The state flower of Georgia is the Cherokee rose (Rosa laevigata). The fragrant climbing shrub was adopted as the state’s floral emblem at the "suggestion and request of the Georgia Federation of Women’s Clubs," according to the General Assembly’s Resolution.
Adoption
The Cherokee Rose was chosen as Georgia’s state flower after the State’s General Assembly passed Joint Resolution Number 42 on Aug.18, 1916.
Reasons for Selection
Resolution No. 42 notes that the Cherokee rose was an appropriate choice since it originated "among the aborigines" in northern Georgia, was "indigenous to its soil," and grew "with equal luxuriance in every county."
Other Names
The Cherokee rose is also known as the Camellia rose, the snow-white rose, rosier blanc de neige, and Rosa nivea. The Flower Expert says that the name Cherokee rose means "Chinese climbing rose with fragrant white blossoms" as the plant is actually native to China.
Appearance
The Cherokee rose is an evergreen, climbing ornamental plant whose flowers bloom in early spring and may bloom again in fall. The fragrant blooms measure 2 1/2 to 4 inches in diameter with petals and yellow central stamens.
Legend
The Cherokee Messenger recounts that the Cherokee legend that the rose sprang up from the tears of mothers unable to save their children while walking the Trail of Tears in 1838. The white represents their tears, the yellow stamens stand for "gold taken from Cherokee lands," and the seven leaves stand for the seven Cherokee clans.
