State Flowers Photo Gallery

Each of the 50 states in the United States of America and the District of Columbia has a designated official state flower. U.S. territories Guam, the North Marinas, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands also have chosen official flowers.

The first Alabama state flower, the goldenrod, was made official in 1927. In 1959, it was changed to be the camellia. It was reaffirmed 40 years later in 1999 as the official state flower of Alabama.

Latin Name: Camellia japonica
Year Adopted: 1959/1999
Preferred...MORE Hardiness Zones: Zones 7-9

Related State Symbols:

• State Fruit: Blackberry (Rubus occidentalis)
• State Nut: Pecan (Carya illinoinensis)
• State Tree: Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris)
• State Tree Fruit: Peach (Prunus persica)

In 1917 Alaska named the Alpine forget-me-not as its state flower. The forget-me-not is a top choice for cut flowers, partially because it is one of the few plant families that display true blue colors.

Latin Name: Myosotis alpestris 
Year Adopted: 1917
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8

Related State Symbols

• State Tree: Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis)

The official state flower of Arizona is the Saguaro Cactus Bloom. This particular cactus is indigenous to Arizona and can grow to gigantic proportions, sometimes reaching a height of 40 to 50 feet during its average175-year lifespan. 

Latin Name: Carnegia gigantea
Year Adopted: 1931
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 9-10

Related State Symbol:

• State Tree: Palo verde (genus Parkinsonia)

Arkansas adopted the apple blossom as their state flower in 1901. Its delicate white and pink flowers create flowing accents all over the southern state. 

Latin Name: Malus domestica
Year Adopted: 1901
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9

Related State Symbols:

• State Fruit: South Arkansas Vine Ripe Pink Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum 'South Arkansas Vine Ripe Pink')
• State Grape: Cynthiana (Vitis aestivalis 'Cynthiana')
• State Nut: Pecan (Carya illinoensis)
• State Tree: Pine trees (genus Pi...MOREnus)

The California poppy is self-seeding and drought tolerant. The California poppy has many other names, include the copa de oro, la amapola and the flame flower. This has been California's state flower since 1903, and the state still celebrates the flower annually on California Poppy Day and during Poppy Week. 

Latin Name: Eschscholzia californica
Year Adopted: 1903
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 5-10; annual in all zones

Related State Symbols:

• State Grass: Purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra)
• St...MOREate Soil: San Joaquin Soil
• State Tree: California redwood (Coast redwood - Sequoia sempervirens and giant sequoia - Sequoiadendron giganteum or Sequoia giganteum)

The rocky mountain columbine was discovered in 1820 on Pike's Peak and later became the state's flower in 1899. This easy perennial has a strong aroma that attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees to its nectar. 

Latin Name: Aquilegia caerulea
Year Adopted: 1899
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8

Related State Symbols:

• State Grass: Blue grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis)

Adopted in 1907 by Connecticut, the mountain laurel is a gorgeous native American shrub. The site of this flower was first recorded in America in early colonial times and has origins in the eastern U.S. 

Latin Name: Kalmia latifolia
Year Adopted: 1907
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 5-9

Even though Georgia has been coined the peach state, Delaware adopted the peach blossom way back in 1895 and even has peach pie as its official state dessert. During that time, Delaware orchards had hundreds of peach trees, making the fruit plentiful state-wide. 

Latin Name: Prunus persica
Year Adopted: 1895
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 5-9

Related State Symbols:

• State Herb: Sweet goldenrod (Solidago odora)
• State Soil: Greenwich loam
• State Tree: American holly (Ilex opaca)

This hybrid perpetual is well-known for its full, rich blooms and lovely fragrance. These hardy flowers can grow 12-15 feet high, in a variety of hues that fall mostly within the pink and red spectrum of color.

Latin Name: Rosa 'American Beauty'
Year Adopted: Not specified​
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 5-9

Related State Symbols:

• State Tree: Scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea)

Oranges are commonly grown throughout the state of Florida as are other species of citrus. The ones grown there are mostly used for making juice, while the ones grown in California are for fresh eating. The sweetly scented blossoms, which have been Florida's state flower since 1909, are the source of orange blossom honey. Orange juice is also the official state beverage. 

