What Is the National Flower of the USA? (with pictures)

The national flower of the USA is the rose. This flower may be used in any design that represents the floral emblem, and is not limited to a particular rose variety. Several individual states also name the rose as their state flower, though most designate a species that is native to their area. The rose can be found in all fifty states of the USA, and ranges in color from white, to orange, red, and some hybrid blues.

The rose became the national flower of the USA in 1986. President Ronald Reagan signed the resolution, passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, into law as a proclamation while standing in the rose garden of the White House. This botanical area is designed to resemble a traditional 1800s rose garden, and features flowers arranged in geometric patterns that are outlined by boxwoods. The formal flower beds surround a rectangular shaped green grass lawn that is traditionally the site of outdoor press conferences and garden parties. When the roses are not in bloom, grape hyacinth and tulips, among other flowers, are displayed.

Other flowers were suggested to Congress and to the President for use as the national flower of the USA. The marigold was one such suggestion for use as a symbol of the spirit and resilience of the American people. This flower is unique to North America, unlike many of the varieties of the rose which originate on other continents.

No one single rose species was named as the national flower of the USA. Different varieties and colors are frequently used alongside other national symbols, such as the eagle, and the stars and stripes of the flag. Many states similarly chose to use this type of flower in their own floral emblem, though they generally designate one variety that grows in particular abundance in their area. The state of Iowa claims the wild rose as their state flower, while North Dakota uses the wild prairie rose.

The American Beauty is one of the most recognizable and commonly used rose varieties in both national photography and patriotic imagery. This variety produces a large, showy bloom featuring 50 round shaped fiery pink petals. It is a popular choice for use in cut flower arrangements for its beautiful coloring and fragrant aroma. The District of Columbia, in which the White House is located, claims this particular type of rose as its own local flower.