South Pasadena : Orange Blossom Tops Azalea

Despite the strong popularity of the azalea in an unofficial survey of residents, the City Council last week chose the orange blossom as the city of South Pasadena’s official flower.

The council wrestled with the issue for several minutes, leaning first toward the Southern magnolia before settling on the orange blossom. The council made its choice only after being assured by members of the audience that South Pasadena is indeed home to numerous orange trees.

The azalea, the top pick in a poll conducted by a civic group called South Pasadena Beautiful, received some consideration, but the council noted that Arcadia already claims the flower as its own.

A suggestion to call the azalea “white” to distinguish it from Arcadia’s, which has no color designation, was discarded by the council. “I’d hate to be known as Arcadia’s albino twin,” Councilman James C. Hodge Jr. said.