Latin Name: Citrus sinensis
Year Adopted: 1909
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 9-11

Related State Symbols:

• State Fruit:...MORE Orange
• State Soil: Myakka Fine Sand
• State Tree: Cabbage palmetto (Sabal palmetto)
• State Wildflower: Tickseeds (genus Coreopsis)

The state flower of Georgia was adopted by the state in 1916. Derived from the Cherokee Indians, the Cherokee Rose is a white flower with a golden center and usually blooms in the early spring.

Latin Name: Rosa laevigata
Year Adopted: 1916
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 7-9

Related State Symbols:

• State Botanical Garden: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia
• State Crop: Peanut (Arachis hypogaea)
• State Fruit: Peach (Prunus persica)
• State Vegetable: Vidalia Sweet Onion
• State Wildflower: Azalea (genus Rhodo...MOREdendron)

Guam's state flower is also called Puti tai nobio and known as the paper flower. It grows bright pink, red, purple, orange and white flowers. The flower is native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America.

Latin Name: Bougainvillea spectabilis
Year Adopted: Unspecified
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 9b-11

The Hawaiian name of the yellow hibiscus is pua ma‘o hau hele. Other names include Brackenridge's rosemallow and native yellow hibiscus. This species can be either a large shrub or small tree. It is endemic to Hawaii and considered to be endangered.

Latin Name: Hibiscus brackenridgei
Year Adopted: 1988
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 9b-11

The Syringa has been Idaho's state flower since 1931, and grows in blooms on a woody shrub.  The name of this species, lewisii, is named after Meriwether Lewis of the Lews and Clark expedition, who wrote about the Syringa in his journal.

Latin Name: Philadelphus lewisii
Year Adopted: 1931
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8

Related State Symbols:

• State Fruit: Huckleberry (genus Vaccinium section Myrtillus)
• State Tree: Western white pine (Pinus monticola)
• State Vegetable: Potato (Solanum tuberosum)

When schoolchildren in Illinois were given the chance to pick the state flower, they chose the purple violet (Viola sororia). These little beauties love to grow throughout the state. Some may consider it a weed since it tends to pop up everywhere, but it does have pretty flowers.

• Gallery of Lavender Flowers

Latin Name: Viola sororia
Year Adopted: 1908
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Varies

Related State Symbols:

• State Fruit: Goldrush apple
• State Prairie Grass: Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)

Originally the state flower of Indiana was the zinnia, but the peony became its state flower in 1957. Peonies come in a variety of colors and no particular color was selected for the state flowers. This lovely ornamental bloom can be seen widely throughout the state. 

Latin Name: Paeonia lactiflora
Year Adopted: 1957
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8

Related State Symbol:

• State Tree: Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Established as the state flower in 1897, the wild prairie rose comes in varying shades of pink, red, white and yellow. It's very fragrant petals are editable, and birds especially love to eat the rose hips of this flower in the winter. 

Latin Name: Rosa arkansana
Year Adopted: 1897
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 4-7

Related State Symbol:

• State Tree: Oak trees (genus Quercus)

Known as the Sunflower state, Kansas chose the cheery sunflower as its state flower in 1903. These come in a variety of heights and flower head sizes, so there is one to fit in every garden. You can harvest the seeds for birds or eat them yourself.

Click to learn about growing sunflowers.

Latin Name: Helianthus annuus
Year Adopted: 1903
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Varies

Related State Symbols:

• State Soil: Harney series soil
• State Tree: Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides)

As you might guess from the name, goldenrods are plants covered with golden yellow flowers. It spreads easily through rhizomes and can become invasive in some areas. It is also the state flower of Nebraska and the state wildflower of South Carolina.

