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
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Charles & Pauline Stricker, Owners

Email: SOUFlowers@aol.com