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State Flowers

State Flower of Tennessee

Flower: Iris (Iridaceae) and Passion Flower (Genus Passiflora)

Tennessee’s first state flower was selected by school children. The January 26, 1919 issue of the Nashville Banner listed some of their favorites: the daisy, red clover, rose, water lily, elder bloom, goldenrod, wild rose, sunflower, and violet. The eventual winner, the passion flower, wasn’t even mentioned!

Although the passion flower was adopted as Tennessee’s state flower in 1919, Tennesseean’s loyalty shifted. Nashville, Tennessee became known as the Iris City. Iris fans joined forces and campaigned for the adoption of the iris as the Tennessee State flower. It was adopted in 1933. The passion flower wasn’t forgotten. It was declared the state wildflower in 1973.