North Dakota

The Story Behind the Wild Prairie Rose

Some people might look at the wild prairie rose and see a weed. North Dakotans saw something else. Growing low to the ground across the prairie, this little pink rose survives bitter winters, drought, and even wildfire. When harsh conditions kill everything above ground, its extensive root system allows it to come back again. It's resilient. It's persistent. And perhaps that's why the people of North Dakota kept choosing it to represent them. Because the wild prairie rose didn't become North Dakota's state flower after just one vote. They chose it again and again.

This short video shares how the wild prairie rose became North Dakota's state flower and why a plant sometimes considered a weed became such a fitting symbol of life on the prairie.

Wild Prairie Rose

Rosa arkansana

The wild prairie rose doesn't look much like the tall rose bushes you might picture growing in a garden.

It typically grows only about 6 to 18 inches tall.

That's because much of the plant's work is happening underground. Instead of putting all its energy into growing tall, the wild prairie rose develops an extensive root system that helps it survive the difficult conditions of the Great Plains.

A few things that make it special:

Native to the central United States
Blooms with beautiful pink flowers in late spring and summer
Survives extreme cold, drought, and wildfire
Produces rose hips that are an excellent source of vitamin C

When difficult conditions arrive, the plant can die all the way back to the ground. Its roots survive below the surface, allowing new growth to emerge when conditions improve.

It may be small, but this rose is remarkably hard to get rid of.

Why It Became the State Flower

North Dakota's relationship with the wild prairie rose began almost as soon as North Dakota became a state.

In 1889, the first graduating class of the University of North Dakota chose colors inspired by the flower. Green represented the prairie, while the pink of the wild prairie rose represented their hope for a "rosy future."

Then, in 1898, the North Dakota Federation of Women's Clubs held a vote to choose a flower to represent the state.

They chose the wild prairie rose.

But it still wasn't official.

In the early 1900s, North Dakota's schoolchildren were also asked which flower they thought should represent their state.

They chose the wild prairie rose too.

Finally, in 1907, State Senator Louise B. Hanna introduced legislation to make the choice official.

After nearly two decades of North Dakotans choosing the same little pink flower, the wild prairie rose finally became the official state flower.

And maybe its long journey to becoming official makes the choice even more appropriate.

The flower persisted.

So did the people who wanted it.

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