The scarlet carnation is the official state flower of Ohio. It was chosen in 1904 in honor of President William McKinley, who was born in Niles, Ohio, and was known for wearing a red carnation on his lapel almost every day. He believed the flower brought him good luck.

 After McKinley was assassinated in 1901, Ohioans wanted to find a meaningful way to remember him, and naming the scarlet carnation as the state flower was their tribute to his memory. Carnations are known for being hardy, long-lasting flowers, which makes them a fitting symbol for a state with such a strong and resilient spirit.