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San Diego names blue‑eyed grass its official city flower following public vote
Summary
On Earth Day the council rescinded a 1964 decision naming the carnation and adopted blue‑eyed grass — selected through a public 'floral face‑off' run by the San Diego Bird Alliance that drew roughly 7,750 votes — by unanimous council vote.
After a public outreach and three‑round online voting bracket run by the San Diego Bird Alliance, the City Council on Tuesday voted to replace the non‑native carnation with a native iris, commonly called blue‑eyed grass, as San Diego’s official city flower.
San Diego Bird Alliance presenters described a stakeholder process that narrowed dozens of species to eight finalists; the bracket drew roughly 7,750 votes across the city and all council districts. Andrew Meyer and Savannah Stallings explained the selection criteria — among them ecological value to birds and pollinators, cultural significance (including Kumeyaay names provided by tribal partners), commercial availability, and drought tolerance — and noted the winner’s ties to local habitats.
Council members praised the outreach as educational and symbolic. Council President Lacava said the adoption honored native ecosystems and public engagement; Council President Pro Tem Lee noted tribal and stakeholder participation. The council adopted a resolution rescinding the 1964 action that named the carnation and designating blue‑eyed grass as the official flower.
What it means: The action is primarily symbolic but aligns with the city’s broader native‑plant and habitat priorities and complements ongoing biodiversity and pollinator programs. The San Diego Bird Alliance and other local groups said they plan outreach and planting events to encourage residents and nurseries to incorporate the native species into public and private landscapes.
