Get to Know Florida's Orange Blossom: State Flower, History, Economic Impact & Citrus Varieties
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The blossom of the orange tree (Citrus sinensis) is the official state flower of Florida and one of its most recognizable natural symbols. Each year, during bloom season, orange groves across central and southern parts of the state fill the air with its scent. In 1909, the Florida Legislature formally designated the orange blossom as the state flower, tying it directly to a crop that had already become central to Florida’s economy and daily life.
Photo/Hayffield
At the time, Florida was beginning to establish its official symbols. Citrus farming was expanding quickly, and orange trees were a common sight across the state. Lawmakers chose the orange blossom through the standard legislative process, approving it as a symbol that reflected both the landscape and the agricultural foundation of Florida. Since then, it has remained closely linked to the state’s identity.
Photo/David Dvoracek
The orange tree itself has long been valued beyond its fruit. Oranges are used for their pulp and peel, while the blossoms, leaves, and wood each serve different purposes. The flowers are known for their fragrance and have traditionally been used in weddings and in perfume making. Their petals are distilled into orange blossom water, an ingredient used in French and Middle Eastern cooking, especially in desserts. In Spain, dried blossoms are used to make tea, and in the United States, the extract appears in baked goods such as scones and marshmallows.
Orange blossom honey is produced by placing beehives in citrus groves during bloom season, allowing bees to pollinate the trees while producing a honey with a light citrus flavor. The leaves can also be boiled to make tea, while the wood of the tree has practical uses. Orangewood sticks are commonly used in manicures and for handling small electronic components, and the wood itself can be used for grilling, similar to oak or hickory.
Today, the orange blossom remains a symbol of Florida’s agricultural roots and continues to reflect the role citrus has played in shaping the state’s history and economy.
Photo/Ioana Cristiana
Interesting facts & dates
1909: The Florida Legislature officially designates the orange blossom as the state flower.
1513: Spanish explorers introduced citrus to Florida, establishing the foundation of the state’s orange industry.
By the early 20th century, citrus—especially oranges (Citrus sinensis)—had become Florida’s leading agricultural industry.
In recent years, Florida’s citrus sector has generated billions of dollars annually, with orange production alone valued at roughly $5–6 billion in strong production years.
Florida has historically supplied the majority of U.S. orange juice, making it central to the national market.
The orange blossom grows on the sweet orange tree (Citrus sinensis), the same species that produces the oranges commonly consumed worldwide.
Florida produces several main orange varieties, including Navel, Valencia, Hamlin, Pineapple, and Ambersweet.
Valencia oranges are most commonly used for juice, while Navel oranges are typically eaten fresh.
Orange blossoms usually bloom between March and April, marking the peak flowering season.
A single orange tree can produce thousands of blossoms during one bloom cycle.
Orange blossom honey is produced when bees pollinate citrus groves, giving the honey a light citrus flavor.
Orange blossom water, made from distilled petals, has been used for centuries in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking, especially in desserts.
The fragrance of the blossom has long been associated with weddings and traditions of good fortune.
