The Cherokee rose and goldenrod were both favorites among Georgians seeking a state flower. The goldenrod was abandoned when it was learned that it had been adopted by Alabama. (Actually, Alabama had adopted the goldenrod eleven years later, then abandoned it for the camellia.)
The Cherokee rose was supported by the Georgia Federation of Women’s Clubs and endorsed by the Savannah News. It was adopted as Georgia’s state flower on August 18, 1916.
Cherokee rose plants are very thorny with vivid evergreen leaves. The blossoms are white with a large yellow center and nearly three inches across.
The Cherokee Legend
The Cherokee rose is native to China. So why is it called “Cherokee” rose? Well, there is a legend about a Seminole Indian chief who was captured by the Cherokees. He was to be put to death. But a Cherokee woman fell in love with him and offered to help him escape. He agreed, on condition that she left with him.
Before leaving, she broke off a sprig from a striking vine growing on her father’s cabin. She later planted it at the door of her new home. The plant reminded her of her Cherokee homeland and came to be known as the Cherokee rose.
Actually, the plant was so-named because the Cherokees widely distributed it.
Georgia also has an official wildflower.
State Wildflower
Georgia’s official wildflower is the azalea. The Secretary of State has little to say about it:
“In 1979, the azalea was chosen as Georgia’s state wildflower. Many species and varieties are found across Georgia. A hardy species, they possess vibrant colored flowers blooming from March until August.”
But more information is to be found in the state wildflower resolution:
April 19, 1979
AZALEA DESIGNATED AS “STATE WILD FLOWER”.
No. 76 (House Resolution No.207-803).
A RESOLUTION
Designating the azalea as the “State Wild Flower”; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, although the State of Georgia has designated a “State Flower,” she has never had a “State Wild Flower”; and
WHEREAS, those species of azalea which are native to the southeastern United States are considered by many to be the most beautiful of indigenous shrubs; and
WHEREAS, while many species and varieties of the azalea are found across the State of Georgia from the mountains to the sea, several species, including Rhododendron Austrinum, prunifolium, canescens, alabamense, calendulaceum, speciosum, arborescens, serrulatum, and other, are found in every county of the State; and
WHEREAS, the dazzling blossoms of these wild flowers range in color from white to yellow, orange, scarlet, crimson, and intermediate colors, some with conspicuous color blotches; and
WHEREAS, with proper selection of species, the azalea blossom is available from March until July and August; and
WHEREAS, native azaleas are hardier and, once established, require less care than other horticultural varieties; and
WHEREAS, from Bartram’s time until the present, azaleas have covered our State with beauty; and
WHEREAS, it is only fit and proper that the azalea be designated the “State Wild Flower.”
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that the azalea is hereby designated as Georgia’s “State Wild Flower.”
Approved April 19, 1979.
Source: Ga. Laws 1979, pp. 1387-1388.
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