Flowers have been associated with birthdays, anniversaries, places, traditions, and special meanings for centuries. Explore these quick-reference flower facts to discover zodiac flowers and plants, traditional wedding anniversary gifts, U.S. state flowers, Canadian provincial and territorial floral emblems, and some of the meanings commonly associated with popular flowers.
Please note: Flower meanings, zodiac associations, and anniversary traditions can vary between cultures and sources. The information below represents commonly recognized traditions and is intended as a fun and helpful reference.
Flowers & Plants of the Zodiac
Flowers and plants have long been associated with the twelve signs of the zodiac. These associations vary by tradition, but the following pairings have been part of our Flower Facts collection for many years.
| Zodiac Sign & Birthday | Flower or Plant |
|---|---|
| Aquarius Jan. 20 – Feb. 18 |
Daffodil & Primrose |
| Pisces Feb. 19 – Mar. 20 |
Freesia & Cineraria |
| Aries Mar. 21 – Apr. 20 |
Tulip & Calceolaria |
| Taurus Apr. 21 – May 20 |
Iris & Hydrangea |
| Gemini May 21 – June 20 |
Alstroemeria & Geranium |
| Cancer June 21 – July 21 |
Rose & Gloxinia |
| Leo July 22 – Aug. 21 |
Carnation & Begonia |
| Virgo Aug. 22 – Sept. 22 |
Gladiolus & Chrysanthemum |
| Libra Sept. 23 – Oct. 22 |
Dahlia & Cyclamen |
| Scorpio Oct. 23 – Nov. 21 |
Gerbera Daisy & African Violet |
| Sagittarius Nov. 22 – Dec. 20 |
Anemone & Azalea |
| Capricorn Dec. 21 – Jan. 19 |
Chrysanthemum & Poinsettia |
Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gifts
Wedding anniversaries have traditionally been associated with certain materials, gemstones, and gifts. Traditions vary somewhat by country and source, but these are among the most commonly recognized anniversary themes.
| Anniversary | Traditional Gift |
|---|---|
| 1st | Paper |
| 2nd | Cotton |
| 3rd | Leather |
| 4th | Fruit or Flowers |
| 5th | Wood |
| 6th | Iron |
| 7th | Wool or Copper |
| 8th | Bronze |
| 9th | Pottery or Willow |
| 10th | Tin or Aluminum |
| 11th | Steel |
| 12th | Silk or Linen |
| 13th | Lace |
| 14th | Ivory (traditionally; ivory-colored or wildlife-friendly alternatives are appropriate today) |
| 15th | Crystal |
| 20th | China |
| 25th | Silver |
| 30th | Pearl |
| 35th | Coral (traditionally; coral-inspired gifts are a more sustainable choice) |
| 40th | Ruby |
| 45th | Sapphire |
| 50th | Gold |
| 55th | Emerald |
| 60th | Diamond |
| 70th | Platinum |
Florist's Tip: Flowers make a wonderful addition to any anniversary tradition. An arrangement can be designed around the colors associated with a milestone—such as silver and white for a 25th anniversary, ruby tones for a 40th, or golden flowers for a 50th.
U.S. State Flowers & Floral Emblems
Every U.S. state has adopted an official flower or floral emblem. Some are traditional garden flowers, while others are native wildflowers, flowering shrubs, or even botanical emblems such as Maine's white pine cone and tassel.
