BigDaddyData.Com: Florida Orange Blossom

    Florida's name was inspired by flowers. In keeping with its name, Florida's state seal depicts an Indian woman strewing flowers on the ground. The woman represents Florida's native tribes.

    Like the Spanish explorers who discovered Florida, its state flower is not native, however. The Orange Blossom (Citrus sinensis) was adopted as Florida's state flower on May 5, 1909. Reportedly, there was little debate or fanfare. It was apparently considered the logical choice.

    Florida's Orange Blossom is one of several state flowers that are not native to North America. Oranges are probably native to China. The camellia and the gardenia have been suggested as possible state flowers. But the camellia is also native to Asia, and who can argue with Florida's multi-billion-dollar citrus industry?

    The waxy, white blossoms of the orange tree are very fragrant. It has been said that it is the only state flower from which a commercial perfume has been made. Tons of Florida Orange Blossoms were once shipped to weddings across the country.