Symbol | Official Item

The pecan tree (Carya illinoensis) was designated the official state tree of Texas in 1919 (the pecan was also adopted as the state health nut and pecan pie is the official state pie of Texas). All State Trees

Texas designated the Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) the official state reptile in 1993 (Texas adopted a second reptile symbol in 2013; an official state sea turtle). All State Reptiles

Western swing music was recognized as the official state music of Texas in 2011, thanks to efforts spearheaded by Paula Jungmann of Boerne, TX. Dr. Gary Hartman, director of the Music Department of Texas State University in San Marcos, also championed western swing music as a new Texas symbol (Texas State University is home to the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame Collection). Dr. Hartman wrote to legislators explaining Western swing history and added his fervent support for adoption of this symbol.

Texas designated the pecan as the official state health nut in 2001. Texas is the largest producer of native pecans, and has also named the pecan as the state tree, and pecan pie as the official state pie. All State Foods

Texas designated sideoats grama as the official state grass in 1971. All State Grasses

Sideoats grama is a native species of prairie grass found on rocky hillsides and dry, open grassland. "Side-oats" refers to the small oat-like seeds that hang down uniformly on one side of the seed stem. Sideoats grama prairie grass is a nutritious food for foraging wildlife and livestock. The bright purple and orange flowers of sideoats grama give it a special grace and beauty.

Texas red grapefruit was designated the official state fruit of Texas in 1993. All State Foods

A fairly new citrus, grapefruit is believed to be a cross between a pummelo and an orange. Texans have grown grapefruit in the Rio Grande Valley for about 100 years. Around 1929 a mutation on a single tree became the famed Texas Ruby Red, which received the first-ever patent awarded to a grapefruit.

Texas designated the Mexican free-tailed bat as official state flying mammal in 1995 (Texas also recognizes a state large mammal and a state small mammal). All State Mammals

Texas designated the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) as the official state insect in 1995. In 2015 Texas adopted a second insect symbol; a state pollinator. All State Insects

Monarch Butterfly Facts

Both the caterpillar and adult monarch butterfly are brilliant in color as a warning to predators (the monarch ingests toxins from the milkweed plant which are poisonous).

The prickly pear cactus was designated the official plant symbol of Texas in 1995. All State Plants

Tortilla chips and salsa were designated the official state snack of Texas in 2003. Tortilla chips and salsa are deeply rooted in Texas tradition. All State Foods & Beverages