The U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. has opened a new exhibit showcasing America's state flowers, timed to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday. The exhibition runs through October 12, 2026.
The exhibit brings together all 50 state flowers in one location, allowing visitors to experience the botanical diversity officially chosen by each state. Each flower carries historical and cultural significance to its state, reflecting regional ecosystems and heritage. The display represents centuries of botanical tradition and state pride.
State flowers were selected by legislatures beginning in the late 1800s. Many choices reflect native plants important to their regions, like the saguaro cactus blossom in Arizona and the lady's slipper orchid in Minnesota. Others honor cultural history or economic importance, such as Vermont's red clover and North Carolina's flowering dogwood.
The U.S. Botanic Garden, located on the National Mall, serves as the nation's oldest continuously operated botanical institution. The garden maintains living collections of over 65,000 plants and serves as a research and educational resource.
This exhibit connects horticulture with American identity. Visitors can observe growing techniques, learn about each state's botanical heritage, and understand how regional ecosystems shaped official symbols. The garden provides labeled specimens and contextual information about each flower's significance.
The 250th anniversary celebration offers Americans a chance to engage with natural heritage often overlooked in civic commemorations. By organizing state flowers thematically or geographically, the exhibit teaches visitors about regional plant diversity and the botanical wealth across the country.
WHY IT MATTERS: The exhibit offers an accessible way for Americans to learn about their environmental heritage and appreciate the botanical diversity underlying state identity during the nation's 250th anniversary.