Texas State Flower and State Bird
Mockingbird ~ Mimus polyglottos
Mockingbirds are spreading throughout America, and that is welcome news to birdwatchers everywhere. These master minstrels sing not only in spring but all year. They have been called the American counterpart of the European nightingale, and the rollicking outpouring of the notes from this delightful songbird makes it one of America’s favorite musicians.
Bluebonnet ~ Lupinus subcarnosus
The Bluebonnet grows only in Texas. Until 1971, only one species of Bluebonnet (Lupinus subcarnosus) was the Texas state flower. Then, legislation was passed which designated all five of the species which grow in the state to be official state flowers. The bluebonnet is one of many species of wild lupines, a name derived from a Latin word meaning wolf. It was once thought that, because the plant grows on dry wasteland, it “ate” the soil. Its long roots enable it to thrive, and actually lupines benefit the soil rather than harm it. When the white man came to Texas, the flower became the Bluebonnet because of its resemblance to the sunbonnets the pioneer women wore.
From The Wildflowers of the 50 States U.S. stamps issued July 24, 1992:
Texas Wildflower - Showy Evening Primrose
Art from the 50-stamp series, State Birds and Flowers,
issued April 14, 1982 simultaneously in all state capitals.
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