| State | Flower / Floral Emblem |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Camellia |
| Alaska | Forget-Me-Not |
| Arizona | Saguaro Cactus Blossom |
| Arkansas | Apple Blossom |
| California | California Poppy |
| Colorado | Rocky Mountain Columbine |
| Connecticut | Mountain Laurel |
| Delaware | Peach Blossom |
| Florida | Orange Blossom |
| Georgia | Cherokee Rose |
| Hawaii | Yellow Hibiscus |
| Idaho | Syringa |
| Illinois | Violet |
| Indiana | Peony |
| Iowa | Wild Rose |
| Kansas | Sunflower |
| Kentucky | Goldenrod |
| Louisiana | Magnolia |
| Maine | White Pine Cone & Tassel |
| Maryland | Black-Eyed Susan |
| Massachusetts | Mayflower |
| Michigan | Apple Blossom |
| Minnesota | Pink & White Lady's Slipper |
| Mississippi | Magnolia |
| Missouri | Hawthorn |
| State | Flower / Floral Emblem |
|---|---|
| Montana | Bitterroot |
| Nebraska | Goldenrod |
| Nevada | Sagebrush |
| New Hampshire | Purple Lilac |
| New Jersey | Violet |
| New Mexico | Yucca Flower |
| New York | Rose |
| North Carolina | Flowering Dogwood |
| North Dakota | Wild Prairie Rose |
| Ohio | Scarlet Carnation |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Rose* |
| Oregon | Oregon Grape |
| Pennsylvania | Mountain Laurel |
| Rhode Island | Violet |
| South Carolina | Yellow Jessamine |
| South Dakota | American Pasque Flower |
| Tennessee | Iris |
| Texas | Bluebonnet |
| Utah | Sego Lily |
| Vermont | Red Clover |
| Virginia | American Dogwood |
| Washington | Coast Rhododendron |
| West Virginia | Rhododendron |
| Wisconsin | Wood Violet |
| Wyoming | Indian Paintbrush |
* Oklahoma recognizes the Oklahoma Rose as its state flower. Mistletoe, which appeared in our original Flower Facts table, continues to have a historic designation as Oklahoma's state floral emblem.
Canadian Provincial & Territorial Floral Emblems
Canada's ten provinces and three territories each have an official floral emblem. The list below includes all 13 provinces and territories.
| Province or Territory | Floral Emblem |
|---|---|
| Alberta | Wild Rose |
| British Columbia | Pacific Dogwood |
| Manitoba | Prairie Crocus |
| New Brunswick | Purple Violet |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Pitcher Plant |
| Nova Scotia | Mayflower |
| Ontario | White Trillium |
| Prince Edward Island | Lady's Slipper |
| Quebec | Blue Flag Iris |
| Saskatchewan | Western Red Lily |
| Northwest Territories | Mountain Avens |
| Yukon | Fireweed |
| Nunavut | Purple Saxifrage |
Flower Meanings & Symbolism
During the Victorian era, flowers were often used to communicate feelings and messages that could not always be spoken aloud. This tradition became known as the language of flowers or floriography.
Meanings have changed over time and can vary by culture, flower color, and source. The interpretations below combine traditional symbolism with meanings more commonly recognized today.
| Flower | Commonly Associated Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Button | Hope, devotion & romantic anticipation |
| Carnation — Red | Love, admiration & affection |
| Carnation — Striped | Traditionally associated with regret or refusal |
| China Aster | Patience, elegance & variety |
| Chrysanthemum — Red | Love & deep affection |
| Chrysanthemum — White | Truth, loyalty & sincerity |
| Cyclamen | Deep affection & sincere feelings |
| Daffodil | New beginnings, hope & high regard |
| Dahlia | Strength, elegance, creativity & lasting commitment |
| Daisy | Innocence, cheerfulness & new beginnings |
| Fern | Fascination, sincerity & enduring bonds |
| Geranium | Friendship, comfort & good health |
| Gladiolus | Strength of character, integrity & remembrance |
| Holly | Foresight, protection & goodwill |
| Hyacinth | Sincerity, constancy & playfulness |
| Iris | Faith, hope, wisdom & meaningful messages |
| Ivy | Fidelity, friendship & lasting affection |
| Jonquil | Desire, affection & returning love |
| Lily of the Valley | Return of happiness, sweetness & humility |
| Marigold | Warmth, creativity, passion & remembrance |
| Moss | Maternal love & charity |
| Narcissus | Renewal, rebirth & self-reflection |
| Nasturtium | Victory, courage & patriotism |
| Pansy | Loving thoughts & remembrance |
| Peony | Prosperity, romance, good fortune & a happy marriage |
| Rose | Love, beauty & affection |
| Tulip | Perfect love, affection & elegance |
| Violet | Faithfulness, modesty & devotion |
| Zinnia | Lasting affection & thoughts of absent friends |
Keep in mind: Color can significantly change a flower's symbolism. A red rose traditionally represents romantic love, for example, while yellow roses are more often associated with friendship and happiness.