Indigenous
flower West Virginia
West Virginia considers the Rhododendron to be its state flower.
Although there are a lot of different species and varieties of this
West Virginia indigenous flower, the Rhododendron Maximum, otherwise
known as “the great laurel” is thought to be the flower being
referred to in the legislature. It was selected for this position in
January 29, 1903 after being selected through an election of
schoolchildren.
This indigenous flower of West Virginia can be identified easily
because of its large evergreen leaves and its pretty distinctive
flowers, which range in color from white to pale pink to purple. The
blossoms of the Rhododendon are also sometimes speckled with red or
yellow spots.
The leaves of this West Virginia indigenous flower can be poisonous.
This means that you should keep it away from children and from
livestock. If you are planning to cultivate the Rhododendron maximus,
you might also like to know that the plant flourishes when you place
it in well-drained, acid soils. The soil should also contain high
levels of organic matter.
Another thing that someone planning to cultivate this West Virginia
indigenous flower should know is that the plant actually requires
low to medium lighting. This will allow for optimal processing of
carbon. Actually, the rhodonderon forms a pretty important
ecological relationship with other members of the Appalachian
ecosystems.
The rhodonderon is actually clonal in terms of reproduction.
However, it does have the capability to reproduce asexually and
sexually. That is, it is able to produce through seeds and other
means. The seeds of this West Virginia indigenous flower are
actually very tiny. Some experts have estimated that 11 million
seeds would only weigh 1 Kilogram. The size of the seeds is actually
optimal for distribution via the wind.
This West Virginia indigenous flower is usually found under a canopy
of trees. The conditions present in the habitat of the Rhododendron
are actually optimal for the survival of the plant. However, the
lack of sunlight also makes asexual reproduction necessary. Why?
Well, one of the requirements of seed germination is sunlight.
Because of this, the Rhododendron commonly only uses seeds to
reproduce under very specific conditions.
There are, however, several disadvantages presented by this West
Virginia indigenous flower. It has been shown that the Rhododendron
could actually hamper the growth of other plants in its habitat.
There is noticeably less plant variety where rhododendrons flourish.
Because of this, it is thought that rhododendrons may have an
inhibitory effect on the growth and reproduction of other flora.
Basically, most people cultivate this West Virginia indigenous
flower because of its aesthetic qualities. A lot of people also
raise Rhododendron maximus simply because, being a wildflower, this
specie is relatively easier to raise.

5106 Elk River Road North
Elkview, West Virginia 25071
Serving the Elkview/Charleston, WV area
since 1989
Phone: 304-965-5434
1-800-253-3025
Fax: 304-965-2462
Charles & Pauline Stricker, Owners
Email:
SOUFlowers@aol.com |