Japanese Camellia Flower; Alabama State Flower

Apart of Erica Catherine's US State Flower Collection, the Japanese Camellia Flower represents the State of Alabama. The beautiful red flowers are shown on top of a teal color background.

The Japanese Camellia was adopted as the state flower in 1959. The Camellia replaced the original state flower the goldenrod that was appointed in 1927. The change in the state symbol was due to the goldenrod being considered a weed. You can also find the Camellia on the Alabama quarter! These flowers are highly valued in japan, where they are native. The state flower is Alabama's only state symbol that is not native to the state. In the 1800s the Camellia became highly prized across the country but especially in Alabama. It was said that owning a Camellia was like owning rolex watch. One of the main reasons was because during the dim winter months it was one of the few flowers that brought such a powerful punch of color across the brown foliage of all the other plants during winter.

Inspired by the natural and antique details that call to Erica's Old soul, she aims to bring that special spirit to all of her designs. Each drawing is created by hand using a mixture of graphite drawing with watercolor layering over the top to create the ethereal and vintage inspired work that harks back to turn of the century botanical illustration.