The official state flower of Washington is the Coast Rhododendron, a species that embodies the state’s lush, temperate landscape. This flowering evergreen shrub was selected through a popular vote, reflecting a unique piece of the state’s political and social history. The Coast Rhododendron is a widely recognized symbol, reflecting a long-standing appreciation for its presence in the forests of the Pacific Northwest.
Identifying the Coast Rhododendron
The Coast Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum) translates to “rose tree with big leaves.” This broadleaf evergreen is a large, upright shrub that can reach heights between 6 and 25 feet. The foliage consists of large, leathery, oblong leaves that are typically dark green and measure between three and nine inches long.
The plant produces showy blossoms in large, rounded clusters called trusses, which can contain 10 to 20 individual flowers. Each flower is bell-shaped with five distinct lobes and a slightly ruffled margin, measuring about 1.5 inches across. The color of the blooms ranges from pale pink to a deep rose-purple, with occasional white variants. Flowering occurs from mid-spring to mid-summer, providing a burst of color against the dark backdrop of Pacific forests.
How the Flower Was Chosen
The process of selecting the state flower began in 1892 when women across Washington organized a popular election. They sought to choose a floral emblem that would represent the state at the following year’s World’s Fair in Chicago. This initiative was part of a broader effort to secure voting rights.
The Coast Rhododendron was chosen by the outcome of this popular vote, which included participation from schoolchildren. This decision established the flower as the unofficial state symbol for decades. Official legislative action took place much later, in 1959, when the state legislature formally adopted Rhododendron macrophyllum as the recognized state flower.
Native Range and Growing Conditions
The Coast Rhododendron is a native species found predominantly in Western Washington, aligning with the humid, temperate climate of the Pacific coast. Its natural distribution extends from British Columbia down to northern California, concentrating mainly in the areas west of the Cascade Mountain crest. This native shrub thrives in coastal and montane conifer woods, often found at elevations up to 4,000 feet.
The plant prefers moist, well-drained, and acidic soil, flourishing in areas with partial sun or filtered light, often near forest edges or clearings. It is protected from being picked in the wild. When cultivated, it requires consistent moisture and is admired for its robust nature and ability to tolerate the wet, shady conditions common to the region.