What is the official state flower of Idaho?

The official state flower of Idaho is the syringa. This choice is significant as the syringa represents the state's natural beauty and is a flowering shrub known for its fragrant, light lavender or white flowers that bloom in spring. Designated as the state flower in 1931, the syringa holds cultural and historical importance to Idahoans, symbolizing the state's diverse flora and the importance of preserving its natural environment.

The other choices, while they may be well-known plants, do not hold the official designation and lack the same level of recognition in Idaho's state identity. For instance, the rugosa rose and the sunflower are commonly associated with beauty and gardens but are not representative of Idaho's unique botanical heritage. The western wildflower represents a broader category of flora rather than a specific species, lacking the distinct recognition that the syringa has earned as a state symbol.