Maryland State Flower and State Bird

Baltimore Oriole ~ Icterus galbula
Even in the 17th century, American colonists marveled at what is still one of the most popular birds in the United States -- The Baltimore Oriole. They called it the "fiery hang-nest." The distinctive song of the Baltimore Oriole has fascinated many over the years. Ornithologist Alexander Wilson heard in its notes the "pleasing tranquility of a careless ploughboy, whistling for his own amusement." And Henry Thoreau, always an imaginative man, heard it as "Eat it, Potter, eat it!"

Black-Eyed Susan ~ Rudbeckia hirta
Although it is the state flower of Maryland, the Black-Eyed Susan was originally a native of the western prairies. But it has spread so extensively that there is hardly a region in the entire country where its bright yellow petals and "black eyes" are not a familiar sight The Black-Eyed Susan is a member of the Compositae, a hearty family that includes more than a tenth of the world's flowers. The success in the Black-Eyed Susan's colonization of the United States is due to the way the flowers are massed in the heads. This structure ensures a high degree of cross-pollination, for a single insect can fertilize several blooms at the same time.

From The Wildflowers of the 50 States U.S. stamps issued July 24, 1992:



Maryland Wildflower - Herb Robert

Art from the 50-stamp series, State Birds and Flowers,
issued April 14, 1982 simultaneously in all state capitals.