The history of Alabama state is very important to the people of the state who take a lot of pride in their culture and traditions.You will find the history of Alabama held proudly through Alabama state symbols and other folktales that people really cherish. These state symbols have been designated their status through official acts passed by the state legislature.Are you familiar with the ‘night stars fell on Alabama day? On November 12, 1883, there was an amazing meteor shower that the Alabama state witnessed. This event became part of Alabama folklore and later became an inspiration for a song and a book. You will find such an interesting history behind each Alabama state symbol and even its capital city Montgomery. Here, let us talk about the state flower and tree of Alabama and also learn the history behind these symbols.Afterward, also check Alabama facts and Alabama history facts.State Flower Of AlabamaEvery state will have state symbols that are used to represent them. The Alabama state also has symbols exclusively for them. The state flower is an example.The Alabama state flower is the camellia. The Alabama department recognized camellia as the official state flower in 1959. But camellia wasn’t the only state flower of Alabama. Before camellia, the goldenrod used to be the official state flower. The goldenrod became the state flower in 1927. But later it was replaced by camellia. Camellia is also known as ‘the rose of winter’. Interesting fact, these flowers are not really the native flowers of the United States. This state flower is actually a native of China, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan.But, this flower is also widely grown in the United States too. They are large flowers with five to nine petals. Petals of the flowers that grow wild are five while when it is manmade, the petals can become nine. Even though they are not native to the United States, these flowers still stand as a symbol of the Alabama state.Alabama State Symbols, Emblems, And MascotsThe state of Alabama has many state symbols. Some symbols talk about the state’s history while others represent the state in some way.The official state flower of Alabama is the camellia. Similarly, the official state tree is the southern longleaf pine. Alabama is known as the cotton state. But there is another name through which the state is known. That is the yellowhammer state. Guess which is the state bird of Alabama? Yes, that right, it’s the yellow hammerhead. The state bird is also known by the name yellow-shafted flicker. It was chosen as the state bird as the soldiers from the state entered the civil war wearing the feathers of this bird on their felt hats.There is an official state tree fruit of Alabama too. That is the peach tree. The state wildflower is the oak-leaf hydrangea. The state saltwater fish is the tarpon. The official state rock is marble. The official state reptile is the red-bellied turtle. The official state nut is pecan. The Alabama state motto goes as ‘Audemus jura nostra defendere’. The Alabama state mineral is red iron ore. The Alabama state mascot and the butterfly is the eastern tiger swallowtail.The Alabama state insect is the monarch butterfly. Blackberry is the Alabama state fruit. The Alabama state flag is the crimson cross of St Andrews on a white field. The state flag has the state military crest and coat of arms in the upper and lower parts. All the symbols and emblems of the Alabama state are sanctioned by the Alabama legislature. The state has around 40 state emblems. The oldest among the emblems is the Alabama state bible in 1853.Why is Alabama’s state flower the camellia?So, we know that the Alabama state flower is the camellia. But have you ever wondered why a flower that is not even the native of the place became the state flower?Camellia and Alabama have a history. Back in the ‘1800s, camellia was not a common sight in Alabama. The camellia blossom was only found in the gardens of the wealthy. The fascination and popularity of these flowers began from there. Unlike other flowers that bloom in the spring, camellia bloomed during the winter, which is why they have the nickname ‘rose of the winter’.The peak bloom of the camellia flowers in the winter, unlike other flowers that have peak season during spring, is one of the reasons why these flowers became an instant favorite among the ladies. The different variety of colors is another reason for the popularity of these flowers. By the ’40s, a large population of the Alabama state was going through a camellia fever.Everyone loved the flower and the ladies, in particular, wanted it to be the state flower. In 1959, Governor John Patterson, urged by his wife, signed a bill into law making camellia the official state flower. Thus, this flower species came to be known as the state flower of Alabama. Even now, these flowers are still popular among people compared to other species of flowers.Where can it be found?The camellia flower is a flower that is easy to grow. It is an evergreen flowering shrub that blooms regardless of the season. This Alabama state flower blooms from November to March with January and February as peak season.Camellia is found in eastern and southern parts of Asia in high numbers. In Alabama, the camellia is seen in the garden, parks, and city. From state parks to hiking trails, highways, and home gardens, these flowers bloom throughout Alabama. The south of the United States cultivates a huge number of camellias.The flowers are imported from the south to the east. These flowers are significant in the history of Alabama and the popularity among the people is proof of it. Camellia needs well-drained soil and a partial shade of the sun.Apart from Alabama, other states like North Carolina also cultivate this flower well. Even before the flower became an official state symbol, they were seen in huge amounts throughout the United States.Most Common Flowers And Trees In AlabamaSo apart from the Alabama state flower and tree, what are some other flowers and trees seen in Alabama?There are many flowers that are native to Alabama. Flowers like deciduous azaleas, Alabama azaleas, American wisteria, hyacinths, geraniums, violets grow well in the Alabama soil. These are also some of the common flowers seen in the state. When it comes to trees, loblolly shortleaf pine is the most common tree in Alabama state.The longleaf pine is also a common tree seen in the state. It is also part of the state symbols. Other common trees found in the state are dogwood, cypress, cedar, juniper, maple, and so on. The peach tree which is part of Alabama state symbols is also a common flowering tree found in the state.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Alabama state flower and tree then why not take a look at Alabama state bird, or Alabama state gemstone.
The history of Alabama state is very important to the people of the state who take a lot of pride in their culture and traditions.
