U.S. State Flower Quiz

The Forget-Me-Not flower got its name from a medieval legend! According to the story, a knight and his lady were walking by a river when he bent down to pick a bouquet of these tiny blue flowers. The current was strong, and his heavy armor pulled him into the water. As he was swept away, he threw the flowers to his beloved and shouted, "Forget me not!" The Forget-Me-Not became Alaska's official state flower in 1917—chosen by the Alaska Territorial Legislature long before Alaska even became a U.S. state (which happened in 1959).

The orange blossom was chosen because citrus farming has been a huge part of the state’s economy and identity since the 19th century. Without it, we wouldn’t have Florida’s famous orange juice! It has been Florida’s state flower since 1909.

States with the Violet as Their State Flower Illinois – 1908 (Viola sororia, the common blue violet) Chosen by schoolchildren and later made official. New Jersey – 1971 (Viola sororia) Although commonly associated with the state for much longer, it was officially designated in 1971. Rhode Island – 1968 (Viola palmata, the purple violet) Replaced the original state flower (the pansy) after schoolchildren voted for the violet. Wisconsin – 1949 (Viola sororia) Officially designated after years of being unofficially recognized.

The bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis) was officially named the state flower of Texas in 1901 after a fierce floral debate! The National Society of Colonial Dames of America pushed for its adoption, but some lawmakers initially favored the prickly pear cactus or cotton boll. However, the bluebonnet won thanks to its stunning springtime displays across Texas fields. There are actually six species of bluebonnets recognized as state flowers—not just one!

Mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum) became Oklahoma’s official state floral emblem in 1893—14 years before Oklahoma even became a state! Mistletoe is not a flower! Mistletoe is a hemiparasitic plant—it grows on trees and steals their nutrients.

The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) became Kansas’ official state flower in 1903—and it’s the perfect pick for the "Sunflower State!" Kansas is a top U.S. producer of sunflower seeds—for snacks, oil, and even biodiesel! Sunflowers track the sun (heliotropism)—young blooms face east at dawn and follow it west!

The California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) became the official state flower in 1903—thanks to a wave of schoolchildren’s votes and its dazzling spring superblooms! It’s illegal to pick wild poppies in state parks (but you can grow them at home!).

The Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) became Maryland’s official state flower in 1918—and it’s as bold as the state’s flag! Color coordination: Its golden petals and dark center matched Maryland’s yellow-and-black state colors (inspired by Lord Baltimore’s family crest).

Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) became Nevada’s official state flower in 1917—and it’s the ultimate symbol of the Silver State’s wild, windswept soul! While neon lights glow on the Strip, 110,000 square miles of Nevada are blanketed in sagebrush.

The American Dogwood (Cornus florida) became North Carolina’s official state flower in 1941—but its roots in the state run centuries deep! In 2003, lawmakers debated replacing it with the Venus flytrap (but dogwood loyalists won!).

The Rose became New York’s official state flower in 1955—but not just any rose. The legislation honors the wild rose (genus Rosa), though no single species is specified! Despite NYC’s concrete jungle, roses thrive in parks like the Bronx Botanical Garden (home to 650+ varieties!).

The Peony (Paeonia) became Indiana’s official state flower in 1957—but only after a floral feud that lasted over 50 years! Indiana went without a state flower for decades until the peony won a heated legislative battle over the dogwood and zinnia.

Louisiana (1900): Adopted the magnolia informally after schoolchildren voted for it (no official law until 1990!). Mississippi (1952): Made it official by legislation first, even naming the magnolia the state tree and flower! So while Louisiana informally adopted the flower in 1900-Mississippi LEGISLATED the flower first!

🍎 Michigan (1897) – Officially adopted the apple blossom (Pyrus coronaria) first, celebrating its booming apple industry (now producing 1 billion pounds yearly!). 🍏 Arkansas (1901) – Followed four years later, honoring the state’s 19th-century apple boom (once home to 400+ varieties before blight wiped out orchards).

🌹 Iowa (1897) – First to adopt the wild prairie rose (Rosa arkansana) as its state flower, celebrating its natural beauty and resilience on the plains. 🌹 North Dakota (1907) – Followed a decade later, drawn to the same tough, pink-blossomed survivor that thrives in harsh prairie conditions. This official bloom is so tough, it’s nicknamed the “tornado survivor”—because after storms rip through, it’s often the only plant still standing! It is also a natural barometer—its petals close when storms approach!