RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - In a celebration of local natural beauty and community pride, Rancho Cordova has officially declared Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila Menziesii) as its official city flower. This announcement, made on #NationalFlowerDay, marks the city's ongoing commitment to beautification and environmental stewardship.

Baby Blue Eyes, characterized by its delicate bright blue petals and sunny yellow centers, is a wildflower native to California. Often spotted along the banks of the American River and scattered across various areas within the community, this charming flower serves as a symbol of the city's vibrant ecosystem and rich biodiversity.

Council Member Linda Budge, speaking at a ceremonial planting event, expressed hopes that the sight of Baby Blue Eyes blooming throughout the city this spring would serve as a reminder of the community's strong sense of pride and connection to nature.

Residents are invited to join in the celebration by incorporating Baby Blue Eyes into their gardens. Through the end of May, the city is offering free seed sheets of Baby Blue Eyes at Rancho Cordova City Hall, located at 2729 Prospect Park Drive. Residents can pick up one of these seed sheets during regular business hours from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

After planting their seeds, residents are encouraged to share photos of their Baby Blue Eyes on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, using the hashtag #ranchocordovainspires.

For those eager to learn more about cultivating Baby Blue Eyes, including essential growing tips, comprehensive information is available on the city's official website at CityofRanchoCordova.org/CityFlower.

The selection of Baby Blue Eyes as Rancho Cordova's official city flower, through an online community vote, follows a thoughtful process initiated by the Rancho Cordova City Council in Fall 2023. In considering various options, the council prioritized flowers native to California while ensuring they were not listed as invasive or threatened species.

This declaration of Baby Blue Eyes as the official city flower not only showcases Rancho Cordova's commitment to preserving its natural heritage but also adds a vibrant splash of color to the city's landscape as it blooms in Rancho Cordova.

 Baby Blue Eyes is the official city flower of Rancho Cordova. Photo courtesy of the City of Rancho Cordova