Georgia State Flower: Cherokee Rose

Adopted on August 18, 1916.

In 1916, with the support of the Georgia Federation of Women's Clubs, the Cherokee rose was named the state floral emblem. The name "Cherokee Rose" is a local designation derived from the Cherokee Indians who widely distributed the plant.

Legend of the Cherokee Rose

When the Trail of Tears started in 1838, the mothers of the Cherokee were grieving and crying so much, they were unable to help their children survive the journey. The elders prayed for a sign that would lift the mother's spirits to give them strength. The next day a beautiful rose began to grow where each of the mother's tears fell. The rose is white for their tears; a gold center represents the gold taken from Cherokee lands, and seven leaves on each stem for the seven Cherokee clans. The wild Cherokee Rose grows along the route of the Trail of Tears into eastern Oklahoma today.

Native to China, this rose has naturalized across much of the southeastern United States. This climbing evergreen rose produces long, thorny, vine-like canes that sprawl across adjacent shrubs and other supports. The pure white single flowers appear in spring and are densely arranged along the length of the canes. The plant can reach 10' to 12' in height and 15' or more wide.

Habit: Deciduous

Exposure: Sun to partial shade; range of soil types

Height: 10' to 12' in height and 15' or more wide

Flower/Fruit: 3 to 4" white fragrant flowers in spring

Fragrance: Strong or slight, opinions vary