Sun, 03 May 2026 20:18:50 +0000

The Most Beautiful (and Surprising) Illinois State Flower You’ve Totally Missed! When most people think of Illinois, rolling fields and vibrant Vistas come to mind—but what many don’t realize is that the state’s choice for its state flower is both stunning and surprisingly unique: the Indian Pink (Oxleya compressa)—a lesser-known but utterly captivating bloom that deserves far more spotlight. ### Why Indian Pink Stands Out Officially adopted as Illinois’s state flower in 1978, Indian Pink (also called Oxley’s Trile or Oxleya compressa) is a delicate, trumpet-shaped flower with vibrant red-orange petals and greenish-yellow centers. Often blooming in late spring to early summer, its cheerful appearance and rare habitat make it a hidden gem. Unlike more common state flowers like the Illinois honeybee-inspired Goldenrod or the bold Blue Viola, Indian Pink offers a fresh, almost ethereal beauty with its cascading petals and quiet elegance.