Georgia's State Flower is an Invasive Species

Photo byPaul Brennan / Pixabay

The Cherokee Rose became the official state flower of Georgia in 1916. The reason it was selected as the state flower is that it represents the Trail of Tears, which is the well-known removal of the Cherokee Indians from Georgia. This is also how it got its name.

Each part of the flower has a meaning. The yellow center represents the gold for which the land was taken, and the petals stand for the clans (some people say tears) of the Cherokee. Today, you can still find the Cherokee Rose along the route that the Cherokees took westward.

What most people do not know is that it is an invasive species. In fact, it is considered the most invasive plant in the southeastern United States. The reason is that it is a large climber and has the ability to outgrow, overtake, and choke out surrounding plants.

The Cherokee Rose is actually native to China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Laos. It was introduced to the United States in 1780. Its actual native name is Rose Laevigata. Once the plant was naturalized, it was given its American name, the Cherokee Rose.

The next time you see this beautiful flower, you will now know its significant history and meaning.

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