Michigan’s State Flowers

Apples have been associated with Michigan since the early 1700s, before the United States was even born. Johnny Appleseed planted apples in Michigan, which became one of the biggest commercial apple-growing states. Today, it ranks second only to Washington State as an apple producer.

William Harris is credited with proposing the apple blossom as state flower. The legislator was reportedly inspired by a large apple orchard across from his home in Norwood, Michigan.

Harris’ state flower resolution was introduced on February 9, 1897. It was accompanied by the following preamble:

Harris’ bill wandered through the legislative process for several weeks. Around mid-April, apple blossoms were beginning to appear in southern Michigan.

Apple Politics

Anna Eliza Woodcock knew about the apple blossom bill. When her Snow apple trees burst into beautiful blossoms, she had an idea. Since she lived just two blocks from the Capitol, she would put some apple blossoms in a wheelbarrow and deliver them to the legislative chambers!

The fragrant blossoms certainly didn’t hurt the cause. The blossom of the apple tree was adopted as Michigan’s state flower on April 28, 1897. Harris became known as “Apple Blossom William.” Mrs. Woodcock maintained her reputation as “the apple blossom lady” while learning how to make silk apple blossoms.

What about the apple blossom? Well, its name changed a bit, from Pyrus coronaria to Malus coronaria. (This species is commonly known as the sweet crabapple.) Apple blossoms continue to bloom in Michigan, beginning about mid-May. They usually start in southwest Michigan and move northward, painting Michigan pink and white.

The apple blossom remains a popular state flower, though perhaps not as popular as the fruit. Michigan still produces about a billion pounds of apples a year. The harvest is celebrated at the annual Blossomtime Festival and similar events.

Michigan also has an official wildflower.

Image courtesy
of the Santalady

Digg del.icio.us StumbleUpon