The dahlia is the national flower of Mexico — a bold, many-petaled bloom native to the country and cultivated there since long before it reached the rest of the world.

• National flower: Dahlia
• Scientific name: Dahlia pinnata
• Status: Official national flower (1963)
• Symbolism: elegance, dignity, and Mexican heritage

About Mexico’s national flower

The dahlia is native to the highlands of Mexico, where the Aztecs grew it for food, medicine, and ceremony. Spanish botanists later sent it to Europe, where it became a garden sensation. Mexico honored its origins by declaring the dahlia the national flower in 1963.

Symbolism and tradition

Today there are thousands of dahlia varieties grown around the world, but their homeland is Mexico, and the flower remains a source of national pride.

National flower of Mexico FAQs

What is the national flower of Mexico?

The national flower of Mexico is the dahlia (Dahlia pinnata), declared the national flower in 1963. It is native to Mexico and was cultivated by the Aztecs.

What does Mexico’s national flower represent?

The dahlia represents elegance and dignity, and a proud connection to Mexico’s indigenous heritage, having been grown there since Aztec times.

Is the dahlia native to Mexico?

Yes. The dahlia is native to the highlands of Mexico, where it was cultivated by the Aztecs long before it became a popular garden flower worldwide.

Explore more

Discover national flowers from around the world, the state flowers of the U.S., or find your birth flower.