FAIRPORT HARBOR, Ohio — Fairport Harbor residents are being asked to help choose the village’s first official flower through a community survey highlighting four native or well-adapted perennial options.
The Fairport Harbor Opportunity Development Corp. is hosting the survey through Feb. 28 as part of an effort to create a unifying symbol that reflects the village’s character, natural beauty and connection to nature. The chosen flower could be incorporated into future beautification projects, public spaces and community plantings.
Participants are asked to select one flower from four options, each chosen for its resilience, visual appeal and ecological benefits.
One option is echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, a native perennial recognized for its cone-shaped center and long bloom period from July through October. Organizers describe it as dependable and low-maintenance, with strong pollinator value for bees and butterflies and seed heads that benefit birds.
Another choice is rudbeckia, or black-eyed Susan, a widely recognizable native flower with bright yellow petals and a dark center. The plant blooms in mid-to-late summer, is drought tolerant once established, and attracts a wide range of pollinators while requiring minimal upkeep.
The survey also includes asclepias tuberosa, or butterfly weed, a vivid orange native wildflower that plays a critical role in supporting monarch butterflies. Blooming from June through August, the plant thrives in sunny areas, tolerates poor soil and drought conditions, and is resistant to deer and rabbits.
The fourth option is liatris spicata, also known as gayfeather or blazing star, a native prairie plant with tall, upright flower spikes that bloom from July through September. The plant is known for adding vertical interest to landscapes and for its strong appeal to bees, butterflies and birds.
Organizers say the village flower initiative is intended to strengthen community identity, encourage pollinator-friendly plantings and create new opportunities for community involvement, such as planting days and seasonal displays.
Survey results will be shared after the voting period ends. More information about the initiative and other Fairport Harbor Opportunity Development Corp. beautification projects is available on the organization’s website and Facebook page.
