The Dogwood Flower - British Columbia’s Emblem
Taken from the March 1979 BCWI News - by Stella Gummow Welch
For many years the question on a flower emblem for BC was a matter of debate. Many people felt that it should be the dogwood which grows in such glorious profusion in the Coastal area. But objections came from those living in colder regions of the province where the dogwood did not grow. And then a book on flowers of BC was published by Chess Lyons and in that book he listed the red osier as a member of the dogwood family.
My interest was sparked by that reference and in the monthly Newsletter of June 1, 1954 I wrote as follows: “The flowering dogwood is now in full beauty along the highways and lanes of this province's coastal district. The dogwood has been referred to as British Columbia's flower, but officially we have no flower. It was considered that because the dogwood is supposedly found only in the coast districts, that it could not be considered the emblem of British Columbia. But one of the most beautiful dogwoods that I have seen was in the gardens of the Experimental Farm at Summerland in full flower.
Various books on flowers and shrubs in this province have been consulted, and the low growing bunch berry with its four petal flowers is given as a member of the dogwood family. The red osier dogwood is also listed as growing in the Cascades. How about a little exploration work to find out how widely known the dogwood is in its various forms in the province? If it is found almost everywhere in its different forms there would seem to be no reason why it could not be our official flower? Please let me know what you are able to find out in this regard.”
The response was overwhelming. The letters of approval came from all parts of the province and the Provincial Board at their next meeting passed a resolution asking that the dogwood should be proclaimed our official emblem. Then armed with all the letters and the approval of the Provincial Board of the Women's Institutes I went to the Honourable Kenneth Kiernan who was minister of Agriculture at that time, and his approval was immediate. And by Order in Council of the Government of British Columbia the dogwood was made the official emblem of BC.
Now we see the dogwood everywhere, on souvenirs, programs and material for tourists. And everytime I see it, it makes me very happy to think that this was a successful effort by the Women's Institutes of BC. My love and good wishes to you all.”
Stella E. (Gummow) Welch”
The dogwood is a beautiful flower and on your behalf, I congratulate Mrs. Welch and all the members who rose to her challenge and gathered the necessary information for her to use to make this designation a reality.
Yours for Home and Country, Ruth Fenner, Provincial Historian, British Columbia Women's Institutes
