Black-eyed Susan Becomes Official Flower of Appalachian State University

Last Updated on October 2, 2017 8:09 pm

*Article by Linda Coutant of the Appalachian Magazine, The Official Magazine of Appalachian State University*

Summer and seasonal wildflowers may fade, but the colors of the Black-eyed Susan will illuminate throughout the year in the hearts of Mountaineers.

The native perennial, which grows abundantly on campus, was named Appalachian State University’s official flower by the Board of Trustees Sept. 22. Chancellor Sheri N. Everts announced at the start of the 2017-18 academic year she would put forth a resolution based on the idea from Horticulture Specialist Daniel Burleson.

“I love Daniel’s idea,” Everts said. “The campus has never been more beautiful thanks to our remarkable Landscape Services gardeners, who exemplify our institutional commitment to sustainability.”

Here is the resolution unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees:

APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF
THE BLACK-EYED SUSAN AS THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY FLOWER

Whereas, environmental and geographical beauty is a hallmark of Appalachian State University and the Appalachian Experience;

Whereas, Appalachian’s Landscape Services team exemplifies our institutional commitment to sustainability through its gardening practices and choice of native plant species;

Whereas, the official colors of Appalachian are black and gold;

Whereas, each summer the campus and surrounding landscapes bloom with the gold petals and black center of the perennial wildflower known as Black-eyed Susan;

Whereas, the Black-eyed Susan’s colors peak as Appalachian begins its academic year and students embark on new endeavors;

Whereas, Appalachian supports through its research and installation of honeybee hives the health of pollinating insects, who drink nectar from this wildflower and are vital to our eco-system;

Whereas, Appalachian values the ideas of employees and the meaning they find in the place where they live and work;

Whereas, Appalachian celebrates traditions that reflect the best of who we are;

Therefore, be it resolved that we, the Board of Trustees for Appalachian State University, endorse Horticulture Specialist Daniel Burleson’s idea to make the Black-eyed Susan the official flower of Appalachian State University and an Appalachian campus tradition.

Approved by the Appalachian State University Board of Trustees on this 22nd day of September.

James Barnes Signiture