What Is the State Flower of Missouri? Characteristics, Facts, & Tips

Missouri is a beautiful Midwestern state full of active wildlife and beautiful scenery. Nicknamed the “Show Me” state in the late 1800s, it’s known for its beautiful state parks, solid agriculture industry, and iconic landmarks, including the Gateway Arch located in the city of St. Louis. If you’re a fan of history, tasty BBQ, and a bit of a “the south meets Midwest” feel, then Missouri is definitely a place that you should add to your traveling bucket list. So, what is the state flower of Missouri? The state flower of Missouri is the Hawthorn Blossom (scientific name: Crataegus punctata).

Missouri State Flower

The Hawthorn is a flower of the rose family. It was decided in 1923 when Governor Arthur Hyde listed the Hawthorn Blossom as the state’s official state flower. The Hawthorn has over 70 different species that have been found in the state of Missouri alone, as well as in different parts of the country.

Hawthorn Characteristics

Hawthorns are hardy to grow in zones 3 through 9. They are deciduous plants that will grow anywhere from 15 to 50 ft. tall and about 8 to 35 ft. wide, depending on the variety. The bark on Hawthorns is gray and thin, and the twigs are hairy when they’re young, growing into thick stout spines later on.

Some smaller plants can also be grown as shrubs and are commonly used to line sidewalks and front lawns. Hawthorns are beautiful shrubs that stand out due to their pink or white five-petaled flowers which carry a light apple-smelling fragrance that attracts various types of wildlife. Their leaves are green, oval, and toothed.

Hawthorns also bear fruit when they bloom in the spring. The fruit comes in various colors including orange, red, and yellow. Known as “pomes,” they continue to grow all throughout the fall and even in the winter, depending on their location. They are edible and often used for different medicinal and culinary purposes.

Growing Hawthorns

One of the great things about growing Hawthorns is that they are pretty easy to care for. It’s best to plant the shrubs during the warmer months of fall or early spring so that they can avoid the stress of the cold and hot weather. You’ll need to find a site that receives at least five to six hours of sunlight daily and the soil should be moist and will-draining.

Wrapping Up

Missouri is a great state to visit if you are looking to explore historic landmarks, amazing scenery, and some of the best food spots in the country. Its state flower, the Hawthorn Blossom can be found all over the state, especially in rural areas. You may also be lucky enough to see this beautiful shrub out along running trails and in parks in St. Louis and Kansas City.

See also:

• 10 Wildflowers That Grow in Missouri (Identification Guide With Pictures)
• 19 Wildflowers That Grow in Idaho (Identification Guide with Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Alex Manders, Shutterstock