• Goldenrod profile

Latin Name: Solidago spp.
Year Adopted: 1926
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Varies

Related State Symbols:

• State Arboretum: Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
• State Botanical Garden: University of Kentucky Arboretum
• State Fruit: Blackberry (R...MOREubus allegheniensis)
• State Heritage Tree: Kentucky coffee tree (Gymnocladus dioica)
• State Soil: Crider Soil Series
• State Tree: Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

The southern magnolia is an icon in the southern United States, so it's natural for Louisiana to choose it as the state flower. Mississippi also gave it that honor. This beauty produces large white flowers that are fragrant. Click to learn more about other magnolia trees and shrubs.

Latin Name: Magnolia grandiflora
Year Adopted: 1900
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 6-9

Related State Symbols:

• State Fruit: Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa)
• State Tree: Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum)
• State...MORE Wildflower: Louisiana iris (Iris subsection Apogon series Hexagonae)

Strangely enough, the state flower of Maine isn't a flower at all! The Eastern white pine was chosen as this state's "flower" in 1895. Maine's nickname is the Pine Tree State.

Latin Name: Pinus strobus
Year Adopted: 1895
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8

Related State Symbols:

• State Berry: Wild blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)
• State Herb: Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
• State Soil: Chesuncook Soil Series
• State Tree: Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus)

This black and gold flower was adopted by Maryland in 1918. Its color seems thematic to the state; yellow and gold are also found in the coloring on the state's cat, insect, and bird!

• Black-Eyed Susan growing profile

Latin Name: Rudbeckia hirta
Year Adopted: 1918
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 5-9

Related State Symbols:

• State Soil: Sassafras series

This state's flower has been on an endangered list since 1925. The delicate flower was officially adopted by Massachusetts in 1918. It's also known as trailing arbutus or ground laurel.

Latin Name: Epigaea repens
Year Adopted: 1918
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9

Related State Symbols:

• State Bean: Navy bean
• State Berry: Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
• State Beverage: Cranberry juice
• State Muffin: Corn muffin
• State Tree: American elm (Ulmus americana)

Michigan is one of the states that has named a state flower as well as a state wildflower. The Apple Blossom was adopted as the state's flower in 1897. Michigan produces many apples annually, and this particular species, the Pyrus coronaria, is an especially fragrant bloom. 

Latin Name: Pyrus coronaria
Year Adopted: 1897
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9

Related State Symbols:

• State Soil: Kalkaska sand
• State Tree: Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus)
• State Wildflower: Dwarf lake iris (Iris...MORE lacustris)

Minnesota's pink and white lady slipper became first suggested as the state flower in 1893 but wasn't officially adopted by the state until 1967. Just like it took quite a long time to make this flower official in Minnesota, the flower itself takes a very long time to grow. It can take up to 16 years before the plan will produce its first bloom! Once it does, it has a long life of up to 50 years.

Latin Name: Cypripedium reginae
Year Adopted: 1893, 1967
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-7

Rel...MOREated State Symbols:

• State Fruit: Honeycrisp™ Apple (Malus 'Honeycrisp')
• State Grain: Wild rice (Zizania aquatica or Zizania palustris)
• State Mushroom: Morel (Morchella esculenta)

Mississippi is called the magnolia state, a fitting name considering the magnolia is also the state tree.  The flower was selected by schoolchildren in Mississippi in 1900, receiving the most votes among its competition, which included the cotton blossom and the cape jasmine. 

Latin Name: Magnolia grandiflora
Year Adopted: 1952
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 6-9

Related State Symbol:

• State Tree: Magnolia (genus Magnolia)

Missouri decided on its state flower in 1923. The small pomes, an apple-like fruit that is produced by this tree, are collected to make jam. 

Latin Name: genus Crataegus
Year Adopted: 1923
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Varies

Related State Symbols:

• State Grape: Norton/Cynthiana (Vitis aestivalis 'Cynthiana')
• State Tree: Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)
• State Tree Nut: Black walnut (Juglans nigra)

Bitterroot can be found in the spring and the summer. The flower was adopted by Montana in 1895. Historically, some Native American tribes used the roots of this plant for food and trade.

Latin Name: Lewisia rediviva
Year Adopted: 1895
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-7

Related State Symbols:

• State Grass: Bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum)
• State Tree: Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)

Goldenrod has a surprisingly long season, lasting from July all the way through October.  The Goldenrod was adopted as Nebraska's state flower in 1895. 

