Tag: rhododendron

Rhododendron

West Virginia State Flower

The rhododendron was designated the official West Virginia State Flower in 1903. The fragrant shrub received high praises from Governor George Atkinson who exclaimed “I know none more beautiful and none more common in West Virginia, than the Rhododendron.” An overwhelming majority of “Mountain State” school children agreed. When asked to vote for their favorite state floral emblem, the rhododendron won the day.

Rhododendron maximum is the tallest and hardiest of the evergreen rhododendrons. The spring-blooming perennial flourishes on ravines, hillsides, and under the canopy of hemlock and maple trees. It is known by many names including great laurel, great rhododendron, rosebay, and rosebay rhododendron.

Rhododendron Facts

Common Name: Rhododendron
Scientific Name: Rhododendron maximum
Year Adopted: 1903
Peak Bloom: July

West Virginia State Flower Coloring Pages

Rhododendron Coloring Page to Print or Color Online

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Rhododendron photograph by Lee Wright. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic License.

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Washington State Flower

by Kim on August 23, 2016

Coast Rhododendron

Washington State Flower

The coast rhododendron was officially designated the Washington State Flower in 1959. Washington ladies selected the bloom in 1892 for inclusion in the Chicago World’s Fair “National Garland of Flowers.” The flowering evergreen shrub is native to western North America, and is also called Pacific rhododendron and big leaf rhododendron. As you may guess from its names, the coast rhododendron is found primarily near the Pacific coast. Its range extends from northern British Columbia all the way down to Monterey, California.

The coast rhododendron is particularly beautiful in its native habitat. Northwest residents tend to choose “rhodies” with showier flowers that are easier to grow when landscaping their own gardens. Generations of hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts have enjoyed the natural beauty of the “Evergreen State” floral emblem. Despite its beauty, rhododendron leaves and flowers are toxic to humans and animals. The sprawling shrubs are highly beneficial however, as they provide year-round shelter for wildlife.

Coast Rhododendron Facts

Common Name: Coast Rhododendron
Scientific Name: Rhododendron macrophyllum
Year Adopted: 1959
Peak Bloom: May to July

Washington State Flower Coloring Pages

Coast Rhododendron Coloring Page to Print or Color Online