In the United States of America that comprises of fifty different states, every single state and union territories have their own designated state flag, official tree and flower. Most of the flowers chosen for each state are native to the same except some like Hawaii. Different flowers have been chosen taking into account the beauty of the flowers and their importance all over the world and not necessarily as a representative flower of the state’s flora and fauna. Ohio State’s designated flower is the Scarlet Carnation.

Some of the lesser known facts about the Ohio State Flower are:

The state flower, Scarlet Carnation was chosen only until recently in 1904 in the memory of President William McKinley. He used to wear this particular flower in his lapel.

The origins of the flower are believed to be the Mediterranean.

Its scientific name is said to be derived from the Greek words Dios and Anthos implying the flower of the gods.

Over 300 different species of Carnations are believed to exist, a flower that is said to have developed and diversified in species most rapidly over a very short period of time.

The Scarlet Carnation was adopted by resolution on the floor of the Ohio House of Representatives by Legislator Elijah W. Hill. She introduced it with a speech that highlighted the rose, shamrock, lily and thistle that are the pride of England, Scotland, France and Ireland among others.
Similarly, the adoption of the scarlet carnation would serve to create a sense of belonging among native citizens and awaken memories of home, childhood, growing up and family ties.

Dr Levi Lamborn, an alliance physician, amateur horticulturalist as well as politician is to be credited for the introduction of Scarlet Carnations in the state. In 1866, he had propagated the flower from its seedlings brought to the state from France and grown in the greenhouses of the State.

Dr Levi Lamborn presented William McKinley who was to become the future president, with a simple boutonniere of scarlet carnation right before every debate was to begin. He was in opposition with McKinley for the 18th Congressional District in 1876.

McKinley won those debates and considered the Carnation lucky for him and therefore continued to use them in his lapel even after he became the president. On 14th September 1901, he is said to have removed the flower and gifted it to one of his admirers at the Buffalo based Pan American Exposition, following which he was assassinated.

Following this event, on February 3rd, 1904, the Ohio General Assembly passed a joint resolution which gave the scarlet carnation the status of a flower symbolizing the state.

The Carnation till date is quoted to be a symbol of love in the memory of the Ohio President and also symbolizes goodwill and reverence.

It is considered fitting and proper for every state to choose its various symbols in a manner that they honour a particular event, represent state history or honour a person considered the son of the state. President McKinley who was a native of the state was worthy of emulation and he loved the Carnation so much that it became the state flower in his beloved memory.