In Washington State our state flower, in grand bloom this time of year, is the rhododendron. Some of these colorful bushes are really coming on right now, others are loosing their splendor as the blooms wilt. Regardless, whether talking about the early or the late bloomers, this is the time of year when the rhododendrons provide color to our Pacific Northwest landscape. Here is the history of this plant in Washington State. The rhododendron was first selected as the state's favorite flower 114 years ago. As a promotion, at the Chicago World's Fair of 1893, the officials decided that all states that had a state flower should promote their flower at the fair. Washington did not have a state flower, so voting took place around the state. Different flowers, from the clover to the dogwood, were contenders. This was a really strange election because only women were allowed to vote. When the dust settled, and the butterfly ballots were counted, the coast rhododendron won with 53% of the vote. Later, in 1949, the coast "rhoddie" became the state flower. This language was amended yet again in 1959, and it was specified that the native "pink rhoddie" was the true state flower. I remember that announcement being made on the school PA system when I was in grade school. Most of us, who live in the state, commonly refer to the rhododendron as the state flower, without getting too wrapped up in individual plants. A couple photos of colorful blooms, from around my neighborhood, are below.
Steven L. Smith
