North Carolina State Symbols

State Bird – Northern Cardinal Adopted as the State Bird on March 4th, 1943 Nest in woodland areas and neighborhood shrubbery Raise young starting at the end of April Males are bright red while the females are brownish-red Both parents raise the young

State Tree - Pine Adopted as State Tree in 1963 There are eight native species of pine in North Carolina Pines provide food for birds, squirrels, and various small animals They also provide lumber, pulpwood for paper making and resins for varnishes and may other commercial products. Prior to 1900 the production of naval stores such as tar and turpentine was important to the economy of eastern North Carolina.

State Flower – Flowering Dogwood The first state symbol to be chosen, was adopted at the state flower in 1941 It has small, greenish-white flowers clustered at the center of each group of four large, white bracts, which are often mistaken for petals. Dogwoods grow naturally as a small tree in the understory of our forests, and is a popular choice for landscaping . During the fall and winter, many kinds of birds and small mammals eat the shiny red fruits.

State Mammal – Gray Squirrel Adopted as the State Mammal in 1969. They are found statewide and found in forests, city parks, and yards with shade trees. Squirrels build bulky nests of twigs and leaves on tree limbs. Babies are born in the spring and throughout the summer. They often bury acorns and other seeds that may help grow trees.

State Reptile – Eastern Box Turtle Adopted as the State Reptile in 1979. Most commonly found near wooded areas. Hatchling turtles dig out of their burrows and are able to live on their own with out parental help. Full grown at 20 years, box turtles may live for 80 years or longer.

State Insect – Honey Bee Adopted as the State Insect in 1973. The Honey Bee was brought to North America by settles from Europe. Few insects are as steeped in folklore, history, and traditions as is the Honey Bee, and few are as valuable to people. Honey, which bees produce to feed the colony, is a natural sweetener, and beeswax, another product of this insect, is used for making candles and polishers. In the process of gathering nectar to make honey, bees pollinate seed-bearing plants that provide us with food and with fiber for our clothing.

State Shell – Scotch Bonnet Adopted as the State Shell in 1965 The choice of the Scotch Bonnet pays tribute to the Scottish settlers in the state of North Carolina as well as the thriving shellfish industry. This shell is produced by a marine snail that lives in shallow water. The Scotch Bonnet is china white to creamy in color with yellow to brown spiral bands. After the snail dies, it shell my be occupied by a hermit crab.

State Saltwater Fish – Channel Bass Adopted as the State Saltwater fish in 1971. Often called the Red Drum because of its copper-red color. Each Spring and Fall, pier fishermen and surf fishermen expect to catch Channel Bass weighing 40 to 50 pounds. Adults may live as long as 30 years and reach a length of 5 feet and weigh about 100 pounds.

State Rock - Granite Adopted as the State Rock in 1979 A 90-acre granite quarry is located outside Mount Airy in Surry Country is the world’s largest open-faced granite quarry. Granite from that quarry has been used to build such well-known structure as the Wright Brothers Memorial at Kitty Hawk, the Education and Justice building in downtown Raleigh and the U.S Gold Bullion Depository at Fort Knox

State Precious Stone - Emerald Adopted as the state precious stone in 1973 It occurs naturally in nature in a deep green color and a glass-like luster Mostly found in Mitchell and Alexander counties Several large emeralds have been found, including a 1438-carat specimen and in 1970 the 59-carat “Carolina Emerald” was found. It was valued at $100,000 and was then the largest and finest cut emerald discovered on this continent.

State Beverage - Milk Adopted as the State Beverage in 1987 Often called “Nature’s Most Perfect Food.” North Carolina ranks 20th in the nation with nearly 1,000 dairy farmers producing 179 million gallons of milk each year. North Carolina consumes more that 143 million gallons yearly. Milk is used to make cheeses, ice cream and other dairy products.

State Historical Boat – Shad Boat Adopted as the State Historical Boat in June, 1987. Was developed at Roanoke Island. Although production of the boat ended during the depression of the 1930’s , the shad boats were widely used into the 1950’s. It was well constructed from native trees such as cypress or juniper (Atlantic White Cedar), some shad boats that are nearly 100 years old can still be seen around Manteo and Hatteras. Their shallow draft, speed, and ease of handling made these boats ideal for reaching the shallow waters of Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds, where fishing for shad had been difficult from the traditional small sailing boats.

