Nevada State Flower and State Bird
Mountain Bluebird ~ Sialia currucoides
A pair of Mountain Bluebirds floating before a pine tree in the sparkling afternoon sun is a glorious sight. The vivid blue of the male rivals the deep blue Nevada sky, and can be best appreciated on a bright summer day. This gentle, friendly bird used to be common in city parks and suburban gardens but has been crowded out of many areas by such upstart-immigrants as the English sparrow and starling.
Sagebrush ~ Artemisia tridentata
The Sagebrush is the floral emblem of Nevada, a state proud of its enchanting desert. Unknown to many people, Sagebrush has its distinct points of beauty and value. It furnishes food for many hardy plains animals and is often used as fuel for man. Ranchers know that where Sagebrush grows, alfalfa will flourish. It is a shrubby plant whose height may vary from twelve inches to twelve feet. Inconspicuous yellow flowers, set in clusters, grow at the end of the shrub's branches. There is nothing striking or unusual about a single spring of Sagebrush, but thousands of the plants, reflecting the day's differing lights, make the desert dance and come alive.
From The Wildflowers of the 50 States U.S. stamps issued July 24, 1992:
Nevada Wildflower - Harlequin Lupine
Art from the 50-stamp series, State Birds and Flowers,
issued April 14, 1982 simultaneously in all state capitals.
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