State symbols serve as expressions of a region’s identity, heritage, and natural environment. States frequently select a specific flower, tree, or bird to represent their local character, choosing flora that holds historical significance or is deeply rooted in the local landscape. These floral emblems connect the present-day political entity to its past and ecology.
The Official State Flower
The official floral emblem of Georgia is the Cherokee Rose, formally designated as the state flower on August 18, 1916. This choice was made through a joint resolution of the Georgia General Assembly and officially approved by Governor Nathaniel Harris. The Cherokee Rose is scientifically known by its botanical name, Rosa laevigata.
Appearance and Defining Characteristics
The Cherokee Rose is a vigorous, semi-evergreen climbing shrub that can grow up to 33 feet long. It uses numerous hooked thorns to scramble over structures and other plants. Its leaves are a glossy, dark green, typically arranged in a trifoliate pattern of three leaflets.
The bloom is a large, single flower, often measuring between two and four inches across. The petals are characteristically waxy white, usually numbering five to seven per bloom, giving the flower a simple appearance. A prominent center of bright golden-yellow stamens creates a striking contrast against the pale petals. The Cherokee Rose flowers profusely in the spring.
Historical Significance and Adoption
The selection of the Cherokee Rose was driven by a poignant narrative connecting the flower to one of the most tragic events in Georgia’s history. The plant became a symbol associated with the forced removal of the Cherokee people from their ancestral lands in 1838, known as the Trail of Tears. According to a popular legend, the white petals represent the tears shed by the Cherokee women during the forced march west.
The yellow center of the flower is said to symbolize the gold discovered on Cherokee land, which fueled the desire for the removal by settlers. While this narrative provided a strong emotional basis for its adoption, the flower itself is not native to North America. It originates in China and Taiwan, and was introduced to the southeastern United States in the mid-to-late 1700s, where it naturalized and was cultivated by the Cherokee people.
The Georgia Federation of Women’s Clubs played a substantial role in advocating for the Cherokee Rose’s official recognition. Despite the common belief at the time of its adoption that the plant was indigenous to the state, the Georgia General Assembly approved the designation in 1916. The rose’s powerful connection to the state’s past proved persuasive in its selection as the floral emblem.
Habitat and Growth Requirements
The Rosa laevigata is a hardy plant that thrives across the southeastern United States, including much of Georgia, where it has naturalized easily. It performs best when planted in full sun, which encourages maximum flower production, though it can tolerate partial shade. Establishing the plant in well-drained soil is recommended, but it demonstrates adaptability to various soil compositions, including sandy, clay, and rocky ground.
Once the Cherokee Rose is established, it is notably drought-resistant, which contributes to its success in the region. However, its robust nature can lead to aggressive growth; the plant spreads rapidly by scrambling over other vegetation. Due to this vigorous growth habit, the Cherokee Rose is classified as a non-native and sometimes invasive species throughout the Southeast.