What is the State Flowers of Missouri?
The Hawthorn or Crataegus punctata is the state flower of Missouri. Its scientific name is Crataegus punctata. It belongs to the Rosaceae family. Crataegus is the genus of the Hawthorn and its species is C. punctata. The Missouri’s state flower Hawthorn or Crataegus punctata is commonly known dotted hawthorn, downy hawthorn, Red haw or white haw. It has also some falk names like May bush, May tree, quickset, thorn-apple tree, white thorn. The Hawthorn or Crataegus punctata is a large genus of shrubs and trees in the family Rosaceae, which are natives of North America; others are natives of Europe, Asia Minor, China, Japan, the Old World and the Himalayas. Hawthorn or Crataegus punctata flowers are the most popular flower in Missouri due to its eye-catching color and beautiful appearance. The hawthorn has lot of medicinal and magickal properties, it has also has some mythological symbol, which attracts the people towards Hawthorn blossoms. It is found all through the state of Missouri.
When a state bodies select a symbol for the state it should be represent extra ordinary design, quality, availability, expression, and usefulness, cultural, traditional and religious back ground, which go back thousands of years or its popularities. On the basis of the facts that’s stated above, the Law makers of Missouri selected the Hawthorn blossoms for the state floral emblem. Governor Arthur M. Hyde signed a bill naming the white hawthorn blossom the official state floral emblem of Missouri, on March 16, 1923.
There are more than 75 species of Hawthorn are native to Missouri and the legislation does not name a specific variety of hawthorn, but the Missouri Department of Conservation believes the downy hawthorn (Crataegus mollis) should receive the recognition. So, still there is a confusion about white Hawthorn or downy Hawthorn (Red hawthorn).
State Flower of Missouri Facts:
- Common Name: dotted hawthorn, downy hawthorn, red haw or white haw.
- Genus: Crataegus
- Species: Crataegus punctata
- Found in: natives of North America; others are natives of Europe, Asia Minor, China, Japan, the Old World and the Himalayas
- Color: Pink, white or red.
- Number of petals: Five
- Period of blooming: May to June
- Purpose: Ornamental
- Symbolism: Purification, sacred marriage and male-female unity, love and forgiveness, fertility, happiness, and good luck.
The Missouri’s state flower Hawthorns or Crataegus punctata are beautiful, flowering trees that beautify lawns and liner streets, suitable for shading portico. The Hawthorn plants can be grown It is a hard-wooded trees can be grown in bare locations and that also tolerate urban livelihood. After two years of planting the Hawthorns begin its flourishing. The flowers of Hawthorn are Pink, white or red in colors, with 5-petals. The flowers are twisted in 2- to 3-inch clusters. In the end of blooming the Hawthorn blossoms produce apple-shaped tiny fruits. The fruits are red in color. There is no surprise it called haws, which can be used for making jelly or jam.
The Missouri’s state flower Hawthorns or Crataegus punctata is very much potential for medicinal purpose. All the blossoms, leaves and fruits contains medicinal properties, which can be the remedy of high blood pressure and rouse the heart, also act as a mild sedative. It is also use in herbal medicine. Heart and circulatory disorders, migraine, menopausal conditions, angina, and insomnia have been treated through the properties of Hawthorn. The berries are enriched with Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C. The berries paste being used to ease diarrhea, dysentery, and kidney disorders. It is an advice, not to self medication, because it has bad impact on heart.
The Missouri’s state flower Hawthorns or Crataegus punctata has great magickal properties, such as; “The tree essence cleanses the heart of negativity and stimulates love and forgiveness. The Hawthorn is the tree that most representatives of the struggles the Christian Church had in suppressing pagan beliefs and celebrations. Hawthorn is respected as a tree of enchantment under the protection of the faery realms. It guards wells and springs. Its beautiful flowers are said to help prayers reach heaven. If you sit under a Hawthorn on May 1st you are liable to be whisked away for good to the faery underworld. The blooms of the hawthorn are used in spells for fertility, happiness, and good luck in fishing. To take a blossoming hawthorn branch inside one’s house will cause their mother to die. Wands made of this wood are of great power. The blossoms are highly erotic to men. Hawthorn can be used for protection, love and marriage spells”.
The state flower of Missouri, USA is undoubtedly an eye-catching beauty that grows in plenty throughout the state. Because of its stunning gorgeousness and the frequent occurrence in nature in Missouri, it was a natural fit for the state to choose.
Ref
:https://statesymbolsusa.org/symbol…/missouri/state-flower/white-hawthorn-blossom
https://www.proflowers.com/blog/missouri-state-flower-the-white-hawthorn-blossom
www.ereferencedesk.com/resources/state-flower/missouri.html
http://www.thegoddesstree.com/trees/Hawthorn.htm
https://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/aboutflowers/stateflowers/missouri-state-flowers
