In 1927 a bill was introduced in the Alabama Legislature by Representative T. E. Martin, of Montgomery County, making the goldenrod the state flower. This became law on September 6, 1927, the same day that the Yellowhammer became the state bird.

 

On August 26, 1959, the state flower was changed to the camellia. Ladies in Butler County preferred the camellia since the goldenrod is a wildflower. They called the goldenrod a weed.

 

Because there are several types of camellia, in June 1999, the Legislature designated that the camellia, Camellia japonica L., is the official state flower of Alabama. On the same day Alabama also chose a state wildflower since the camellia is not a native plant.

 

Click here for a picture of the state flower that you can color.

 

For more information see: http://www.floridata.com/ref/c/cam_jap.cfm

 

Sources:

Act 27-541, Acts of Alabama, September 6, 1927

Act 59-124, Acts of Alabama, August 26, 1959

Act 99-313, Acts of Alabama, June 1, 1999

Alabama State Emblems, Alabama Department of Archives and History, nd.

"Flower, State" folder, Alabama Department of Archives & History Public Information Subject File - General

 

Return to Kids' Emblems

 

Updated: January 22, 2010

http://www.archives.alabama.gov/kids_emblems/st_flower.html