Iowa State Flower
The Wild Rose
The Iowa Legislature designated the Wild Rose as the official
state flower in 1897. It was chosen for the honor because it was
one of the decorations used on the silver service, which the
state presented to the battleship USS Iowa that same year.
Although no particular species of the flower was designated by
the Legislature, the Wild Prairie Rose (Rosa Pratincola) is most
often cited as the official flower.
Wild roses are found throughout the state and bloom from June
through late summer. The flower, in varying shades of pink, is
set off by many yellow stamens in the center.
Image from Art Explosion 600,000.
