Effortless Botanical Panorama of the United States
In the tapestry of American culture, as iconic as pyrotechnics in midsummer, the selection of official state blossoms pays homage to the rich botanical variety of this nation. This tradition traces its genesis to the year 1893 during the World’s Fair in Chicago, where an invitation was extended to each state to select a floral representative for a national garland. For Kansas, the sunflower was a natural choice, symbolizing a radiant future. However, in other regions, the selection process sparked vigorous debates as states grappled to reach a consensus on a single flower. In tightly contested scenarios, legislative bodies sometimes sought the expertise of botanists or the preferences of young scholars. For instance, in Colorado, the decision fell to the rocky Mountain columbine, and in rhode Island, to the violet, thanks to the influence of schoolchildren. Most selections are native species, flourishing in the wild or as familiar transplants, seamlessly integrating into their new habitats. Many of these flowers are also exemplary for gardens, thriving with minimal care and infusing any space with an air of effortless Americana.
Below, we explore the floral emblems of all 50 states, accompanied by cultivation advice and notable varieties.
Alabama: Camellia
Originally from Asia, the camellia usurped the goldenrod as Alabama’s floral emblem in 1927. Advocated by the state’s women, who favored its refined beauty over the wildflower’s unkempt appearance. The camellia, with lustrous evergreen foliage and robust cup-shaped blossoms, enlivens gardens during the sparse blooming months of late winter and early spring. For optimal growth, plant shade-loving varieties like ‘rubescens Major’ in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Alaska: Forget-Me-not
Alaska’s choice of the forget-me-not, even before its statehood, was a tribute to the indomitable spirit of its early settlers, as noted in the legislative annotations. This plant is a quaint addition to any garden, with its clusters of vivid blue flowers in spring and summer. It’s particularly suited for bulb companionship in rock gardens or containers. The ‘Ultramarine’ variety is more compact than its wild counterpart, flourishing in sunlit or partly shaded spots with moist, well-draining soil.
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Arizona: Saguaro Cactus Blossom
The saguaro cactus blossom, chosen in 1901 and legally recognized in 1931, predates Arizona’s statehood. This nocturnally blooming, creamy white flower emerges from the tips of saguaro cacti in late spring and is exclusive to the Sonoran Desert.
Arkansas: Apple Blossom
Arkansas, once a prominent apple producer, declared the apple blossom its state flower in 1901. The Pyrus coronaria, or American crabapple, displays fragrant pink and white flowers from March to May, followed by clusters of tart fruits. Its modest height makes it an ideal centerpiece for domestic gardens.
California: California Poppy
By the 18th century, the California poppy had already captured the imagination of Spanish explorers, who likened its fiery blooms to a land ablaze. Long revered by native peoples for its medicinal and culinary uses, this drought-resistant flower, a perennial in milder climates and an annual elsewhere, opens in the spring sun and closes at dusk. The ‘Carmine King’ variety boasts red ruffles, ‘Mission Bells’ displays a spectrum of colors, and ‘Thai Silk Lemon Blush’ offers a creamy yellow hue.
Colorado: rocky Mountain Columbine
Chosen by Colorado’s children in 1899, the rocky Mountain columbine’s blue, white, and yellow petals symbolize the sky, snow, and the state’s gold-mining heritage, respectively. This fragrant perennial, which inspired the state song, blooms the year following its autumn seeding. Cultivars include the diminutive ‘red Hobbit’ and the colorful ‘Origami Mix.’
Connecticut: Mountain Laurel
The mountain laurel, documented in America by Captain John Smith in 1624, became Connecticut’s state flower in 1907. This evergreen shrub, once used by native Americans for crafting, thrives in varied lighting conditions and blossoms from late spring to midsummer. Caution is advised, as all parts of the plant are toxic.
Delaware: Peach Blossom
Delaware, known as the Peach State in the late 19th century for its prolific orchards, adopted the peach blossom as its state flower in 1895. The tree, featuring lustrous leaves and striking flowers, is a modestly sized option for warmer zone orchards.
Florida: Orange Blossom
The orange blossom, Florida’s state flower since 1909, heralds the onset of spring with its intoxicating fragrance. This compact citrus tree, bearing white flowers and fruit, is suitable for warmer climates and can also be grown indoors in colder regions.
Georgia: Cherokee rose
The Cherokee rose, mistakenly believed to be native, was designated Georgia’s state flower in 1916. Originating from China, it symbolizes hope and resilience, particularly in relation to the Trail of Tears. This vigorous climber features ephemeral flowers, followed by colorful hips and evergreen leaves.
Hawaii: Yellow Hibiscus
The yellow hibiscus, Hibiscus brackenridgei, was selected as Hawaii’s state flower in 1988, having been the territorial flower since 1922. This endangered species, also known as ma’o hau hele, is encouraged for cultivation in Hawaiian gardens for its large, sunny blooms.
Idaho: Lewis’s Mock Orange
Discovered by Meriwether Lewis in 1806 and used by native Americans for various crafts, the Lewis’s mock orange became Idaho’s state flower in 1931. The shrub, flourishing in sun or shade, is noted for its small white flowers with a rich scent, reminiscent of orange blossoms.