Rhode Island State Flower

Rhode Island State Flower

Common Blue Violet
Viola sororia

The official state flower of Rhode Island is the common blue violet. It was voted it was voted as the state flower by school children and announced on Arbor Day in 1897. Although it wasn’t until March 11, 1968 that the flower was officially adopted as the state flower. Rhode Island was the last state to adopt an official state flower.

In March of 2001, Senator Sosnowski presented a bill updating the Latin name of the state flowers name from viola palmate to viola sororia. The bill was approved and signed into law by the governor in July of 2001. 

The violet blooms white or blueish purple and have heart-shaped leaves. The violet blooms are not just beautiful to look at, they are also edible. You’ll see these pretty little flowers on pastries, salads and even drinks!

Rhode Island Flower