The mayflower, or trailing arbutus, was favored for adoption as Massachusetts’ state flower at least as early as 1893. Mayflower bills were introduced in 1900 and 1901, but both were defeated. A bill to adopt the mountain laurel was similarly defeated in 1905.
In 1918, Representative Myles A. O’Brien, Jr. introduced another mayflower bill. Later that day, another bill was introduced to designate the water lily. Other flowers were then proposed.
The matter was turned over to the Department of Agriculture. They wanted nothing to do with it and passed it on to the State Board of Education.
Blossom for a New Generation
Thus, Massachusetts school children were given the chance to vote for their state flower. The mayflower won with 107,617 votes. The water lily was second with 49,499 votes. The mayflower was adopted as the state flower on May 1, 1918.
Some people claim the mayflower was named for the month of May. However, it blooms from March to May.
It may have been named for the ship that brought the pilgrims to Massachusetts’ shores. Ironically, the Pilgrim’s ship, the Mayflower, was named after the hawthorn, which is called “mayflower” in England. Still, the early blooming arbutus must have cheered the colonists after they survived their first harsh winter in a strange land.
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