Illinois State Flower – Violet

Official State Flower of Illinois

In 1908, the violet was named the official state flower of Illinois. Illinois Common blue violet flowers can be found growing on the plains and on lawns, as well as in Illinois’ woodlands and marshes. Illinois students decided in 1907 to make the violet the state flower. During the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, the idea for adopting state flowers was born. Illinois was the first of four eastern states to declare the common violet as the state flower.

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Also Read: USA States Flowers

Cultural Significance of State Flower of Illinois

Violet flower, has a variety of metaphorical significance depending on the culture. In Victorian England, violets were a way to express feelings without words. Giving someone a violet signaled admiration, remembrance, or faithfulness. That quiet language of flowers carried into America’s floral symbolism, especially in the Midwest, where violets were often tucked into letters or pinned to garments. 

For Native American cultures, particularly tribes indigenous to the Great Lakes region, violets were seen as healing plants — used in salves, teas, and rituals. The flower’s ability to bloom early and thrive in diverse conditions also made it a metaphor for rebirth and perseverance.

In Christian iconography, violets were sometimes linked to the Virgin Mary, symbolizing purity and spiritual humility. In this way, the violet became a flower of faith — small, grounded, yet profound. Today, they’re often found in romantic arrangements ordered through flower delivery in Lisle, Illinois, and many other places, especially during spring when they naturally bloom.

In Greek mythology, violets were created when Artemis transformed a group of her nymphs into the delicate flower to protect them from unwanted attention. This tale lends the violet symbolic associations with protection, innocence and transformation.

In modern times, the violet has also come to represent remembrance — making it a thoughtful flower for sympathy arrangements and memorials at most local flower shops in Illinois. 

Violet Flower Meanings

The Latin word “viola,” which means “violet flower” or “violet colour,” is the source of the English term “violet.” Viola papilionacea is its full Latin name. Purity, eternal love, humility, spiritual wisdom, loyalty, mysticism, and recall are all common violet flower meanings. It’s no surprise that many people seek flower delivery in Oak Park, Illinois and many other places that include these classic blooms– especially for birthdays, memorials, or romantic gestures.

Violet Flower Facts

• Violets, as well as badges representing them, are sold for fund-raising purposes in Australia and New Zealand all over Violet Day to honour fallen World War I troops. 
• Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte’s signature flower was the violet. When Josephine died in 1814, he used the flower to cover her tomb. Furthermore, some of Bonaparte’s supporters were known to ask subjects if they liked violet flowers to determine whether or not they were loyal to the emperor. 
• The purple violet is the official flower of the sorority Sigma Sigma Sigma and the fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon.
• Violets are used by the larvae of various moth butterfly species as food or as a host plant.
• The violet flower is related with the Taurus zodiac sign in astrology. Venus has an influence on the blossom and protects it.
• Violets are low-maintenance plants that may be grown near to the grounds, making them a good ground cover alternative. They can also be grown as a potted plant that stands up to 12 inches tall and is appropriate for flower beds, containers, or planters.
• Violets are also the official February birth flower. They’re popular as present photos or baby flowers, among other things. They’re also common in bridal corsages. The violet is commonly associated with amethyst, the birthstone for February, which represents profound love, monarchy, and pleasure.

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