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Missouri designated the white hawthorn blossom as the official state flower in 1923. Hawthorn, a woody plant that can reach 20 feet in height, belongs to the rose family (similar to plants like rose, apple and spirea). The tiny apple-like fruit (pomes) of the hawthorn is collected to make jam and also provides food for birds and small mammals.
Photo of hawthorn blossoms from The Best Links.com: Hawthorn
The legislation does not name a specific variety of hawthorn, but the Missouri Department of Conservation believes the downy hawthorn (Crataegus mollis) should receive the recognition (Missouri is home to as many as 100 species of hawthorn).
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