State symbols represent a region’s natural heritage, history, and cultural identity. For Mississippi, the floral emblem embodies the deep connection between the state and its environment. This flower is so widespread and culturally significant that it defines the state’s nickname.
Official Designation and History
The official state flower of Mississippi is the Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora). Although the flower was popular much earlier, its formal designation by the state legislature occurred in 1952. This action followed an informal 1900 election where the state’s schoolchildren voted for their preferred floral symbol. The magnolia won that initial contest by a significant margin. The legal status of the emblem is codified in state law under Mississippi Code Section 3-3-13.
Physical Characteristics and Habitat
The Southern Magnolia is a broadleaf evergreen tree, recognizable by its large, showy blossoms and lush foliage. The flowers are intensely fragrant and creamy-white, often reaching an impressive diameter of eight to twelve inches. These cup-shaped flowers typically feature between six and fifteen thick, waxy petals. The bloom period begins in late spring and continues sparsely throughout the summer months.
The leaves of Magnolia grandiflora are equally distinctive, being simple, alternate, and leathery. They are glossy, dark green on top and often covered underneath with a dense, rusty-brown fuzz, known as pubescence. These oblong leaves measure between five and ten inches long and persist on the tree for approximately two years. The Southern Magnolia flourishes throughout the southeastern United States, favoring moist, organically rich, and well-drained soils. The tree can grow 60 to 80 feet tall, making it a prominent feature of the Southern landscape.
Symbolism and Related State Emblems
The magnolia is deeply intertwined with the state’s cultural identity, encapsulated in its nickname, “The Magnolia State.” The tree was designated as the State Tree in 1938, years before the flower received formal recognition. This dual status reinforces the plant’s standing as the preeminent natural symbol of Mississippi.
The flower and tree symbolize purity, dignity, and nobility. Its evergreen nature and robust growth also associate the magnolia with themes of resilience. The flower’s cultural significance is further highlighted by its appearance on the Mississippi state quarter and its historical feature on the “Magnolia Flag” of 1861.