Tennessee State Flower: Iris

Tennessee recognizes the Iris as its first official state flower. Each bloom displays three upright petals called standards and three drooping petals called falls. The flowers measure 3 to 5 inches across in most varieties. Colors range from deep purple and blue to yellow, white, and bronze. A sweet or spicy fragrance varies by species. Distinctive bearded varieties show fuzzy ridges on the falls.

Irises bloom from April through June across Tennessee. Wild species flower earlier than garden varieties. Peak blooming occurs in May throughout most of the state. Plants grow 1 to 4 feet tall depending on species. Sword-shaped leaves emerge in fans from the base. The foliage remains attractive after flowers fade.

Wild iris species grow naturally in Tennessee wetlands, along streams, and in moist meadows. Reelfoot Lake, the Tennessee River bottoms, and mountain coves support native populations. Blue flag iris thrives in wet areas across the state. Crested dwarf iris grows in Great Smoky Mountains forests. Garden iris varieties flourish in Tennessee yards from Memphis to Nashville to Knoxville. Both wild and cultivated types adapt well to Tennessee's climate with hot summers and moderate winters.

This flower carries the common name Iris and the scientific genus name Iris. The genus belongs to the Iridaceae family. This family includes about 2,000 species of flowering plants found worldwide including gladiolus and crocus.

The genus name Iris comes from the Greek word for rainbow. It refers to the wide range of flower colors. Over 300 species exist in the genus Iris. Wild iris species native to Tennessee include Iris virginica, called southern blue flag, and Iris cristata, known as crested dwarf iris. Garden bearded iris varieties trace ancestry to multiple species.

Tennessee never specified which iris species or color represents the state. The 1933 designation simply said iris without naming a particular type. This broad approach allows all iris varieties to serve as state symbols. Wild native species and cultivated garden varieties equally represent Tennessee. The inclusive designation reflects the iris family's diversity.

Tennessee established the Iris as its official state flower in 1933. The Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs campaigned for this designation. They organized activities promoting iris cultivation across the state. School children studied different iris varieties during this educational effort alongside broader lessons about Tennessee's state symbols.

Irises grew successfully throughout Tennessee. Wild species thrived in wetlands and mountain forests. Garden varieties flourished in yards and public spaces. The diverse colors appealed to residents statewide. Iris flowers symbolized beauty and resilience. The plants required minimal care once established. Both native and cultivated types represented Tennessee's varied geography.

Some people suggested passion flower or Tennessee coneflower instead. Iris supporters emphasized the flower's statewide adaptability. The plant grew well from the Appalachian highlands to the Mississippi bottomlands. Its spectacular blooms attracted attention each spring. The legislature passed the designation on April 1, 1933. Forty years later in 1973, Tennessee added the Passion Flower as a second official state flower while preserving the Volunteer State tradition.

The Northern Mockingbird serves as Tennessee's state bird, a talented songbird that mimics calls of other birds. Both symbols represent Tennessee officially. Tennessee adopted the Iris in 1933 and designated the Northern Mockingbird as state bird in 1933 during the same year.

The Iris commonly represents faith, hope, and wisdom in traditional flower symbolism. Different colors carry specific meanings with purple representing royalty, blue symbolizing faith, and yellow indicating passion. The flower has been linked to communication and messages across cultures. Its diverse forms frequently represent Tennessee's varied landscapes from mountains to river valleys while the resilient nature carries connotations of strength and adaptability, a theme echoed by Tennessee's state tree.