State Trees and Flowers: Fascinating Facts and Basic Knowledge

Every U.S. state has a variety of different unique symbols, including state trees and flowers. These symbols are typically chosen to represent the natural beauty and diversity of each state, and they may also have economic and cultural significance. For instance, the magnolia flower is a symbol of the southern hospitality and charm of Mississippi, the quaking aspen represents the rugged beauty of Utah's mountains, and the sugar maple is the source of one of Vermont's biggest agricultural exports, maple syrup, as well as a big contributor to the beautiful fall foliage that draws tourists to the state every year.

Fun Facts About State Trees

• The bald cypress tree is the state tree of Louisiana. It is known for its unique "knees," or protrusions that rise out of the swamp around the tree.
• The quaking aspen, Utah's state tree, is famous for its golden leaves that flutter in the wind, creating a beautiful and unique sound.
• The eastern white pine is one of the tallest species of trees in the eastern United States, reaching heights of up to 230 feet, as well as being the state tree of Maine.
• Oregon's state tree, the Douglas fir, is also very tall; it can grow to a height of up to 330 feet. It's commonly used as a Christmas tree and is known for its strong wood.
• The live oak, the state tree of Georgia, can live up to 500 years.

Interesting Facts About State Flowers

• The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet, which blooms in the spring and is a favorite among Texans for its beautiful blue petals.
• The bright orange California poppy is featured on the coat of arms of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who was born in the state.
• The rose is the state flower of New York. It is a classic flower symbolizing love that comes in a variety of colors and is known for its sweet scent.
• Goldenrod, which blooms in the late summer and early fall, is often associated with autumn in Kentucky.

Official State Flowers and Trees

State Name	State Flower	State Tree
Alabama	Camellia	Southern longleaf pine
Alaska	Forget-me-not	Sitka spruce
Arizona	Saguaro cactus blossom	Palo verde
Arkansas	Apple blossom	Pine
California	California poppy	Coast redwood
Colorado	Rocky Mountain columbine	Colorado blue spruce
Connecticut	Mountain laurel	White oak
Delaware	Peach blossom	American holly
Florida	Orange blossom	Sabal palm
Georgia	Cherokee rose	Live oak
Hawaii	Yellow hibiscus	Kukui
Idaho	Syringa	Western white pine
Illinois	Purple violet	White oak
Indiana	Peony	Tulip tree
Iowa	Wild rose	Bur oak
Kansas	Sunflower	Cottonwood
Kentucky	Goldenrod	Tulip poplar
Louisiana	Magnolia	Bald cypress
Maine	White pine cone and tassel	Eastern white pine
Maryland	Black-eyed Susan	White oak
Massachusetts	Mayflower	American elm
Michigan	Apple blossom	Eastern white pine
Minnesota	Pink and white lady's slipper	Red pine
Mississippi	Magnolia	Magnolia
Missouri	Hawthorn	Flowering dogwood
Montana	Bitterroot	Ponderosa pine
Nebraska	Goldenrod	Eastern cottonwood
Nevada	Sagebrush	Bristlecone pine
New Hampshire	Purple lilac	Paper birch
New Jersey	Violet	Northern red oak
New Mexico	Yucca flower	Pinyon pine
New York	Rose	Sugar maple
North Carolina	Dogwood	American dogwood
North Dakota	Wild prairie rose	American elm
Ohio	Scarlet carnation	Buckeye
Oklahoma	Oklahoma rose	Redbud
Oregon	Oregon grape	Douglas fir
Pennsylvania	Mountain laurel	Eastern hemlock
Rhode Island	Violet	Red maple
South Carolina	Yellow jessamine	Palmetto
South Dakota	Pasque flower	Black hills spruce
Tennessee	Iris	Tulip poplar
Texas	Bluebonnet	Pecan
Utah	Sego lily	Quaking aspen
Vermont	Red clover	Sugar maple
Virginia	American dogwood	Dogwood
Washington	Coast rhododendron	Western hemlock
West Virginia	Rhododendron	Sugar maple
Wisconsin	Wood violet	Sugar maple
Wyoming	Indian paintbrush	Plains cottonwood