Arkansas Botanical and Garden Symbols

Arkansas State Flower, Arkansas State Soil, and Arkansas State Tree

AR state soil - Stuttgart - Photo by the NRCS

Arkansas State Flower
The apple blossom edged out the passion flower by a nose after what came to be known as the “Battle of the Blooms.” Check out this great article.
Source: Old State House Museum

Arkansas State Flower

The apple blossom was adopted as the Arkansas State Flower by the General Assembly of 1901. Apple blossoms have pink and white petals and green leaves. At one time Arkansas was a major apple producing state. The town of Lincoln in Washington County hosts the annual Arkansas Apple Festival.
Source: Arkansas Secretary of State

AR-soil (Adobe Acrobat Required)
The Stuttgart soil series is Arkansas’ official state soil. Learn about its significance in Arkansas, and see a breakdown of the soil composition.
Source: National Recourses Conservation Service

Arkansas State Tree
The pine tree is Arkansas’ state tree. Check out this page all about it. Find out which four species of pine are common in Arkansas. Warning: this link goes to a pdf. It will download to your computer if your browser doesn’t have a pdf reader.
Source: Arkansas Forestry Commission

Relevant Legislature

Regarding the state tree, adopted on July 30, 1901:
“Whereas, Most of the states have by resolution declared what should be their state floral emblem; and,

“Whereas, Arkansas has not by resolution of the General Assembly declared what is her floral emblem; be it therefore

“Resolved by both Houses of the General Assembly, That the ‘Apple Blossom’ be declared the state floral emblem of Arkansas.”

Regarding the state tree, from Fifty-second General Assembly of the State of Arkansas, adopted on January 20, 1939:
“WHEREAS, Some of the States of the American Union have by resolution declared what should be their State Tree; and

WHEREAS, The State of Arkansas has not by proper Resolution of the General Assembly declared what shall be regarded as its State Tree; and

WHEREAS, The Pine Timber resources of Arkansas have, during its existence, been one of its greatest sources of wealth; and

WHEREAS, They are recognized as one of the most important determining factors in the State’s future and its economic and industrial position; and

WHEREAS, Pine Timber is one of the few renewable resources of the State; and

WHEREAS, Widespread interest is being taken in Reforestation, especially with reference to Pine Timber;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF THE FIFTY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS, THE SENATE THEREOF CONCURRING THEREIN,

That the pine tree be declared and everywhere recognized as the state tree of the State of Arkansas.”