In a number of countries, plants have been chosen as symbols to represent specific geographic areas. Some countries have a country-wide floral emblem; others in addition have symbols representing subdivisions. Different processes have been used to adopt these symbols – some are conferred by government bodies, whereas others are the result of informal public polls. The term floral emblem, which refers to flowers specifically, is primarily used in Australia and Canada. In the United States, the term state flower is more often used.

The Egyptian lotus is the national flower of Egypt.

The national flower and national emblem of Bangladesh is the Shapla (Bengali: শাপলা)] or White Water Lily Nymphaea nouchali) See also: National Emblem of Bangladesh.

China currently has no official national flower. Traditionally, various regions have different designations where national symbols are concerned.

In 1903, the Qing Dynasty named the peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) the floral emblem of the nation. The peony has long been considered a flower of wealth and honor in China.