State symbols serve as cultural markers, offering a sense of identity and shared heritage across a state’s diverse geography. These designations often reflect a state’s natural beauty or historical significance. Illinois, known as the Prairie State, chose a simple yet ubiquitous native plant to represent its flora.
The Official State Flower
Illinois designated the genus Viola, commonly known as the Violet, as its official state flower in 1908. While the designation is broad, the most widespread species across the state is the Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia). This species is an herbaceous perennial that forms a dense basal rosette of leaves and flowers directly from its rhizome.
The leaves of Viola sororia are heart-shaped (orbicular-cordate) and can grow up to three inches wide, emerging on long petioles. The flowers are modest, measuring three-quarters of an inch to one inch across, displaying a rich medium to dark violet color. Each flower features five rounded petals, including a lower petal that acts as a landing platform for insects.
The Common Blue Violet exhibits a unique reproductive strategy. Following the showy spring display, the plant develops small, closed, bud-like flowers near the ground on short stems. These latter flowers, known as cleistogamous flowers, are self-pollinating and produce the majority of the plant’s seeds, demonstrating an adaptation for reliable reproduction.
The native Viola sororia is found in all of Illinois’s 102 counties and thrives across a wide variety of habitats. It is a common sight in moist woodlands, open prairies, savannas, and developed areas like lawns and city parks. This resilience and widespread presence made the Violet a clear choice for a state symbol.
How the Flower Was Chosen
The selection of the state flower was initiated through a public engagement campaign involving the state’s youngest citizens. In 1907, an official vote was organized across Illinois schools to allow children to choose a state flower and a state tree. This method ensured the chosen symbol held popular endorsement.
The children’s vote created a clear winner for the floral designation. The Violet received 16,583 votes, significantly outpacing its main rival, the Wild Rose, which garnered 12,628 votes. The Goldenrod finished a distant third in the popular tally.
Following the preference expressed by the schoolchildren, the result was presented to the state legislature for formal adoption. Senator Andrew J. Jackson of Rockford sponsored a bill to officially recognize the Violet as the state flower. Legislative action quickly followed the students’ selection.
The measure was officially signed into law in 1908, formally designating the Violet as the state flower. The selection process, rooted in the votes of Illinois youth, is a unique part of the state’s history.