North Dakota and Iowa may not seem like very similar states but both chose the Wild Prairie Rose (Rosa pratincola, a. Rosa arkansana) as their official state flower. Though no official species was chosen for the Iowa state flower, Rosa pratincola is most often cites as the official state flower of Iowa and who am I to argue? If you remember reading about the North Dakota state flower, you'll find this only equally enthusiastic because the wild prairie rose is a darn pretty flower! I grant you it's a wildflower and not a cut flower that Iowa florists could use in an arrangement but it's still a great source of inspiration. If I were to narrow it down to the three things I find most inspiring about the wild prairie rose, here you go. You've forced my hand. *grin* Color Shape Location When you get right down to it, the color of the wild prairie rose is a beautiful, soft shade of pink offset by yellow stamens in the center. The gentle pink is a reminder of [...]