Oklahoma State Flower

Oklahoma Rose

[Rosa odorata (Andr.) Sweet]

Adopted on April 14, 2004.

On April 14, 2004, Gov. Brad Henry signed into law the Oklahoma Rose, (Rosa odorata (Andr.) Sweet,) as Oklahoma "official state flower."

The Oklahoma rose is a hybrid tea rose [Rosa odorata (Andr.) Sweet] developed in 1964 by Herbert C. Swim and O.L. Weeks at Oklahoma State University.

Oklahoma is represented, in one way or another, by three official flowers:

• Official floral emblem - Mistletoe
• Official state wild flower - Indian Blanket
• Official state flower - Hybrid Tea Rose, "Oklahoma"

It wasn't until 2004 that the "Oklahoma rose" joined the list as the official state flower.

Oklahoma State Flower: Oklahoma Rose

Oklahoma Rose is a hybrid tea rose developed in 1964 at Oklahoma State University by Herbert C. Swim and O. L. Weeks. In 2004, the Oklahoma Rose became the official state flower of Oklahoma.

Hybrid Teas are the most popular type of rose grown today. They bloom from May to frost and range from two to six feet in height. They commonly produce one spectacular bloom per stem. They have large buds and are valuable for cut flowers and specimen display.

Characteristics of the Oklahoma Rose

Height: 5 feet

Spread: 5 feet

Sunlight: full sun

Hardiness Zone: 6b

Group/Class: Hybrid Tea Rose

Description: Stunning, large, dark red velvety blooms with a pleasing old rose fragrance, complimenting rich green foliage; great for the garden, containers, or along borders; disease resistant

Ornamental Features: Oklahoma Rose features showy fragrant dark red flowers at the ends of the stems from late spring to mid fall. The flowers are excellent for cutting. It has green foliage throughout the season. The oval compound leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color. The fruit is not ornamentally significant.

Oklahoma ENROLLED SENATE BILL NO. 7

Oklahoma City (AP) - A bill to name the Oklahoma Rose the official state flower is heading to the state House of Representatives after passing out of the state Senate.

Dottie Weissenberger says she's been working to have the rose named the state flower since she helped plant 500 of them at the state Capitol 40 years ago.

Weissenberger says the Oklahoma rose is a hybrid with a deep crimson color representing the blood shed when the Five Civilized Tribes were moved to Oklahoma.

The bill passed the Senate on a 44-to-nothing vote. Governor Brad Henry signed this legislation on April 13, 2004 making the Oklahoma rose the official flower of the State of Oklahoma.

ENROLLED SENATE
BILL NO. 7

By: Capps of the Senate
and
Worthen, Staggs, Tyler, Dank,
Greenwood of the House

An Act relating to definitions and general provisions; amending 25 O.S. 2001, Section 92, which relates to the state floral emblem; naming the Oklahoma Rose the official flower of the State of Oklahoma; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:

SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 25 O.S. 2001, Section 92, is amended to read as follows:

Section 92. A. The mistletoe shall be the floral emblem of the state.

B. The Oklahoma Rose shall be the official flower of the State of Oklahoma.

SECTION 2. This act shall become effective November 1, 2004.

Passed the Senate the 23rd day of February, 2004.

Passed the House of Representatives the 6th day of April 2004.

Approved by the Governor of the State of Oklahoma the 13 day of April, 2004, at 5:40 o'clock p.m.

The Oklahoma Statutes
TITLE 25. Definitions and General Provisions.
Chapter 3 - State Emblems and Honorary Positions.
SECTION 25-92.

The Oklahoma Statutes

The law designating the Oklahoma Rose as the official Oklahoma state flower is found in the Oklahoma Statutes, Title 25, Section 25-92.

TITLE 25. Definitions and General Provisions.
Chapter 3 - State Emblems and Honorary Positions.
SECTION 25-92.

§25-92. State floral emblem - official flower.
A. The mistletoe shall be the floral emblem of the state.
B. The Oklahoma Rose shall be the official flower of the State of Oklahoma.

R.L.1910, § 2952. Amended by Laws 2004, c. 89, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.

Taxonomic Hierarchy: Oklahoma Rose

Kingdom: Plantae - Plants
    Subkingdom: Tracheobionta - Vascular plants
Superdivision: Spermatophyta - Seed plants
    Division: Magnoliophyta - Flowering plants
Class: Magnoliopsida - Dicotyledons
    Subclass: Rosidae
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae - Rose family
Genus: Rosa L. - rose
Species: Rosa ×odorata (Andrews) Sweet (pro sp.)
 [chinensis × gigantea] - tea rose