A bipartisan effort in Georgia, represented by Senate Bill 518, is aiming to change the state’s floral emblem from the current Cherokee rose to the native sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana). The move seeks to rectify a historical mistake made over a hundred years ago when the Cherokee rose was designated as the state flower in 1916, erroneously believed to be indigenous to Georgia.
The Cherokee rose (Rosa laevigata) is native to China and was intentionally introduced to Georgia through cultivation. Despite its naturalization over time, the species is now categorized as a level 4 invasive plant by the Georgia Invasive Species Council. Senate Bill 518 acknowledges the need to have a state flower that genuinely represents Georgia’s natural heritage and ecological diversity.
Georgia boasts an impressive ecological profile, with 3,569 species of native plants documented. The state, along with Alabama, holds the highest tree diversity in the United States. Changing the state flower to a native plant aligns with Georgia’s commitment to promoting its rich biodiversity.
Currently, 40 out of 50 U.S. states have native plants as their state flowers. This proposed change aligns with Governor Brian Kemp’s proclamations recognizing the importance of native plants, designating April as National Native Plant Month, and declaring September as Georgia Native Plants Month.
The sweetbay magnolia is proposed as the replacement for the Cherokee rose. This native plant is prevalent across Georgia, playing a crucial role in supporting the lifecycle of the state’s official butterfly, the eastern tiger swallowtail. Additionally, sweetbay magnolia is commercially available for landscaping, recommended for rain gardens and stormwater management due to its environmental benefits. With prominent and fragrant creamy white blooms measuring 2 to 3 inches in diameter, the sweetbay magnolia offers an aesthetically pleasing and ecologically significant alternative.
While some sources suggest the Cherokee rose symbolizes the removal of the Cherokee from the state in 1838 and has cultural significance to the Cherokee people, the Georgia Cherokee Community Alliance clarifies that “the Cherokee Rose is not a native plant nor does it have any significance to Cherokee culture.”
Advocates for Senate Bill 518 argue that Georgia’s diverse landscape deserves representation through a native state flower, and the sweetbay magnolia is seen as a fitting and ecologically meaningful choice.
