WikimediaSeveral flowers have flirted with fame during Alabama’s long quest for a state flower. On February 18, 1893, Alabama adopted the goldenrod as the official flower—of the United States! It was adopted as Alabama’s state flower, along with a state bird, on September 6, 1927. (The bill was introduced by Representative T. E. Martin of Montgomery County.)
The Ladies’ Southern Memorial Association of Montgomery wrote, “The goldenrod has the Confederate colors, gray and yellow.” However, ladies in Butler County considered the goldenrod a weed. Greenville called itself the “Camellia City.” So the Men’s Camellia Club promoted a bill to adopt the camellia as Alabama’s state flower.
It was argued that camellias were commercially important, earning millions of dollars for growers. They produce fine blooms during nine months of the year, including winter when few other plants blossom. Even when not in bloom, camellias make fine evergreen landscape plants. Camellias also helped the economy by attracting tourists. In addition, it was hoped that old people would grow camellias in their retirement.
It’s also said that some people believed that goldenrod pollen irritated people with allergies. In fact, the goldenrod was incorrectly blamed for reactions caused by ragweed.
But the camellia persevered. It was adopted as the official state flower on August 26, 1959.
An Asian Beauty
But Alabama’s search for a floral emblem still wasn’t finished. Because there are different kinds of camellias, the law was amended on June 1, 1999. It specified the species Camellia japonica.
Since Alabama’s official colors are red and white, the red camellia is considered by some the official state flower. Camellias can also be white, pink, or a mixture.
Camellias are a traditional favorite in the South, with their bright blossoms and glossy leaves. However, Alabama’s state flower is the only symbol not native to Alabama. It’s Asian. Camellias are named for G.J. Kamel, a Jesuit priest who traveled in Asia in the seventeenth century.
Alabama also has an official wildflower.
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