states and its symbolizing flower in one text!

New York – Rose

The rose is the state flower of New York and has been since 1955. The rose was chosen as the state flower because it symbolizes love and beauty. It is also known as the national flower of England.

Alabama – Camellia 

The Camellia was adopted as the state flower of Alabama in 1959. It was chosen as the state flower because it thrives in every part of Alabama, from the mountains to the coast. It is also a symbol of purity and perfection, two qualities that Alabama residents take pride in.

Alaska – Forget-Me-Not

The state flower of Alaska in the USA is the forget-me-not. The forget-me-not was selected as the flower of this state back in 1949. It is a small, delicate flower that blooms in spring and summer. The forget-me-not is found throughout Alaska, from the tundra to the forests.

Arizona – Saguaro Blossom

 The Saguaro flower is the state flower of Arizona. Do you know what a Saguaro is? This wondrous flower's name is a cactus, considered the giant cactus of the USA.

Since Arizona is mostly desert, it is unsurprising that the state flower was chosen as the cactus.

Arkansas – Apple Blossom

One of the oldest United States flowers is the apple blossom. It is the state flower for Arkansas. Just imagine, it was chosen in 1901 in honor of the state's thriving Agricultural craft.

California – California Poppy

Another somewhat old United States flower, adopted in 1903, refers to the state of California. It was chosen to commemorate Californians who died in the wars. The golden poppy was chosen as a symbol because it blooms from February to September in California.

Colorado – Mariposa Lily

At the very end of the 19th century, the state of Colorado decided to make the Mariposa Lily the state's national flower. People made this decision because the flower symbolizes Colorado's natural beauty, hope, and new beginnings.

Connecticut – Mountain Laurel

 In 1907, Connecticut chose the Mountain laurel as its national flower. The reason for its choice is unknown, but it may have been because Mountain laurels grow in abundance in the state.

Delaware – Peach Blossom

Imagine that the first Delaware settlers brought peaches there. Since then, it has been the symbol of the state's agricultural industry, and the peach flower is the symbol of Delaware. 

Florida – Orange Blossom

The orange blossom is the state flower of Florida and the official flower of the USA. It was chosen for a reason; this flower is native to Florida. The orange flower symbolizes purity, innocence, and hope.

Georgia - Cherokee Rose 

In 1916, locals named the state flower the Cherokee Rose in Georgia. This sounds a bit selfish on the part of the residents; in their opinion, the Rose symbolizes the love, beauty, and heritage of the state's Native Americans.

Hawaii - Hibiscus

Hibiscus is the official flower of the state of Hawaii. Hibiscuses come in many colors, including red, yellow, pink, and white. Hibiscus flowers are often used in leis, traditional Hawaiian garlands, or necklaces, as it grows extensively throughout the state.

Idaho - Syringa

The Syringa is the state flower of Idaho. It was adopted in 1931. This flower is best known as the Lilac and is a member of the olive family. The colors of the Idaho state flower range from white to purple. 

The Syringa symbolizes Idaho because it is hardy and can withstand cold winters.

Illinois - Violet

As you can see, almost all state floral symbols were adopted in the early 20th century. The state of Illinois is no exception. In 1908, the Violet became the flower of the state. It demonstrates the hope and good fortune that the entire state hopes for.

Indiana - Peony 

The peony was approved as the state flower of Indiana in 1957. Peonies symbolize good fortune, prosperity, and wealth in many cultures. That's why the state of Indiana chose this flower as a symbol of prosperous mining.

Iowa - Wild Rose 

The wild rose is both prickly and uninviting and, at the same time, beautiful and confident. In Iowa, this flower was chosen as a symbol in 1897 to pay homage to the early settlers who had to overcome many hardships and the state's prairies. 

Kansas - Sunflower 

Everyone probably knows such a flower as the sunflower, but few people know that this flower became the symbol of the state of Kansas back in 1903. Why was the sunflower chosen as the symbol? The people of Kansas didn't think twice: many sunflowers grow in their state so that it would be the symbol.

You can read about 10 interesting facts about sunflowers in our other article.

Kentucky - Giant Goldenrod 

The situation with Kentucky is about the same as with Kansas. Kentucky has a lot of Giant's Goldenrods, which means it will be the symbolic flower of the state. The decision to make the giant goldenrod the symbol of the state was made back in 1926.

Louisiana - Magnolia 

The state flower of Louisiana is the magnolia. It is a white flower with large, bright petals. The tree on which the flower grows is native to Louisiana, and is found in many parts of the state, and for this reason, the flower has become significant to the state and has been chosen as its symbol.

Maine - White Pine Cone 

 The White pine cone and tassel is the official symbol of Maine. The plant of Maine symbolizes the state's forests and woodlands.

Maryland - Black-eyed Susan

The Black-eyed Susan has been the official flower of the state of Maryland since 1918, which has been significant for the whole USA. This flower was used to treat the sick and symbolizes justice and equality.

Massachusetts - Mayflower 

The Mayflower is the official flower of Massachusetts. This flower symbolizes the history and culture of the state. The ship was named in honor of the Mayflower that delivered the Pilgrims to America in 1620 and created the state of Massachusetts.

Michigan - Apple Blossom 

In the United States, some flowers symbolize several states. For example, the apple blossom is the symbol not only of Michigan but also of Arkansas, which we wrote about above.

Minnesota - Pink and White Lady’s Slipper 

The pink and white lady's slipper is a fascinating flower that is the official state flower of Minnesota. It was named so because it resembles a pink shoe with a white outline. This flower symbolizes beauty and grace.