Latin Name: Solidago gigantea
Year Adopted: 1895
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 5-9

Related State Symbols:

• State Grass: Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
• State Tree: Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides)

Nevada's state flower since 1917, the sagebrush, is also called big sagebrush, common sagebrush, blue sagebrush and black sagebrush.In is a silvery bush that grows in dry desert terrain, and has a strongly recognizable fragrance when it gets wet. 

Latin Name: Artemisia tridentata
Year Adopted: 1917
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 4-10

Related State Symbols:

• State Grass: Indian rice grass (Achnatherum hymenoides)
• State Soil: Orvada soil
• State Tree: Bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva)
• State Tree:...MORE Singleleaf pinyon pine(Pinus monophylla)

A lilac bush can live for hundreds of years. It was chosen as the flower for the state of New Hampshire in 1919 because it was representative of the persevering characteristic of men and women of the state. 

Latin Name: Syringa vulgaris
Year Adopted: 1919
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-7

Related State Symbols:

• State Fruit: Pumpkin
• State Tree: Paper birch (Betula papyrifera)
• State Wildflower: Pink lady slipper (Cypripedium acaule)

You can see more lovely photos of the blue-violet in this Gallery of Lavender Flowers, but if you live in New Jersey you're likely to see them outdoors at the right time of year. The violet was named New Jersey's state flower in 1971. 

Latin Name: Viola sororia
Year Adopted: 1971
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 4-8

Related State Symbols:

• State Fruit: Blueberry (genus Vaccinium)
• State Memorial Tree: Dogwood (Cornus spp.)
• State Tree: Red oak (Quercus rubra)

Although yucca is a great choice for a container plant, in New Mexico, the flowers can be seen across the deserts of the state. Early settlers called them "our Lord's candles." The yucca was established as New Mexico's state flower in 1927. 

Latin Name: Yucca glauca
Year Adopted: 1927
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 4-9
Related State Symbols:

• State Grass: Blue grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis)
• State Tree: Pinyon pine (Pinus edulis)
• State Vegetables: Chiles (Capsicum annum) and frijoles...MORE (pinto beans - Phaseolus vulgaris)

New York's state flower became the rose in 1955. The rose hips and petals of this flower are edible and have been used in both medicine and cuisine. 

Latin Name: Rosa spp.
Year Adopted: 1955
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Varies

Related State Symbols:

• State Bush: Lilac bush (Syringa vulgaris)
• State Fruit: Apple
• State Muffin: Apple
• State Tree: Sugar maple (Acer saccharum)

Though it seems like the flowering dogwood has four large petals, they are really a type of modified leaf called a bract. These surround the true flowers on this North Carolina state flower. Click to learn more about other dogwood trees, shrubs, and subshrubs.

Latin Name: Cornus florida
Year Adopted: 1941
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 5-9

Related State Symbols:

• State Blue Berry: Blueberry (genus vaccinium)
• State Carnivorous Plant: Venus fly trap (Dionaea muscipula)
• State Christmas Tree: Fraser fir (A...MOREbies fraseri)
• State Fruit: Scuppernong grape (Vitis rotundifolia)
• State Red Berry: Strawberry (genus Fragraria)
• State Tree: Longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris)
• State Vegetable: Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)
• State Wildflower: Carolina lily (Lilium michauxii)

The wild prairie rose, North Dakota's state flower ​can be found growing in meadows and along roadsides throughout the state. It was adopted as the state flower in 1907. 

Latin Name: Rosa arkansana
Year Adopted: 1907​
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 4-7

Related State Symbols:

• State Fruit: Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
• State Grass: Western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii)
• State Tree: American elm (Ulmus americana)

The plumeria flower is commonly used for making leis, so is sometimes also called the Hawaiian Lei Flower. Curiously, the unique fragrance of this flower is strongest at nighttime. 

Latin Name: Plumeria rubra forma acutifolia
Year Adopted: Unspecified
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 10-12

Related State Symbol:

• State Tree: Flame tree (Delonix regia)

The scarlet carnation was chosen in honor of William McKinley, the 39th governor of Ohio and the 25th president of the US. He died on September 14, 1901, from gunshot wounds inflicted by an assassin. He used to wear these flowers in the lapel of his jacket. 

