Symbol | Official Item

The official nickname for Kansas is "The Sunflower State." The sunflower is also the official state flower of Kansas and appears on the state flag and the Kansas quarter.

Kansas designated the native grass little bluestem as the official state grass in 2010. All State Plants

Little bluestem grass (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a forage species grazed by livestock, deer, and elk, and is also suitable for hay. The little bluestem plant, which grows from two to five feet tall, provides cover for ground birds and small mammals. Little bluestem seed is eaten by songbirds and gamebirds.

Kansas designated the honeybee as official state insect in 1976 in response to a petition signed by over 2000 Kansas schoolchildren to make the honeybee the state insect. All State Insects

Kansas designated the barred tiger salamander (Ambystoma mavortium) as the official state amphibian in 1994. All State Amphibians

Barred Tiger Salamander Facts

A large amphibian that can grow to 14 inches, barred tiger salamanders can be found in the wild from southwestern Canada through the western United States to northern Mexico.

Kansas designated English as the official state language in 2007. Many states have adopted official state languages, but the United States does not recognize an official national language. All State Languages

The western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) was designated the official state bird of Kansas in 1937. All State Birds

Kansas adopted "Home on the Range" by Dr. Brewster Higley as the official state song in 1947. All State Songs

Kansas designated the wild native sunflower as official state flower and floral emblem in 1903. All State Flowers

Kansas designated the ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata) as the official state reptile in 1986, nominated by a sixth-grade class in Caldwell. All State Reptiles

The state flag of Kansas (adopted in 1927) features the Kansas state seal on a field of dark blue. All State Flags