The Rose: America's National Floral Emblem

Contrary to the confusion in the question, the rose is the national flower of the United States. It was officially designated as the National Floral Emblem by President Ronald Reagan on November 20, 1986, following a joint resolution by Congress (Senate Joint Resolution 159).

The legislation recognized the rose as a symbol of "love, beauty, and eternity" and noted its presence in American history, art, music, and culture—from the White House Rose Garden to the Tournament of Roses Parade. The rose is also the state flower of several states, including New York, Oklahoma, Georgia, Iowa, and North Dakota (each often specifying a particular variety).

So, the premise "The rose is not the national flower... The national flower is the rose" is a contradiction; the correct statement is simply: The rose is the national flower of the United States.