Dianthus is a good choice if you want cut flowers. Another name for this species is clove pink. While North Carolina specifically honors the scarlet carnation, it can also come in shades of pink, green, white, purple and yellow.

Latin Name: Dia...MOREnthus caryophyllus
Year Adopted: 1904
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 6-9

Related State Symbols:

• State Beverage: Tomato juice
• State Fruit: Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)
• State Native Fruit: Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
• State Tree: Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra)
• State Wildflower: Large white trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)

Although they are insignificant, the mistletoe does have flowers. Mistletoe grows on trees throughout Oklahoma, particularly in the southern areas of the state. It was named the state's flower in 1893.

Latin Name: Phoradendron serotinum
Year Adopted: 1893
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 6-10

Related State Symbols:

• State Fruit: Strawberry (genus Fragraria)
• State Grass: Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans)
• State Soil: Port Silt Loam
• State Tree: Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)
• State Vegetable:...MORE Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)
• State Wildflower: Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella)

The Oregan grape plant produces little yellow flowers in the early summer and a dark blue berry that ripens late in the fall. Since the fruit is tart, it is best used to make jelly. The plant was adopted as the state's flower in 1899. 

Latin Name: Berberis aquifolium
Year Adopted: 1899
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 5-9

Related State Symbols:

• State Fruit: Pear (genus Pyrus)
• State Mushroom: Pacific golden chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius)
• State Nut: Hazelnut (genus Corylus)
• State Tree: Douglas...MORE fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

The lovely mountain laurel is a beautiful shrub native to America with star-shaped white and pink flowers. Pennsylvania adopted it as the state flower in 1933; it is also a symbol of Connecticut. 

Latin Name: Kalmia latifolia
Year Adopted: 1933
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 5-9

Related State Symbols:

• State Beautification Plant: Penngift Crownvetch (Coronilla varia)
• State Tree: Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

The Puerto Rico hibiscus or flor de maga is not actually a hibiscus. Those plants are in the Hibiscus genus. They do both belong in the Malvaceae family and have a similar look.

Latin Name: Thespesia grandiflora
Year Adopted: Not specified
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 11-12

Related State Symbols:

• State Soil: Bayamon
• State Tree: Silk-cotton tree (Ceiba pentandra)

The state of Rhode Island was the last state to officially adopt a state flower. Even though Rhode Island's schoolchildren voted the violet as the state's flower in 1897, it wasn't officially the state's flower until 1968.

Latin Name: Viola palmata
Year Adopted: 1968

Related State Symbols:

• State Fruit: Rhode Island Greening Apple
• State Tree: Red maple (Acer rubrum)

In 1924 the yellow jessamine was designated as South Carolina's state flower. Jessamine can be found throughout the state and is also featured on the South Carolina state-themed quarter. 

Latin Name: Gelsemium sempervirens
Year Adopted: 1924
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 7-9

Related State Symbols:

• State Botanical Garden: South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University
• State Fruit: Peach (Prunus persica)
• State Grass: Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans)
• State Tree: Cabbage palmetto (Sabal...MORE palmetto)
• State Wildflower: Goldenrod (Solidago)

The pasque flower is also known as prairie crocus, cut leaf anenome, prairie smoke or pulsatile. It is a small perennial that bears purple flowers similar to the crocus somewhat in appearance. The Pasque flower is highly toxic and has been placed in both genus Anemone, others the genus Pulsatilla. 

Latin Name: Anemone patens var. multifida
Year Adopted: 1903

Related State Symbols:

• State Soil: Houdek
• State Tree: Black Hills spruce (Picea glauca var. densata)

The purple iris (Iris spp.) is in the Iridaceae family. There is an abundance of colors available besides the purple one specifically designated as the state flower. The Iris was adopted as Tennessee's state flower in 1933.

