Having the moniker of being” the most powerful nation on the planet”, the US becomes fodder over many coffee conversations. Shying away from topics of their military and economic might, this article tackles a softer side of Northern America. This discusses flower favorites as a nation and as separate states. Only four resource sites were used in this research namely 50states, netstate, statesymbolsusa, and finally homeofheroes.
Kansas was very direct with its choice. The Native Sunflower made Kansas known to the world as the Sunflower State. It is described in legislature that it is a rich historical symbol of its frontier past and its golden days ahead.
The Goldenrod is mentioned many times in this article because it is one of the most common American wildflowers. Kentucky alone has 30 varieties and is not particular to which variety it defines of its official choice. Pat title holders were the Blue Grass and the Trumpet Vine (Unofficially).
Louisiana enjoys the lush blossom of the Magnolia state-wide and was made official flower over a hundred years ago in 1900. For a time,
Iris lovers debated for the top spot, only prevailing in having it declared as the State Wildflower in 1990.
Referring back to the 1983 World Exposition, a Women’s Congress parlayed the idea of creating a garland of flowers using all the state flowers – which led to the inspiration of many great states – including Maine. This put its natives into action and through a massive campaign led to the concurrence that made the Pine Cone and Tassel its representative for the “National Garland of Flowers.”
It is also believed that Maryland was another inspired state, which concluded their selection of the Black Eyed Susan, another very common wildflower as their delegate. As things worked out, the colors of their state flowers blended well with their other state symbols.
Massachusetts passed on the Mayflower for the National Garland, a name perhaps given by the original pilgrims. Schoolchildren made this choice final as they elected the Mayflower more than twice over the Water Lily.
We have mentioned Peaches and Oranges and in the case of Michigan, Apples were the choice of prominence as it added to the allure of their landscape. The Apple Blossom was made official in 1897.
The Pink and White Lady Slipper was adopted by Minnesota also in congruence with the World Fair in Chicago. Just like Louisiana, Mississippi elected the Magnolia or Magnolia grandiflora and their action was also traced back to the same Fair.
In 1923 Missouri had no resistance in adopting the Hawthorn Blossom as their official flower. For the state of Montana, the Bitterroot has been maintained as their choice for over a century, but it had to be elected against its minority rivals, the Primrose and the Wild Rose.
Nebraska shares the honor of having the Goldenrod as state flower with Kentucky. To quote: "There is probably not a nook or corner of the state where one or more of the numerous species of goldenrod are not found. It is a native, and only a true native should be our representative. It has a long season, and nothing could better represent the hardy endurance of Nebraska's pioneers." – Brockman
Nevada’s Sagebrush was first included in their state emblem prior to being adopted as their State Flower. New Hampshire’s choice of the Purple Lilac in 1919 equally had no resistance and neither did New Jersey’s Common Meadow Violet much later in 1971.
The Yucca Flower of New Mexico, early settlers fondly referred to as the Lord’s Candles. It truly very visually unique and was officially legislated in 1927.
The Big Apple truly comes out as one of the most fashionable as it chose the Rose, particularly the Tea Rose as its official agent. Although, the electoral process in the choice first resulted in a victory of the Goldenrod, schoolchildren re-cast their ballots years 1892 with the Rose finally getting the top plum. It was all made truly official in 1955 “in any color or combination of colors common to it."
