While the pandemic has transformed our world in countless ways, the virus hasn’t altered this immutable fact: Winter still gives way to spring and the bloom of flowers, including beloved state flowers. Listed here: eight iconic official state flowers and great spots to see them.
1. California: California Poppy
California poppy. | Photo by Sandi Teel
Each spring, the Golden State’s gold-orange poppies brighten fields and hillsides, turning sometimes drab landscapes into Technicolor scenes straight out of Oz.
When: March to May
Where: The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve north of Los Angeles.
2. New Mexico: Yucca Flower
New Mexico yucca in bloom. | Photo by stock.adobe.com
With their fragrant pale-yellow flowers atop tall, gnarled stalks, yuccas were nicknamed Lámparas de Dios (or Lamps of the Lord) for their bioluminescence.
When: May to June
Where: White Sands National Park, where soaptree yuccas rise against a backdrop of snow-white dunes.
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3. Texas: Bluebonnet
Bluebonnet. | Photo by Mary Hudnall
These indigo beauties line roadsides thanks to the Texas Highway Department and former FLOTUS and Texas native Lady Bird Johnson, who championed the Highway Beautification Act of 1965.
When: March to April
Where: Texas Hill Country, including Ennis’ famed Bluebonnet Trails.
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4. Kansas: Sunflower
Sunflower in a field of sunflowers. | Photo by stock.adobe.com
The glorious sunflower is not only the state’s emblematic bloom, but also the nickname for Kansas: the Sunflower State.
When: Late July to September
Where: Leavenworth County, which is home to Grinter’s Sunflower Farm.
5. Mississippi: Magnolia
Magnolia blossoms. | Photo by naya/stock.adobe.com
In the Magnolia State, few things are sweeter than a spring afternoon, sippin’ iced tea, and lazing in the shade of a tree heavy with creamy-white magnolia blossoms. Louisiana also claims the magnolia as its state flower.
When: April to May
Where: Along the Natchez Trace Parkway in southwest Mississippi.
6. Alabama: Camellia
Red camellia blossom. | Photo by stock.adobe.com
Native to Asia, this elegant import has found a sweet home in Alabama. Of the hundreds of known camellia species, the state’s official variety is Camellia japonica L.
When: December to March
Where: The Bellingrath Gardens and Home near Mobile.
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7. New Hampshire: Purple Lilac
Purple lilac. | Photo by 8H/stock.adobe.com
In May, the sweet scent of lilac perfumes Granite State air. The lilac was named the state flower because it symbolizes New Hampshirites’ hardy character: a lilac bush can live more than a hundred years and even survive prolonged sub-zero temps.
When: May
Where: Route 108 near Skyhaven Airport.
8. Virginia: American Dogwood
American dogwood in bloom. | Photo by sartori/stock.adobe.com
The state flower does double duty as the state tree, which can grow up to 40 feet high and blossoms with small, four-petaled flowers in white, pink, or red.
When: April to June
Where: Monticello. Descendants of the flowering trees that Thomas Jefferson admired on his property thrive today.
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