New Jersey State Flower and State Bird
American Goldfinch ~ Spinus tristis
Widely known and well loved, the Goldfinch ranges from coast to coast and form Southern Canada southward through most of the United States. As a joyous symbol of summer, this Finch flashes against the green of the field and grass on a wave-like course, climbing and dipping. Thoreau appropriately called the Goldfinch's song "the tinkling of ripened grain in Nature's basket." The brilliance of his yellow body provides sharp contrast to his jet-black tail and wings. In spring and summer, this colorful friend sports through the scattered trees of the farmlands.
Violet ~ Viola pedata
New Jersey's tiny state flower, the Violet, is a sparkling and welcome adornment of early spring. Although small, its beauty is immediate and unforgettable. This is one of the most common of the many species of Violets with flowers and leaves on separate stalks. A white variety with purple veins is common in the Sough and is called the Confederate Violet. The flowers are high in vitamin C and make a nutritious garnish on a salad, in addition to being used for medicinal purposes.
From The Wildflowers of the 50 States U.S. stamps issued July 24, 1992:
New Jersey Wildflower - Meadow Beauty
Art from the 50-stamp series, State Birds and Flowers,
issued April 14, 1982 simultaneously in all state capitals.
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