Latin Name: genus Iris
Year Adopted: 1933
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Varies

Related State Symbols:

• State Fruit: Tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum)
• State Tree: Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
• State Wildflower: Passion flower (genus Passiflora)

There are actually five species of bluebonnets (Lupinus) that have been named as the state flower of Texas. All of these beauties feature blue flowers. Their siblings in the Lupinus genus are the garden lupines.

Latin Name: genus Lupinus
Year Adopted: 1901
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Varies

Related State Symbols:

• State Fruit: Red grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
• State Pepper: Jalapeño (Capsicum annuum)
• State Tree: Pecan tree (Carya illinoinensis)
• State Vegetable: 1015 Onion

The beautiful yellow trumpetbush is related to the cape honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis). Both of the plants are part of the Bignoniaceae family.

Latin Name: Tecoma stans
Year Adopted: 1934
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 7-11

Related State Symbol:

• State Tree: No official tree

Utah adopted its state flower in 1911 and was chosen as the state flower because of its historic significance to the state. In the mid-1800s, the root of the sego lily was eaten during a plague of crickets that destroyed the settlers' crops.

Latin Name: genus Calochortus
Year Adopted: 1911
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Varies

Related State Symbols:

• State Fruit: Cherry (Prunus cerasus and Prunus avium)
• State Grass: Indian rice grass (Achnatherum hymenoides)
• State Historic Vegetable: Sugar Beet (Beta...MORE vulgaris)
• State Tree: Blue spruce (Picea pungens)
• State Vegetable: Spanish Sweet Onion

Vermont's state flower is the herbal red clover, named as its flower in 1895. Although not indigenous to America, the red clover is a hardy herb that now grows in many regions globally. 

Latin Name: Trifolium pratense
Year Adopted: 1895
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8

Related State Symbols:

• State Fruit: Apple
• State Tree: Sugar maple (Acer saccharum)

Virgina's state flower was adopted in 1918. The wood of this plant was valued to carpenters, as it produces a strong material that was ideal for making arrows, the handles of tools and other small items requiring hard wood.

Latin Name: Cornus florida
Year Adopted: 1918
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 5-9

Related State Symbols:

• State Tree: Flowering dogwood

The coast rhododendron was first discovered by Archibald Menzies in 1792, and the seeds were sent to England in 1850 by William Lobb. Although this flower was initially selected as the state flower in 1892 by the women of Washington, it didn't officially become the state flower until 1959.

Latin Name: Rhododendron macrophyllum
Year Adopted: 1892; 1959
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 6b-9

Related State Symbols:

• State Fruit: Apple
• State Grass: Bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum)
• State Tree: Wes...MOREtern hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)
• State Vegetable: Walla Walla sweet onion

The rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) became West Virginia's state flower in 1903. Similar to the flowers of other states, it was voted by schoolchildren.

Latin Name: Rhododendron maximum
Year Adopted: 1903​
Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 3b-8

Related State Symbols:

• State Fruit: Golden Delicious apple
• State Soil: Monongahela silt loam
• State Tree: Sugar maple (Acer saccharum)

The common name for this species of violet is the common blue violet. It is a herbaceous perennial that comes from eastern North America. In some areas, it is considered to be invasive and may spread throughout your lawn and plant beds. Illinois, New Jersey, and Rhode Island also claim the violet as their state flower.

Latin Name: Viola sororia
Year Adopted: 1949

Related State Symbols:

• State Fruit: Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
• State Grain: Corn (Zea mays)
• State Soil: Antigo Silt Loam
• State Tree: Su...MOREgar maple (Acer saccharum)

Indian paintbrush is a lovely perennial flower that is native to the United States. It features spikes of what appear to be red blossoms. The scarlet parts are actually sepals and modified leaves called "bracts."

if given the chance, this perennial will be a parasite since it will take nutrients from surrounding plants. This was named the state flower in 1917 thanks to the lobbying efforts of Dr. Grace Raymond Hebard from the University of Wyoming.

Latin Name: Castilleja linariifolia
Year...MORE Adopted: 1917

Related State Symbols:

• State Grass: Western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii)
• State Tree: Plains cottonwood (Poplus deltoides subsp. monilifera)