What is the State Flower of South Carolina?

What is the State Flower of South Carolina?

Goldenrod is the state flower of South Carolina. It was chosen as the official state flower of South Carolina in 2003. It was the outcome of the efforts by the state wildflower Chairman for the Garden Club of South Carolina.Soldiago gigantean is the scientific name of Goldenrod. When the small flowers blossom in summer and early fall, yellow fields appear all over South Carolina. Butterflies and bees are attracted by the bright flowers. These insects pollinate the plant and feed on the sweet nectar of this flower. Goldenrod is also the state flower of Nebraska and Kentucky.

State Flower of South Carolina Facts:

  • Common Name:  Goldenrod, Giant Goldenrod, Late Goldenrod, and Smooth Goldenrod
  • Genus:  Solidago
  • Species:  gigantean
  • Found in:  all over South Carolina
  • Plant Height:  2 m
  • Color:  Golden Yellow
  • Number of petals:  7-15
  • Flower Height:  200 cm
  • Period of blooming: summer and early fall
  • Purpose:  Decoration, Food and herbal value

The plant of Goldenrod flower can reach up to 8 feet tall. It grows all over South Carolina. Previously, Bluegrass was the State Flower of South Carolina even though it’s grass. It is not a flower. More than 30 species of beautiful Goldenrod grows in South Carolina. As these flowers are all over the state, so ultimately it was elected as the State Flower of South Carolina. Solidagogigantea is also known as Giant Goldenrod, Late Goldenrod, and Smooth Goldenrod. The name Solidago is Latin It means to make whole or heal. This flower has medicinal qualities. Gigantea means very large or belonging to the giants. The Goldenrod flower contains many parts.

Goldenrod is yellow in color, however, sometimes it has creamy or white rays. Goldenrod has about 10-17 tiny rays. The bracts are stable, green, and rounded. Goldenrod inflorescence is a 10 inches open scattering bunch with the crowns typically along one side. Goldenrod flower groups are habitually gathered on the top edge of the branches close or at the topside of the plant.

The Goldenrod flower heads blossom in a wide pyramidal cluster, extended or flattish clusters. Goldenrod flowers blossom during July-October. Goldenrod’s cultivated varieties are typically smaller and they harvest more flowers that lives longer. They can spread less destructively than any wild plant. Moreover in the garden, goldenrods are repeatedly used in floristry for the ground work of various bouquets, floral preparation and garlands. Goldenrod’s young leaves and seeds are edible. Flowers are also edible, but they are more frequently used for the tea preparation. Goldenrods are needed for the production of dark-colored, wonderful honey. Goldenrods add beauty to fields, roadsides, and salt marshes.

Thomas Edison extracted rubber from the leaves of goldenrods. Goldenrods were used as yellow dye source in the past. Native Americans chewed leaves of goldenrods to ease signs of toothache. They used root in treatment of painful throat and tea in cure of weariness. All portions of goldenrods that raise above the ground have medicinal properties. Leaves and flowers are particularly popular and habitually used in cure of kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Further, goldenrods are used in cure of internal bleeding, diabetes, hay fever, inflammation and indigestion. Goldenrod is lasting plant which means that it can live more than 2 years in the wild. To sum up, as goldenrod is a very beautiful and very useful flower it is naturally worthy of being the state flower of South Carolina.

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