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State Flower of Missouri

Flower: Hawthorn (Crataegus Species)

The goldenrod might have been adopted as Missouri’s state flower. But, at the time, it already represented four other states. In addition, many Missourians considered it a weed. Inspired, a committee was formed to learn what flower residents favored. Twenty-seven flowers were voted on. Favorites included the aster, honeysuckle, black-eyed Susan, violet, burdock, and hollyhock. The wild rose took second place. But the wild crab apple blossom won by a wide margin. However, the legislature refused to adopt it.

Three years later, both the hawthorn and the daisy were introduced. But neither bill passed. Hawthorn supporters primary theme was that the hawthorn is native to Missouri and is a wild flower and potent symbol. In the end, the legislature agreed. The bill passed, and the hawthorn was adopted on March 17, 1923.