The Florida State Flower
One of the most fragrant flowers in the entire State of Florida is the orange blossom, which is also the Florida state flower. The orange blossom is a tiny, enormously fragrant white flower that blooms before the orange, and its smell is every bit as sweet and satisfying as the juicy fruit that follows.
Although it had some competition from the gardenia, another popular and super fragrant Florida flower, the orange blossom won out and was named the Florida state flower by the Florida Legislature in 1909. Choosing the orange blossom as the state flower of Florida is really no surprise, since Florida is the biggest orange-producing state in the country.
Orange blossoms are found mostly in Central Florida and South Florida where orange crops are still plentiful. Although orange groves have declined over the years in Florida, there are still hundreds of thousands of acres of citrus groves throughout the state.
The orange blossom comes into bloom very early in the spring. You can even detect a bit of their luscious scent as early as February or March. If you drive by an orange grove when the orange blossoms are in bloom, the happy aroma will fill your car and give you the urge to pull over and stay surrounded by the smell for days.
If you have never experienced the succulent smell of the orange blossom, you don't know what you're missing. It is a truly intoxicating scent, that is light and sweet and totally permeates the surrounding area when in full bloom.
The orange blossom fragrance is so delicious, it is used in essential oils that are made into perfumes, body lotions and other health and beauty products. In fact, the orange blossom is the only state flower that is used to make a commercial perfume, which is a traditional memento that can be purchased in souvenir shops all over Florida. Orange oil is also used in many popular commercial cleaners.
Even though it is the Florida state flower, the orange blossom originally came from Southeast Asia, and it is associated with good fortune and fertility. The orange blossom has long been a favorite of brides, both for its fragrance and beauty. The tiny white flowers are perfect to attach to a bridal veil or to piece together for a gorgeous garland to crown the bride's head. The aromatic clusters are also frequently used in bridal bouquets, and the timing is perfect for traditional spring weddings.
If you're lucky enough to live in Florida and near an orange grove, orange blossom season is likely one of your favorite times of year because you can enjoy the luscious scent every day. Spring Florida vacationers should take special care to notice the smell in the air, and they will be treated to a wonderfully aromatic experience.