A Growing Battle Over Georgia’s State Flower
The debate over Georgia’s official state flower is in full bloom — and it’s more than just a matter of aesthetics. Native plant advocates are pushing for a change, but traditionalists aren’t ready to let go.
A Push for Native Representation
For years, environmentalists and plant enthusiasts have tried to shine a spotlight on Georgia’s native flora. Their latest effort? Swapping the non-native Cherokee rose — officially the state’s floral emblem since 1916 — with the homegrown sweetbay magnolia.
Supporters argue it’s not just about pride in a native plant. It’s about ecology. The sweetbay magnolia plays a direct role in supporting local wildlife, including Georgia’s state butterfly, the Tiger Swallowtail. In contrast, the Cherokee rose, despite its name, traces its roots back to southern China and provides little benefit to the local ecosystem.
Michael Cowan, vice chair of the Georgia Native Plant Society, didn’t hold back. “If you look at the sheer number of beautiful and beneficial native flowers that we have, to even contemplate at all that we need to go get a state flower from China, is kind of mind-boggling,” he said.
Political Roots Run Deep
The fight isn’t just about plants — it’s about politics, history, and identity. Last year’s attempt to dethrone the Cherokee rose, led by Milledgeville Republican Sen. Rick Williams via Senate Bill 518, failed to sprout. This year, the effort is back with House Bill 145, spearheaded by Sandy Springs Republican Rep. Deborah Silcox.
But not everyone is on board. Sen. Matt Brass, a Republican from Newnan and chair of the powerful Senate Rules Committee, stands firm against the change. His argument? The Cherokee rose is deeply intertwined with Georgia’s history and culture — even gracing the carpet and seats of the state Capitol’s Senate gallery.
“Why mess with a symbol that’s part of who we are?” Brass questioned. “It’s more than a flower. It’s a part of Georgia’s story.”
The History Behind the Bloom
The Cherokee rose carries heavy symbolism. It’s long been associated with the Trail of Tears, representing the resilience and sorrow of the Cherokee people. According to legend, each drop of a Cherokee mother’s tear, shed for her children’s suffering, sprouted a rose.
Yet, critics argue the flower’s origins — imported from China during the colonial period — overshadow its symbolic weight. Native plant advocates say it’s time Georgia honors a plant that truly represents the state’s landscape.
A Compromise in the Making?
With emotions running high on both sides, some lawmakers are searching for middle ground. Could Georgia have two floral emblems? It’s not unprecedented — Louisiana, for example, honors both the magnolia and the Louisiana iris.
- Supporters of the sweetbay magnolia say dual recognition could honor history while promoting native plants.
- Traditionalists argue that keeping two state flowers could dilute the symbolism and create confusion.
The debate has even spilled into Georgia’s botanical community. Some gardeners feel torn between honoring the state’s cultural past and supporting its ecological future.
What’s Next for Georgia’s Floral Emblem?
The legislative battle isn’t over yet. House Bill 145 still has to navigate committee hearings and floor debates, and with passionate voices on both sides, the outcome remains uncertain.
Will Georgia stick with the familiar Cherokee rose, rooted in history but foreign in origin? Or will the sweetbay magnolia, a native symbol of resilience and ecological value, finally take center stage? For now, the state’s flower fight continues to blossom — one petal at a time.
