Do you know the official state bird, flower? Here are the symbols of Ohio

OHIO (WJW) — Most every state in the country has them: state flags, songs, flowers, birds and more.

Whether they celebrate history, nature or other uniqueness, they help tell a story about each state and its residents.

Below are the official symbols for us here in Ohio:

STATE FLAG OF OHIO

According to the Ohio Secretary of State’s Offic e, the official flag was adopted back on May 9, 1902. Ohio is the only state to have what’s described as a “swallow-tailed burgee” rather than a rectangular flag.

According to the secretary of state’s office, the triangles represent hills and valleys and the stripes roads and waterways. The 13 stars represent the original 13 states of the Union.

OHIO STATE FLOWER

The red carnation was adopted as the state flower in 1904. According to the secretary of state’s office , it was chosen in honor of President William McKinley, who liked to wear the flowers in his buttonholes.

OHIO STATE BIRD

The state bird of Ohio is the cardinal. Back in the 1600s, the state was mostly forest, and cardinals were rare, according to the secretary of state’s office. Cardinals became more plentiful as forests were cleared.

OHIO STATE TREE

The state tree is the Ohio Buckeye, which is pretty plentiful near water. The nuts look like the shape and color of the eye of a deer. For years, Ohioans have been calling themselves Buckeyes, and it of course is the nickname of The Ohio State University’s mascot. It was designated the state tree in 1953.

OHIO STATE MAMMAL

The white-tailed deer is the state mammal. According to the secretary of state’s office, the animals have been in Ohio since the last Ice Age. They’ve been essential throughout history for food, clothing and tools. The white-tailed deer was named the state mammal back in 1988.

OHIO STATE INSECT

The ladybug was named the state insect in 1975. They live in every county in the state, helping keep crops and plants healthy by eating pests.

The Ohio General Assembly’s resolution states:

“Is symbolic of the people of Ohio—she is proud and friendly, bringing delight to millions of children when she alights on their hand or arm to display her multi-colored wings, and she is extremely industrious and hardy, able to live under the most adverse conditions and yet retain her beauty and charm, while at the same time being of inestimable value to nature.”

THE OHIO STATE PET

This is one of our favorites. The state’s pet is the shelter pet.

It was chosen in 2019 to help raise awareness of homeless and adoptable pets.

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