William Harris of Norwood introduced the legislation proposing that the apple blossom be adopted as the official state flower of Michigan on February 9, 1897.
Joint Resolution No. 10 noted that apple trees add to “the beauty” of Michigan’s landscape and that “Michigan apples have gained a worldwide reputation.”
Citing the blossom of the native Michigan Pyrus coronaria (sweet crabapple) as particularly beautiful and fragrant, the legislation does not specify this species as the state flower but refers to the generic apple blossom as the state flower of Michigan.
Michigan adopted the blossom of the apple tree as its state flower by an act of the legislature on April 28, 1897.
Pyrus coronaria is now referred to as Malus coronaria.
The following information is excerpted from the Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 2, Section 2.11.
STATE FLOWER
J.R. 10 of 1897
A JOINT RESOLUTION to designate and adopt a state flower.
2.11 State flower.
WHEREAS, A refined sentiment seems to call for the adoption of a state flower; and
WHEREAS, Our blossoming apple trees add much to the beauty of our landscape, and Michigan apples have gained a worldwide reputation; and
WHEREAS, At least one of the most fragrant and beautiful flowered species of apple, the pyrus coronaria, is native to our state; therefore
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Michigan, That the apple blossom be and the same hereby is designated and adopted as the state flower of the state of Michigan.
History: 1897, J.R. 10, Imd. Eff. Apr. 28, 1897 ;– CL 1897, 1755 ;– CL 1915, 1096 ;– CL 1929, 133 ;– CL 1948, 2.11
© 2004 Legislative Council, State of Michigan
Source: Michigan State Flower.