In the United States, California helps supply 26 percent of the cut flowers sold. With approximately 275 cut flower growers, California is the major producer of the industry. The top 10 flowers, showing the most sold flowers in California with the 2004 USDA wholesale sales numbers, include surprises like alstroemeria and sure winners like roses.

#10: Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria's cut flower sales show 8,593,000 stems sold. Alstroemeria is the Peruvian lily, of which there are approximately 50 species. It symbolizes being aspiring.

#9: Lisianthus

Lisianthus' cut flower sales show 11,634,000 stems sold. Lisianthus is the botanical name for blue bells, of which there are three species. It means calming.

#8: Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum's sales show 14,162,000 stems sold. It is part of the Asteraceae/Compositae family, of which there are 20,000 species. Depending on color, it symbolizes truth, sharing, excitement and a secret admirer.

#7: Delphinium and Larkspur

Delphinium and larkspur's cut flower sales show 32,359,000 stems sold. Larkspur symbolizes beautiful spirit, while delphinium connotes boldness.

#6: Snapdragon

Snapdragon's cut flower sales show 40,467,000 stems sold. Snapdragon symbolizes presumptuousness.

#5: Tulip

Tulip's cut flower sales show 52,502,000 stems sold. There are approximately 3,000 cultivated varieties of the tulip. Depending on color, it symbolizes caring, royalty, being hopelessly in love, forgiveness or a declaration of love.

#4: Iris

Iris's cut flower sales show 73,697,000 stems sold. There are 200 species of irises. It symbolizes inspiration.

#3: Rose

Rose's cut flower sales show 76,892,000 stems sold. Roses have dated back in fossils to 35 million years ago. Depending on color, it symbolizes friendship, unity, passionate love, zealousness and purity.

#2: Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera daisy's cut flower sales show 94,449,000 stems sold. It is also called Gerberas and is from the family of sunflowers and daisies. It symbolizes innocence.

#1: Lily

Lily's cut flower sales show 103,557,000 stems sold. There are approximately 100 known species. Depending on cultivar, it symbolizes regalness, ambition, enthusiasm and a celebration.