State Dog – Plott Hound Adopted as our State Dog on August 12, 1989. Originated in the mountains of North Carolina around 1750 and is the only breed known to have originated in this State. Named after Jonathan Plott who developed the breed as a wild boar hound. A legendary hunting dog known as a courageous fighter and tenacious tracker. Known also as a gentle and extremely loyal companion Has a beautiful brindle-colored coat and spine-tingling, bugle-like call. It is also only one of fur breeds known to be of American origin.

State Vegetable – Sweet Potato Adopted as the State Vegetable in 1995. Students at a Wilson County school petitioned the North Carolina General Assembly for the establishment of the sweet potato as the Official State Vegetable. North Carolina is the largest producer of sweet potatoes in the nation harvesting over four billion pounds of vegetables in 1989. It is high in Vitamins A and C and low in fat and was grown in North Carolina before the European colonization of North Carolina.

State Wild Flower – Carolina Lily Official State Wildflower in 2003. Grows throughout North Carolina. The stem can grow up to 4 feet high. Flower petals are brilliant red-orange, wit brown spots and curl back to overlap. Bloom from July through October

State Fruit – Scuppernong Grape Official State Fruit in 2001. Named after the Scuppernong River in N.C. The name Scuppernong is from the Algonquian Indian word ascopo with means “sweet bay tree.” Color can be greenish or bronze in color

State Freshwater Trout – Southern Appalachian Brook Trout Official freshwater trout in 2005. Sometimes called “Specks” because of the unique spotted appearance. Only native freshwater trout in N.C. 8 other states recognize brook trout as a state symbol.

State Carnivorous Plant – Venus Fly Trap Official state carnivorous plant in 2005. It is native to only a small area of the coastal plain in North and South Carolina. For the most part within a 74 mile radius around Wilmington. At a high risk of extinction in the wild.

State Berries – Blueberry and Strawberry Official state blue and red berry in 2001. Both are grown throughout the state. Both are import to N.C. agricultural economy and bring $19 million (strawberries) and $37 million (blueberries) in 2005. NC ranked 3rd (strawberries) in the nation and 5th (blueberries) in the nation in production

State Christmas Tree – Frasier Fir State Christmas Tree in 2005. Named after John Fraser who was a botanist who explored the Appalachian Mountains in the late 18th century. Sometimes called the Southern balsam or Southern balsam fir. 8th graders at Harris Middle School researched and helped this tree become our state’s official Christmas Tree. The Frasier Fir has been chosen 10 times since 1971 as the White House Christmas Tree.

State Dances Clogging – Folk Dance - 2005 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs2j8f7H2WY Shag – Popular Dance – Originated in Carolina Beach during the 1940’s where the term “each music” was also coined. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l5pczCZw04

State Flag Adopted in 1885 to replace the state’s first flag An act required that the flag be displayed outside all state institutions, public buildings and courthouses was passed by the Legislature of 1907.

North Carolina State Seal Since colonial times, nine different seals have been used successively in North Carolina for certifying important official documents. The Great Seal of North Carolina that is now used with ratified May 2nd, 1983. The seal, depicts the figures of Liberty, representing freedom, and Plenty, represents the bounty of our state. In the background are mountains and a side view of a three- masted ship on the ocean.

North Carolina State Seal The dates of the signing of two documents calling for independence from great Britain are inscribed on the seal and on the state flag. May 20th, 1775, is the date of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, and April 12, 1776, marks the adoption of the Halifax Resolves. The State Motto is written on the seal. “Esse Quam Videri”

To be rather than to seem. State Motto “Esse Quam Videri” To be rather than to seem.

State Song – “The Old North State” Official State song in 1927 Composed by William Gaston https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH7tAgVZaqY no words https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81GPBJz2EUc with words

State Nickname – The Tar Heel State https://www.ourstate.com/why-is-north-carolina-called-the-tar-heel-state/ Origins in 1629 Also known as “Old North State”