The common blue violet is the official state flower of Rhode Island — a small purple woodland bloom of spring.

• Official flower: Violet
• Scientific name: Viola sororia
• Year adopted: 1968
• Native range: eastern North America

About the violet

Rhode Island’s schoolchildren selected the violet as far back as 1897, but it was not formally adopted as the state flower until 1968, making Rhode Island one of the last states to make its choice official. The heart-leaved plant produces delicate purple flowers each spring.

Where it grows

The common violet grows throughout Rhode Island in lawns, woodlands, and meadows, blooming in early to mid-spring.

Rhode Island state flower FAQs

What is the state flower of Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s state flower is the violet (Viola sororia), which it adopted in 1968.

When did Rhode Island adopt its state flower?

Rhode Island designated the violet as its official state flower in 1968.

When did Rhode Island make the violet official?

Although schoolchildren chose the violet in 1897, Rhode Island did not officially adopt it as the state flower until 1968.

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