The Ebay listing of flowers that were said to be the ones from which UT drew its school colors...

The Ebay listing of flowers that were said to be the ones from which UT drew its school colors leaves me with something preying on my mind.

First of all, the Ebay flowers were iris (TN state flower) and definitely not the flower UT choose for its school color.

If you Google search the topic, all sources say that the American Daisy was growing in The Hill and it is the flower we can thank for our beloved orange. BUT.......

I can recall when I was a kid——back in the 1960’s———-I was told that the flower growing on The Hill that caused orange to be chosen was the Gloriosa Daisy. I’ve been going through life thinking this. Now when I see American Daisy, even on utsports.com, I wonder if I’m wrong or, over time, has the wrong flower crept into picture.

Search Google images and you’ll see that the Gloriosa would certainly seem to be closer, in terms of our orange color.

about 1 year ago azvol 3 comments 0 recs |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Yeah

I can see where that could be the case. I actually did no research when I posted that Ebay link. Either daisy could be the one. I can see the middle of the American is a pretty close match for the Orange as well. Then of course you have the white petals.

Tennessee WILL beat Georgia on the way to 9+ wins in '09!!!

by VolBrian on Jul 9, 2009 5:24 PM EDT reply actions

Well

I can’t get it the American daisy pic to post for some reason, but it’s out there.

Look at us, talking about flowers.

Man, the offseason is sloooooooooooow

Tennessee WILL beat Georgia on the way to 9+ wins in '09!!!

by VolBrian on Jul 9, 2009 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions

American Daisy

I was able to post it, VolBrian…..should have done that when I made the 1st post. Yeah, things are slow during the off season if we’re reduced to flower-talk. At least they’re not pansies. :-)