The Cherokee Rose, a striking white flower with a golden center, holds a significant place in the cultural landscape of the American South. This climbing rose serves as the official floral emblem for the state of Georgia. Its common name suggests a deep connection to the history of the region and the people who once called it home. The story of this flower is entwined with a narrative of suffering, resilience, and memory that continues to resonate today.
Botanical Identity of the Cherokee Rose
The scientific name for the Cherokee Rose is Rosa laevigata, a species not native to the United States. This vigorous, sprawling shrub is indigenous to southern China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, thriving in sunny, low-elevation areas. It was introduced to the southeastern US during the colonial era, around the late 1700s, and quickly naturalized in the warm climate. The plant grows as a high-climbing vine that can reach lengths of 15 to 33 feet, often scrambling over trees and other structures.
The Cherokee Rose is easily recognized by its fragrant, waxy white blossoms, which are large, single flowers measuring up to four inches across. These blooms feature five petals and a prominent cluster of bright yellow stamens at the center. Its stems are armed with numerous hooked prickles, giving the plant a formidable defense. The leaves are glossy, dark green with a leathery texture, and the plant’s hardy nature has led botanists in some areas to classify it as an invasive species.
Designation as Georgia’s State Flower
The Cherokee Rose was formally designated as Georgia’s state flower, or “floral emblem,” by the Georgia General Assembly in 1916. This legislative action came about through a joint resolution, supported by organizations including the Georgia Federation of Women’s Clubs. At the time of its adoption, many legislators mistakenly believed the Cherokee Rose was a species native to the state.
The widespread presence of the rose throughout the state contributed to its selection, despite its non-native origin. Even after clarification on its Asian origin, the flower’s deep historical and cultural associations secured its status. The designation was intended to pay homage to the flower’s ties to the Cherokee people and the enduring spirit it represents. The Cherokee Rose remains the state flower, though its non-native status has prompted discussion among conservationists about a potential replacement with a native species.
The Origin of the Name and Historical Legend
The common name and continued significance of the flower are rooted in a widely known legend connected to the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation. This tragic event, known as the Trail of Tears, occurred in the late 1830s when the Cherokee people were forcibly marched from their ancestral homelands to what is now Oklahoma. The journey was marked by immense suffering, grief, and loss of life.
According to the legend, the mothers of the Cherokee Nation were weeping profusely along the trail. The elders prayed for a sign to lift their spirits and offer strength. The legend says a white rose bloomed wherever a mother’s tear fell to the ground, giving them the courage to continue the arduous march. This story imbues the flower with symbolism that speaks to the historical trauma and resilience of the people.
The white petals of the rose represent the purity and sorrow of the mothers’ tears. The golden center of the flower symbolizes the gold discovered on Cherokee lands in Georgia, the greed for which largely drove the forced removal. The leaves of the plant are often described in the legend as having seven leaflets, representing the seven clans of the Cherokee Nation that endured the journey.
The Cherokee Rose, which still grows prolifically along the routes of the Trail of Tears, has become an emblem of memory for the Cherokee people. It is seen as a symbol of strength, endurance, and the refusal of a people to be broken by adversity. The flower serves as a living tribute to those who suffered and a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.