Advocacy
Let’s Change the State Flower to a Native Species!
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 Asia, and its introduction to Georgia was the result of deliberate cultivation. Considering the importance of promoting native plant species in the state’s identity and environmental conservation efforts, it is appropriate to replace the non-native, invasive Cherokee Rose with a native plant that represents Georgia’s natural heritage.
GNPS suggests Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), a native tree found throughout the state, as an excellent species to represent Georgia as its state flower. It is a host plant for Georgia’s state butterfly, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, therefore contributing to vital pollinator habitat and ecological diversity that makes Georgia one of the richest landscapes in the United States.
FEBRUARY 2026 UPDATE:
Originating committees in both the House and Senate unanimously recommended bills to change the state flower to the Sweetbay Magnolia and designate April as Native Plant Month. Rep Deborah Silcox’s HB955 was unanimously recommended by the Special Rules Committee while the Senate Natural Resources Committee amended Sen. Rick Williams’s SB240 (introduced last year to only designate April as NPM) to exactly match the wording of HB955. Senate Majority Leader Jason Anivitarte joined Speaker Pro-Tempore Jan Jones as a high level supporter of the effort. The full House or the full Senate must vote to approve one of the bills by Friday, March 6 (legislative crossover day) for the effort to remain alive this year.
Our list of supporting partners grew as the Georgia Conservancy, Trees Atlanta and the Urban Ag Council added their names to the effort.
Campaign Info Sheet:
How to Get Involved Guidance Sheet and FAQs:
JANUARY 2026 UPDATE: A new bill filed during the first week of the 2026 Georgia legislative session proposes to change the state flower to sweetbay magnolia and permanently designate April as Native Plant Month. GNPS encourages all Georgia citizens to contact their State Senator and Representative to encourage their support for HB 955. The bill was introduced by Rep. Deborah Silcox (R-Sandy Springs) and is co-sponsored by Speaker Pro-Tempore Jan Jones (R-Milton), Rep. Scott Hilton (R-Peachtree Corners), Rep. Stacey Evans (D-Atlanta), Rep. Sandy Donatucci (R-Buford) and Rep. Houston Gaines (R-Athens). The bill was referred to the House Special Rules Committee and awaits a hearing there. Sen. Rick Williams (R-Milledgeville) will carry the bill in the Senate, if passed by the House.
Read our Press Release from January 20, 2026
APRIL 2025 UPDATE: The 2025 legislative session closed before the bill could make it to the floor for a vote.
DECEMBER 2024 UDPATE: Media outlets are picking up the story! We anticipate bills to be introduced in January in both the House and Senate. We encourage you to contact your state senator and state representatives now to voice your support to change the state flower to a native. Use Find your Legislator to obtain your senator and representative contact information. Read the Atlanta Journal Constitution article by Nedra Rhone, 12/1/24
OCTOBER 2024 UPDATE: Representative Deborah Silcox (R-Sandy Springs) and Senator Rick Williams (R-Milledgeville) will cosponsor a bill for the 2025 legislative session in both the House and Senate, respectively.
APRIL 2024 UPDATE: Senate Bill 518 did not make it to the Senate floor for a vote during this legislative session. The Advocacy Committee will continue to pursue the change by preparing for the 2025 legislative session.
FEBRUARY 23, 2024 UPDATE: Senate Bill 518, an act to change the state flower to Sweetbay Magnolia, passed unanimously in the Senate Committee for Economic Development. Georgia residents are encouraged to write to their State Senator asking for their support of SB 518 before crossover day on February 29th. You can contact your Senator through the Georgia General Assembly webpage.
