State Flowers of America Part 1: Alabama to California

As America's founders united the states, visual symbols were adopted to represent the nation. The national flower is the rose (genus Rosa). State flowers reflect what each state is best known for. Research primarily from netstate.com.

State Floral Emblems

• Alabama: Goldenrod (1927) → Camellia (1959, from China) after ladies' group protested Goldenrod as a weed. Also selected oak-leaf hydrangea as official wildflower.
• Alaska: Forget-me-not, chosen by early settlers' "Grand Igloo" lodge. Legislated via poem (1913), law by 1959 (49th state).
• Arizona: Saguaro Cactus Blossom—on state seal since 1863, officially chosen 1901.
• Arkansas: Apple Blossom—chosen after battle between two women's clubs (Passion Flower lost).
• California: California Poppy—beat Mariposa Lily and Matilija Poppy in 1890s contest; law took 13+ years.
• Colorado: Rocky Mountain Columbine (White and Lavender Columbine)—chosen by 14,472 schoolchildren; protection law enacted 1929.
• Connecticut: Mountain Laurel (1907), adopted after state seal/flag approval.

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