Welcome back to West Virginia Wonders, a series where we delve into wild and wonderful icons, folklore, and locations that are rich in history, steeped in mystery, and full of natural beauty! This time, our attention is on a symbol of our state that’s blooming all around us – the rhododendron. 

A Rhododendron in Full Bloom!

The rhododendron’s roots in our state go deeper than the soil. In 1903, West Virginia sought to choose a state flower, and rather than leaving the decision solely to legislation, the state turned to its youngest citizens for input. Schoolchildren from across the state were asked to vote on which flower they believed best represented their home. Their overwhelming choice was the rhododendron. Later that year, the rhododendron would officially be designated as the state flower of West Virginia. 

A Rhododendron at the overlook at  Grandview State Park!

While the rhododendron loses its colorful flowers as the weather cools in the fall, its leaves stay prominent all year long, adding greenery to the hillsides of the Mountain state. When the cold of winter melts away and spring makes its way in, the plant begins to steal the show. With its lush evergreen leaves and vibrant clusters of flowers, the rhododendron begins its annual bloom in late spring and continues into early summer with shades of pink, purple and white appearing overnight across the hills, hollers and highlands of the state. 

For over one hundred years now, the rhododendron has been an icon of the Mountain state. Notable destinations across the state, like Dolly Sods Wilderness, Blackwater Falls State Park, and the New River Gorge National Park become natural showcases for the rhododendron in the spring, with the blossoming plants adding to the scenic beauty the areas have to offer. It has become a symbol of West Virginia, appearing in everything from university emblems and state park signage to postcards and handcrafted souvenirs sold in local shops. 

Some of our local artists and craftspeople have been inspired by the beauty of our state flower. Photographers capture the gorgeous blooms, painters and designers highlight the iconic pink color. Check out the ways that the artisans of Tamarack Marketplace have paid tribute to the treasured rhododendron!