Mississippi - Evergreen Magnolia 

The magnolia is the official flower of Mississippi. It was chosen as a symbol in 1900. This flower symbolizes strength and resilience and is very common throughout the state.

Missouri - Hawthorn 

Hawthorn has been the official symbol of Missouri since 1923. It is not a flower but a shrub that symbolizes hope and joy and is common throughout the state. For this reason, it was chosen as the state symbol.

Montana - Bitterroot

Bitterroot is the official flower of the state of Montana. This flower symbolizes the natural beauty of the state.

Nebraska - Giant Goldenrod 

Goldenrod has been the official wildflower of Nebraska since 1895. It symbolizes strength and perseverance.

Nevada - Sagebrush 

The sagebrush is the official symbol of the state of Nevada. It symbolizes the state's rugged landscape.

New Hampshire - Purple Lilac 

The purple lilac is the official flower of New Hampshire. This flower was chosen as the state flower in 1919 because it is native to the state and widely cultivated there. 

New Jersey - Purple Violet 

The violet is the official flower of New Jersey. This flower symbolizes faith and loyalty. Recall that the violet is recognized as the flower of more than one state in the USA.

New Mexico - Yucca Flower 

The yucca flower is the official flower of New Mexico. The green leaves of the yucca plant stand in for hope and fresh starts, while the white yucca blooms symbolize innocence and purity. In 1927, this bloom was declared the official state flower.

North Carolina - Flowering Dogwood 

Eighty-one years ago, North Carolina residents chose dogwood as their state flower. The dogwood is a white flower with four cross-shaped petals and a yellow-green center. It grows in this state, mostly in wooded areas, and can reach 9 meters in height.

North Dakota - Wild Prairie Rose 

The wild prairie rose is the official flower of North Dakota. It was adopted in 1907. This flower symbolizes the natural beauty of the state and the entire United States.

Ohio - Scarlet Carnation 

The state flower of Ohio is the scarlet carnation. The red color of the carnation symbolizes love and passion, while the white flowers represent purity and innocence. This flower was chosen as the state flower in 1904.

Oklahoma - Oklahoma Rose 

The flower of Oklahoma is Oklahoma rose. This flower was chosen as the state flower in 1904 because it is native to the state. In this way, the people show love for their state.

Read about the national flower of the United States in our other article.

Oregon - Oregon Grape 

The Oregon grape is the official symbol of the state of Oregon. It was chosen as the state plant in 1899. In the United States, that type of shrub symbolizes strength and perseverance.

Pennsylvania - Mountain Laurel 

The mountain laurel is the official flower of Pennsylvania. The Mountain laurel has been Pennsylvania's official state flower since 1933. This flower symbolizes strength and beauty.  

Rhode Island - Violet 

The violet became Rhode Island's state flower in 1968. It was chosen for its wide range of colors, symbolizing the diversity of the state's population.

South Carolina - Yellow Jessamine 

Also known as the Carolina jasmine, the yellow jasmine was designated the state flower of South Carolina in 1924. This flower symbolizes the state's sunny climate and beautiful scenery. 

South Dakota - Pasque Flower

The Pasque flower was adopted as the official flower of South Dakota in 1903. It is a native flower to the state and can be seen blooming in early spring. The flower is also common in other parts of the USA. The Pasque flower has long been used as an Easter symbol and is considered a sign of new life.

Tennessee - Iris 

This flower is native to the state, and its three colors (blue, yellow, and purple) represent the state's three significant parts: East, Middle, and West Tennessee.

Texas - Bluebonnet 

The bluebonnet is the state flower of Texas. It was adopted in 1901 and is native to the state. This flower symbolizes the state's landscape's diversity and its people's strength and courage.

Utah - Sego Lily 

The Sego flower lily is native to Utah and symbolizes the beauty and tranquility of the state. This flower is also a symbol of friendship and unity, two values essential to Utahns.

Vermont - Red Clover 

Red clover is the flower of the state. It is a plant native to this state, and its bright red color is thought to symbolize courage and strength.

Virginia - American Dogwood 

We have already talked about dogwood as the flower of another state. But the American dogwood was chosen as the state flower of Virginia in 1918. This flower symbolizes purity and innocence.

Washington - Coast Rhododendron 

The coastal rhododendron became the Washington, D.C. state flower in 1959. The plant is native to the state, and its large, colorful flowers are thought to symbolize the state's natural beauty.

West Virginia - Great Rhododendron 

Rhododendron became the state flower of West Virginia in 1903. Its large, bright flowers symbolize the state's natural beauty.

Wisconsin - Wood Violet 

The wood violet was named the state flower of Wisconsin in 1909. The plant is native to the state, and its purple flowers are thought to symbolize the state's abundant prairies and fields.

Wyoming - Indian Paintbrush

The Indian Paintbrush became the state flower of Wyoming in 1917. The plant is native to the state, and its vibrant flowers symbolize Native American heritage.

Find out What does roses mean for americans? to broaden your horizons.

Flowers Are Always a Good Idea for a Present

Now you know which flower represents each state. But what flower symbolizes America as a whole? The answer is simple: the rose. Rosaholics can surprise you with a natural "American" bouquet. Let's be honest, the rose is the most popular flower in the world, and many people prefer to give bouquets made of roses.

If you want to present an incredible bouquet of roses, we recommend you visit our Rosaholics website. We offer a great variety of different bouquets that will please anyone. Our company provides all state deliveries.

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