If you live in Massachusetts, you’re already well aware of what the official state flower of your state is. But if you happen to live in another part of the country, chances are you’ve never even heard of MA state flower! The official state flower of Massachusetts is the Mayflower, which has a pretty funny story behind it. You can read all about it below!
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Official State Flower of Massachusetts
The mayflower (Epigaea repens) was designated the state flower of Massachusetts in 1918. This low-growing, native wildflower is found in woodlands and open fields throughout the state. The mayflower gets its name from the fact that it often blooms in early May. This delicate flower has small, pinkish-white blossoms that grow in clusters. The mayflower is a member of the heath family (Ericaceae), which also includes blueberries and rhododendrons.
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Cultural Significance of the Mayflower
For the Native Americans, the mayflower was a symbol of new beginnings and hope. To the Pilgrims, the mayflower represented the beginning of their new life in America. Today, the mayflower is still a symbol of hope and new beginnings for many people. The flower has also become symbolic to some as an image of the American Dream. It is one of several state flowers which are not used on military uniform patches or pins.
Mayflower Meaning
The mayflower is a beautiful flower that has a lot of meaning behind it. This flower is most commonly known as the state flower of Massachusetts, but it also has a lot of history and meaning behind it. The Mayflower was named after the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America and has since become a symbol of hope and new beginnings.
Mayflower Flower Facts
- The mayflower is the official state flower of Massachusetts.
- The state flower of MA is a member of the aster family and its scientific name is Magnolia grandiflora.
- The mayflower was adopted as the state flower in 1918.
- It is native to North America and grows in woodlands, swamps, and riverbanks.
- The mayflower blooms from April to June and its flowers are white with purple streaks.
- The seeds ripen from July to September and are dispersed by wind or water; they can also be eaten by humans or animals.
- In addition to being the state flower of Massachusetts, it is also known as the great laurel and sweet bay because of its pleasant smell.
- An interesting fact about the mayflower is that while they’re not edible, their leaves were used as a vegetable dish during World War II.
- Another interesting fact about this plant is that it’s often mistaken for other plants in the same genus like fragrant water lily, star magnolia, swamp magnolia, bigleaf magnolia, and cucumber tree.
- Lastly, one more interesting fact about this plant is that just like bees love honey from flowers, you’ll find plenty of insects near mayflowers.
Want to Deliver Flowers in Massachusetts?
The Mayflower is the official state flower of Massachusetts, and for good reason! A beautiful mayflower flower arrangement represents new beginnings and hope, two things that are very important to the people of Massachusetts. If you’re looking for a special way to show your love for someone from this great state, try SnapBlooms for flower delivery in Massachusetts. We specialize in delivering fresh, beautiful flowers to all parts of Massachusetts.
FAQs
Some suggest that the mayflower got its name because of the month of May. It might have been given that name in honor of the vessel that carried the pilgrims to Massachusetts.
Mayflower has pink to white hues that are small in size.
These white flowers have a delicate, aromatic scent that gets stronger with time.
With SnapBlooms, you can order flowers to be delivered in Massachusetts and choose from a range of options.
