1 week Ago By Kamal Jenkins
San Diego is poised to update its official city flower to something more native and more reflective of the region's unique flora. The San Diego Bird Alliance initiated the "Your City, Your Flower" campaign, inviting the community to vote for a new botanical symbol. Now, their efforts to spotlight native plants and local heritage are heading to the city council for a potential seal of approval.
Garnering over 7,750 public votes, the blue-eyed grass, a hearty iris native to the San Diego region, came out on top. FOX 5 San Diego reported that the flower was selected in a month-long campaign in mid-April. According to the San Diego Bird Alliance , blue-eyed grass thrives in a mix of sun and shade, making it a durable and adaptive plant.
The designation would replace the current official flower, the carnation, which has been the symbol since 1964. Common in meadows and wet areas, the blue-eyed grass’s attributes are drought-tolerant and fire-resistant. It plays an important role in supporting local ecosystems by reseeding easily and providing habitat for pollinators.
Proponents of the change point out that adopting the flower officially would acknowledge the area's indigenous heritage, particularly its link to the Kumeyaay people. "Thank you to everyone who cast their vote, told their friends, and shared impactful stories with us about your love of native flowers," the San Diego Bird Alliance stated on its website. As the blue-eyed grass waits to become possibly the new emblem for San Diego, it serves as a reminder of the resilient and diverse natural beauty that calls the city home.
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