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.