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Some flowers are delicate. Some are quiet. And then there’s the magnolia.
Large, bold, and impossible to ignore, the magnolia has been part of the southern landscape for millions of years. In fact, magnolia fossils date back so far that they existed before bees — which means they were originally pollinated by beetles.
It’s a flower that has always stood out. And in Louisiana, it came to represent something even bigger.
This short video shares how the magnolia became the state flower of Louisiana and why it continues to represent the state today.
Southern Magnolia
Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
The Southern magnolia is one of the most recognizable trees in the southeastern United States, known for its large white flowers and glossy green leaves.
A few things that make it special:
Native to the southeastern United States
Blooms from late spring through summer
Produces large, fragrant white flowers
Known for its evergreen leaves and striking presence
Magnolia trees can be found throughout Louisiana, often lining streets, growing in yards, or standing tall in natural landscapes.
When they bloom, they don’t go unnoticed.
Why It Became the State Flower
In 1900, Louisiana schoolchildren were asked to choose a flower to represent the state.
There were a few options considered, including crape myrtle and azaleas, but the magnolia stood apart.
It wasn’t just beautiful — it meant something.
The magnolia is an evergreen, which made it a symbol of strength and endurance. Its large, elegant blooms represented beauty, dignity, and a sense of pride that many people in Louisiana felt reflected their home.
The students chose the magnolia, and it became the official state flower that same year.
More than a century later, it still represents Louisiana in the same way.
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