South Dakota’s state flower is the pasque flower, known for its deep pink to purple colors and early spring blooming. It represents the state motto “I lead” and was chosen over other candidates in 1903. The flower has cultural significance for Native American tribes and settlers and is a source of pride for South Dakotans.
South Dakota’s state flower is the pasque flower, known in Latin as pulsatilla hirsutissima. This bloom, which is sometimes known as the wind flower or meadow anemone, generally ranges in color from deep pink, lavender, to deep purple, although some lighter colored flowers can also appear almost white. It thrives in the tall grass of the South Dakota prairie and is the first flower to noticeably bloom each spring. The word pasque comes from a French term for Easter, which further ties this flower to early spring after South Dakota’s long winters. This species of flower was then considered a good choice for the state flower of South Dakota as it serves as a representation of the state motto which translates to the phrase “I lead.”
Even before its adoption as the official state flower of South Dakota, the pasque was regarded as an important symbol of renewal and rebirth among both local Native American tribes and Caucasian settlers. The Lakota tribe has commonly used pasque flowers as a natural source of medicine for many centuries. South Dakota’s incorporation into the United States in the early 20th century led state leaders to consider possible candidates for this type of official state symbol. Just as with other new states, the selection of a state flower was intended to give the citizens of South Dakota a feeling of unity and loyalty that was usually not felt so strongly towards a national flower.
The pasque flower wasn’t the only initial candidate for South Dakota’s state flower. Other suggestions included wild rose and various types of cactus flowers, although many people believed these choices did not accurately represent the spirit of the new state. This flower was the eventual winner and was adopted as the state flower by law in 1903. A minor change was made to the wording of the state legislature’s declaration in 1919, adding the proper Latin name of this new state flower.
Since its adoption, the South Dakota state flower still bears the distinction of being the only state symbol directly tied to its state motto. Just as Easter drives the rest of spring’s blooms, long-term citizens of South Dakota see themselves as leaders. This use of the state flower is a source of pride in South Dakota for many of its residents.
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