What is the flower of West Virginia?

What is the flower of West Virginia?

The exact flower of West Virginia is the Rhododendron.

The Official State Flower

The Rhododendron, specifically Rhododendron maximum—commonly known as the Rosebay Rhododendron, Great Laurel, or Big Laurel—holds the distinguished title of West Virginia's official state flower. This magnificent evergreen shrub is celebrated for its large, showy clusters of pink to white blossoms, which typically grace the Appalachian landscape in late spring and early summer. Its prevalence and beauty across the state's mountainous regions make it a beloved symbol of West Virginia's natural heritage.

How the Rhododendron Was Adopted

The process of designating the Rhododendron as West Virginia's state flower involved a unique combination of governmental recommendation and public participation, culminating in a legislative act.

The key steps in its adoption were:

• Gubernatorial Recommendation: The Governor of West Virginia played a crucial role by formally recommending the Rhododendron for this honor, signaling its importance and suitability.
• Student Engagement: In a remarkable demonstration of civic education and participation, public school pupils across the state cast their votes for the state flower. Their overwhelming choice was the Rhododendron, highlighting its popular appeal.
• Legislative Action: Following this strong public endorsement and gubernatorial support, the West Virginia Legislature officially adopted the Rhododendron. This significant act was formalized through House Joint Resolution 19.

Key Adoption Details:

The selection of the Rhododendron underscores West Virginia's commitment to preserving and celebrating its rich botanical diversity and the rugged beauty of its natural environment. For more information regarding West Virginia's state symbols and legislative history, you can visit the official West Virginia Legislature website.