We are pleased to share that Senate Bill 518, an act to change the state floral emblem to the native Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), passed unanimously through the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism.
You can help get this legislation passed by the State Senate before February 29th by taking a couple minutes to contact your senator.
Background
Cherokee Rose (Rosa laevigata) was designated as the state flower of Georgia in 1916 under the mistaken belief that it was indigenous to Georgia; however, it is indigenous to South China, and its introduction to Georgia was the result of deliberate cultivation. In fact, Cherokee Rose is a Category 4 Invasive plant. It is important for Georgia to promote native plant species in its identity to align with the state’s priorities to protect and preserve ecosystems.
Senate Bill 518 would change the state flower to Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), a native plant found across Georgia. Sweetbay Magnolia supports the lifecycle of Georgia’s state butterfly, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, contributing to vital pollinator habitat. It has a rich history in Georgia’s botanical heritage and is available in the green industry for landscaping. You can read more on our campaign info sheet, SB 518: A Proposal to Change Georgia’s State Flower.
How You Can Help
In order to move Senate Bill 518 forward before crossover day, we are asking you to contact your state senator by phone or by email as soon as possible. Follow these simple steps to take action now:
1. If you don’t know who your state senator is, click here to find your legislator.
2. Find your senator on the Georgia General Assembly webpage and navigate to their webpage. Click the Contact button on the top right.
3. Give your senator a quick call, or complete the email contact form. When asked what the issue your message relates to, select Legislative Advocacy Senate Bill 518. Here is some suggested text for you to use in your message:
“As one of your constituents, I am asking you to support Senate Bill 518, a bipartisan act to change the state flower from an exotic plant to a native plant, Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana). This plant contributes to the state’s rich biodiversity and is a host plant for our state butterfly, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Georgia should promote a native plant species in its identity to align with the state’s priorities to protect and preserve ecosystems. Let’s properly reflect Georgia’s natural heritage with Sweetbay Magnolia.“
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