Which flower is the official state flower of Alaska?

The official state flower of Alaska is the forget-me-not. Alaska adopted it as its territorial flower in 1917, before statehood, and it remains one of the state’s best-known symbols.

The name usually refers to small blue-flowered plants in the genus Myosotis, especially the alpine forget-me-not associated with Alaska. Its blue petals and yellow centers fit the state’s landscapes, where related species grow in open mountain and tundra habitats.

The flower’s symbolism also mattered. Alaska’s 1917 law connected the forget-me-not with constancy and the determination of pioneers who endured difficult conditions while developing the territory. That history explains why the flower is more than a botanical choice.

A common mix-up is fireweed, another familiar Alaskan wildflower. Fireweed is strongly associated with Alaska’s scenery and often blooms after disturbance, but it is not the official state flower. Lupine and columbine are also widespread wildflowers, yet neither holds the official designation.