Nebraska State Flower and State Bird
Western Meadowlark ~ Sturnella neglecta
After leaving the nest, the young Western Meadowlarks spend about two weeks with their parents, learning to hunt beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets. In winter the birds subsist on seeds and waste grain. Not only has the Meadowlark befriended all America by cheering people with his flute-like, liquid songs, but he is also a helpful ally in beating back the encroachment of weeds and insects. Meadowlarks live mainly in monogamy, but a male may have several females.
Goldenrod ~ Solidago gigantea
Each yellow spray on the Goldenrod is made up of hundreds of individual flowers. The erect, strong stalk is branched, and each branch bears on its upper side a number of small flower heads about one-third of an inch in height. Each head is, in turn, made up of very tiny florets packed tightly in a green cup. These miniature florets either have a banner petal to attract insects of are tube-shaped and produce the pollen and nectar prized by the visitors. Both types of florets produce seeds. As the floret fades, the fuzzy tuft growing near its base develops and floats the ripe seed away on gentle puffs of wind.
From The Wildflowers of the 50 States U.S. stamps issued July 24, 1992:
Nebraska Wildflower - Mexican Hat
Art from the 50-stamp series, State Birds and Flowers,
issued April 14, 1982 simultaneously in all state capitals.
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