The official state wildflower of the state of Alabama is the oak-leaf hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia Bartr. The oak-leaf hydrangea was declared the state wildflower on June 1, 1999 via the Act of Alabama 99-313. The flower features white blooms that blossem in April and May which rise above the large oak shaped leaves. In the summer the white blooms turn a deep shade of red that last into the winter.  The oak-leaf hydrangea grows throughout Alabama but prefers well-drained soil and it will grow in full sun or shade.