Official state symbols encapsulate a region’s unique natural heritage and identity, often reflecting the history, geography, and distinct beauty of the state. For Pennsylvania, the process culminated in the designation of a flowering shrub that flourishes across its mountainous terrain. This plant represents the Commonwealth’s extensive woodlands and its deep connection to the Appalachian landscape.
Pennsylvania’s Official Floral Emblem
The official floral emblem of Pennsylvania is the Mountain Laurel. This broadleaf evergreen shrub is formally recognized by its scientific name, Kalmia latifolia. Its widespread presence and characteristic blooming period make it a familiar sight in Pennsylvania’s forests. The Mountain Laurel officially secured its place as the state flower in 1933.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics
The Mountain Laurel is known for its intricate blossoms that typically appear from late May through June. Individual flowers measure about one inch across and possess a unique cup-shaped structure with five fused petals. They are organized into dense, showy clusters called corymbs, which often cover the shrub in a spectacular floral display. The color range varies from pure white to light or deep pink, frequently accented with purple or rose-colored markings inside the cup.
The shrub’s foliage remains a glossy, dark green throughout the year. The leaves are leathery, elliptical, and resemble those of a rhododendron, providing texture and color during the winter months. The shrub generally grows to a height of four to ten feet in the wild, though it can occasionally reach the size of a small, gnarled tree.
Legislative History and Adoption
The selection of the Mountain Laurel was formalized in 1933 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly through Pennsylvania Act No. 107. The legislative process was not without debate, as the General Assembly initially sent two different bills to the governor, one supporting the Mountain Laurel and the other advocating for the Pink Azalea. Governor Gifford Pinchot, a conservationist, ultimately made the final choice, signing the bill that named Kalmia latifolia as the official state flower on May 5, 1933. The choice was influenced by the plant’s abundance, its native status to the region, and its exceptional beauty.
Ecological Significance and Range
The Mountain Laurel is a native species that thrives in the acidic, well-drained soils common to Pennsylvania’s forested and mountainous regions. It is a member of the heath family, Ericaceae, which also includes blueberries and rhododendrons. The plant is particularly abundant on rocky hillsides and in the understory of woodlands throughout the Appalachian Mountains, though it is less common in the far northwestern counties. All parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and flowers, contain compounds that are poisonous to humans and most livestock. Despite this toxicity, the dense, evergreen thickets provide year-round shelter for various wildlife, and its nectar-rich blooms serve as a food source for native pollinators.