New Jersey

The Story Behind the Common Meadow Violet

Sometimes the people make a decision. And then somehow, everyone forgets about it. That’s exactly what happened with New Jersey’s state flower. In 1913, schoolchildren across New Jersey were asked to vote for a state flower. After the votes were counted, the common blue violet won. Everyone seemed happy with the choice. There was just one problem. The flower was never officially adopted. For nearly sixty years, most people assumed New Jersey had a state flower when technically, it didn’t.

This short video shares how New Jersey's schoolchildren chose the common blue violet and the surprising reason it took nearly sixty years to become official.

Common Meadow Violet

Viola sororia

The common meadow violet grows throughout New Jersey in woodlands, meadows, lawns, and gardens.

A few things that make it special:

Native to eastern North America
Blooms in early spring
Known for its heart-shaped leaves and purple flowers
Attracts butterflies and other pollinators

The first flowers are often among the earliest signs that winter is ending, bringing color back to the landscape after months of cold weather.

And unlike many wildflowers, every part of the violet is edible.

In fact, some people say the leaves contain more vitamin C than oranges.

Why It Became the State Flower

The story begins in 1913 when New Jersey schoolchildren were asked to choose a flower to represent the state.

The common meadow violet won the vote.

The legislature supported the choice, and everyone expected it to become the official state flower.

But somehow, the legislation expired before the process was completed.

For decades, most people assumed the violet was the state flower anyway.

Then in the late 1960s, members of the New Jersey Garden Club realized the state technically had no official flower at all.

They worked to correct the oversight, and in 1971 the common meadow violet was finally and officially adopted as New Jersey's state flower.

It had taken nearly sixty years, but the flower the schoolchildren chose eventually got its place in state history.

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