Poets linked Indiana with the blossom of the tulip tree, or yellow poplar, as early as 1870. But the carnation was adopted as Indiana’s state flower on March 15, 1913.
Some people protested that the carnation is native to Europe, not the United States. It was rumored that it was adopted because it was a favorite of some politician. Ohio had earlier adopted the carnation because it was associated with President William McKinley.
On March 1, 1923, the blossom of the tulip tree was adopted. Less than ten years later, the zinnia was adopted. It had a variety of supporters. But there were charges that the zinnia’s prime backer was a florist who specialized in growing zinnia seed.
The tulip tree was back in the spotlight a quarter of a century later. It was promoted by the Garden Club of Indiana, Inc. Zinnia supporters rallied in Tipton, Indiana, which was nicknamed the “City of the Zinnias.”
In 1957, a bill to adopt the blossom of the tulip tree was submitted. But the Senate substitute the dogwood blossom! In the House, the peony was endorsed by a lawmaker who was a commercial peony grower. On March 13, 1957, the peony became Indiana’s fourth state flower.
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