State Flower Of Missouri
White Hawthorn Blossom Is The Official State Flower Of Missouri. Missouri Adopted the white hawthorn blossom as the official Missouri State Flower in 1923. The white hawthorn blossom was selected as the official State Flower Of Missouri through legislation signed by Governor Arthur M. Hyde. More than 75 species of the flower grow in Missouri, but the state legislature did not specify a particular type of the white hawthorn. However, Missouri’s Department of Conservation claims that the downy hawthorn (Crataegus mollis) should be crowned as the official National Flower Of Missouri.
The hawthorn is a type of shrub or small tree that belongs to the rose (Rosaceae) family, is thorny, and grows fruit. Like other species of hawthorn, the downy is thorny and characterized by white flowers and red fruit. The downy is a relatively small relative to other species of hawthorn, growing to a height of about 20 feet, often in a rounded shape. Missouri State Flower thorns are generally long and slender, while its leaves can be described as medium green in color. However, during fall the leaves change color to yellow or burgundy.
The State Flower Of Missouri white hawthorn’s blossoms typically blooms between late April and early May, while its fruit grows from late August to September. The plant thrives in savanna and woodland areas with dry or moderate soil moisture. The plant has numerous benefits, such as providing shelter for wildlife in Missouri and serving as a source of food for birds and other small animals. National Flower Of Missouri also provides a nesting environment for birds. The bark is usually rough and becomes shaggy as the plant ages shaggy. Unlike many plants in the rose family, the flowers of the hawthorn have an unpleasant scent. The trees are quite adaptable, and can grow almost anywhere there is space for them, though they prefer a sunny location.
PHYSICAL DETAILS
Duration: Perennial
Plant: Small, shrubby tree
Mature Height: 16–49 ft (5–15 m) tall
Flowering: May through June
Flowers: 1–1.5 in (2.5–3.8 cm), with five round petals, many stamens
Flower Color: White to very light pink
Leaves: .75–1.5 in (2–4 cm) long, teardrop-shaped with three deep lobes
Fruit/Seed Color: Red haws, tan seeds
Location: Fields and woods
Range: the United States, most of Canada, Europe, parts of northern Asia