Why the Rose Is New York's State Flower: History, Symbolism & Trivia

New York schoolchildren voted in 1890; the legislature stalled. A 1955 re‑vote made it official—by a landslide. Law: "The rose shall be the official flower in any color or combination common to it" (NY State Law, Art. 6, §75, April 20, 1955).

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Rosales
• Family: Rosaceae
• Subfamily: Rosoideae
• Genus: Rosa

Classification Snapshot

• Species (wild): 5 petals, once‑blooming, e.g., *Rosa rugosa*.
• Old Garden Roses: Pre‑1867, fragrant, pastel/white (China, Moss, Damask).
• Modern Roses: Post‑1867 hybrids (Floribunda, Grandiflora, Hybrid Tea).

Fun Facts

• Egypt: roses sacred to Isis.
• 15th c. War of the Roses (England).
• English pioneered hybridization.
• True black roses don't exist.
• 150+ species, 20,000+ hybrids.

The rose's beauty, diversity, and cultural weight made it the perfect emblem for the Empire State.