The American dogwood is the official state flower of Virginia — a flowering tree whose blooms open in white or soft pink each spring.

• Official flower: American dogwood
• Scientific name: Cornus florida
• Year adopted: 1918
• Native range: the eastern U.S.

About the american dogwood

Virginia adopted the American dogwood in 1918, and it is also the official state tree. What look like four large petals are actually bracts surrounding a small cluster of true flowers. The dogwood blooms early, before the forest canopy fills in.

Where it grows

The American dogwood is native to the eastern United States and grows throughout Virginia’s woodlands and gardens, blooming in early to mid-spring.

Virginia state flower FAQs

What is the state flower of Virginia?

Virginia’s state flower is the american dogwood (Cornus florida), which it adopted in 1918.

When did Virginia adopt its state flower?

Virginia designated the american dogwood as its official state flower in 1918.

Is the dogwood also Virginia’s state tree?

Yes. The American dogwood serves as both the state flower and the state tree of Virginia.

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