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State Flower of Indiana

Flower: Peony

Poets linked Indiana with the blossom of the tulip tree, or yellow poplar, as early as 1870. But the carnation was adopted as Indiana’s state flower on March 15, 1913. Some people protested that the carnation is native to Europe, not the United States. It was rumored that it was adopted because it was a favorite of some politician.

The tulip tree was back in the spotlight a quarter of a century later. In 1957, a bill to adopt the blossom of the tulip tree was submitted. But the Senate substituted the dogwood blossom!

In the House, the peony was endorsed by a lawmaker who was a commercial peony grower. On March 13, 1957, the peony became Indiana’s fourth state flower!