Direct answer: In North Carolina, the state flower is the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida). The Carolina Lily is recognized as the state wildflower, but not the official state flower.[2][7]
Details:
- State flower (official): flowering dogwood, typically blooms in spring and is native to eastern North America. It was designated by the General Assembly in 1941, and is a widely cited symbol of the state.[2]
- State wildflower: Carolina lily (Lilium michauxii), designated in 2003 to honor native wildflowers and regional beauty.[1]
Illustrative note:
- If you’re looking for images of the dogwood bloom, you’ll often see white to pink bracts surrounding small central flowers, a hallmark of Cornus florida.[2]
Sources:
- North Carolina state flower dogwood overview.[2]
- Carolina Lily designated as state wildflower (2003).[1]
- NC state symbols overview (including dogwood and wildflower).[7]
Sources
After 12 months of preparation, CALS alumnus Kole Andrews hopes his flowers win big again this year at the North Carolina State Fair.
cals.ncsu.eduNorth Carolina designated the Carolina lily (Lilium michauxii) as the official State wildflower in 2003. This spectacular wildflower grows throughout North Carolina, from the forests and hills of Cherokee County to the coastal swamplands of Hyde and Pamlico Counties. The stem of the Carolina lily can grow up to 4 feet high and can have up to 6 flowers at the summit (1-3 is more common). The flower petals are brilliant red-orange with brown spots and curl back to overlap.
statesymbolsusa.orgFor immediate release ‐ April 29, 2021 Contact: Jessica Wackes, 919.707.9850. Images available upon request *By Chris Goforth, Head of Citizen Science, and Jess Wackes, PR & Marketing Coordinator* It’s that time in nature when the flowering dogwoods (*Cornus florida)* are blooming! These beauties will pop up more and more as summer approaches, though flowering dogwoods are lovely any time of the year. … In fall and early winter, the trees sport bright red berry-like fruits that are...
naturalsciences.orgThe dogwood blossom is the state flower of North Carolina and the Carolina Lily is recognized as the state wildflower.
www.worldatlas.comOfficial North Carolina state symbols and emblems. Complete information about the official state symbols, songs, and emblems and their adoption.
www.netstate.com