Coast Rhododendron or Pacific rhododendron is the state flower of Washington. Rhododendron macrophyllum is the scientific name of Rhododendron, which comes from the family of Ericaceae and the sub-family of Ericoideae. Rhododendron is the genus of which subgenus is R. subg. Hymenanthes and its species are R. macrophyllum.
The state flower of Washington Rhododendron is commonly known as Rhododendron macrophyllum, the Pacific rhododendron, California rosebay, California rhododendron, coast rhododendron, or big leaf rhododendron. It is also called alpenrose, snow-rose, or rusty-leaved alpenrose. When a state body selects a symbol for the state it should represent extraordinary design, quality, expression cultural, traditional, and religious background, which go back thousands of years for its popularities.
History
According to the record, in 1901, the then outgoing Governor George Atkinson admiring the eye-catching flowering plant said,“ I know none more beautiful than Rhododendron”. The government of Washington has been selected the Rhododendron as a state flower due to its immeasurable availability, beautiful design, and eco-friendly nature and designated it in 1893.
Rhododendron or Coast Rhododendron is also the State flower of the Indian state of Himachal and Madhya Pradesh and the state flower of West Virginia. It is also the national flower of Nepal. Rhododendron the State flower of Washington is proud of beauty. Washington is proud of the beauty of Red Rhododendron.
Washington’s State Flower Facts
- Common Name: Rhododendron macrophyllum, the Pacific rhododendron, California rosebay, California rhododendron, coast rhododendron or big leaf rhododendron
- Genus: Rhododendron
- Species: R. macrophyllum
- Found in: Himalayan foothills, also more or less found all over the world.
- Color: Red, white, pastel, orange, golden, pink, and purple.
- Number of petals: 5-10
- Form of the tree: Round
- Time of blooming: Summer
- Purpose: Fragrant
- Leaves: Ornamental
Description
Rhododendron is the favorite state flower symbol of the Washington people. It comes from a healthy family of flowering plants. The Rhododendron has 1000 species or more. At least 2800 new variety of Rhododendron is found in all over the world. In spite of Washington, it is native to Asia, North America, Australia, and Europe. In forests, tropical rainforests, coniferous and temperate, and mountains it can be found.
At least 30 species of the Rhododendron or great laurel are found in West Washington’s hill area, which is very much attractive and fabulous. Rhododendron is cultivated in bush form. According to the variety, it can grow up to 98feet in height and a minimum of 3.9 inches. As per variety, the leaves of rhododendron are deviation in their size and shape. Some of them are evergreen and some of the deciduous leaves.
The evergreen-type leaves are generally large and paddle shape but the deciduous leaves are elliptical and small in size. Rhododendron, the State flower of Washington has a specialty in her flowering. The peak blooming period of Rhododendrons is mid-July. At the flourishing time, Rhododendron decorated the whole of the garden with its natural beauty. Nobody can leave the garden without seeing its beauty with the marvelous color combination of green and red or pinkish white.
The green forest the like a decorated bridge. All the parts of Rhododendrons are dangerous, especially leaves, showing symptoms of Stomach irritation, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rate, and rhythm, convulsions, coma, death. Honey made from the nectar of Rhododendron flowers is also toxic and should not be consumed. To sum up, Rhododendron, or great laurel flower is the most lovable flower in West Washington.
It is the Queen of flower in West Washington. All the people in West Washington respect it as a symbol of beauty as well as their State Symbol. Rhododendron or great laurel, the State Flowers of Washington, which beautifies the forest of Washington and also beautifies West Washington as well.