Rose quartz was designated the state mineral stone of South Dakota in 1966 (a pink-colored quartz discovered near Custer, South Dakota in the 1880's). Rose quartz is mined in the southern Black Hills and is used primarily for ornaments and jewelry.
Missouri designated the white hawthorn blossom as the official state flower in 1923. Hawthorn, a woody plant that can reach 20 feet in height, belongs to the rose family (similar to plants like rose, apple and spirea). The tiny apple-like fruit (pomes) of the hawthorn is collected to make jam and also provides food for birds and small mammals.
Missouri designated Norton / Cynthiana grape (Vitis aestivalis) as the official state grape in 2003. Norton/Cynthiana grapes have been around since the 1830's and are most likely North America’s oldest grape still being grown! They are prized by Missouri vintners for their hardiness and intense flavor which makes lush, dry, premium red wines of world-class quality and distinction.
Missouri designated the paddlefish as the official state aquatic animal in 1997. Paddlefish are one of the oldest fish known. Missouri has paddlefish in the slow-flowing waters of the Mississippi, Missouri and Osage rivers.
Missouri designated the honeybee (Apis mellifera) as the official state insect in 1985. Bee pollination is critical to plant and human survival; beeswax and honey are just surplus gifts from this tiny wonder of nature. Honeybees are common in Misssouri; they are also cultivated by beekeepers for honey production and pollination of crops.
The bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) was designated the official state game bird of Missouri in 2007 (Missouri's state bird was adopted in 1927). All State Birds
Missouri designated big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) as the official state grass in 2007, the result of efforts made by fourth-graders at Truman Elementary School in Rolla, MO. Big bluestem grass is native to Missouri and occurs throughout the state except for a few southeastern counties.
Big bluestem is a major component of Missouri's tallgrass prairies. The name bluestem is for the bluish-green color of the leaves and stems, which turn a reddish-copper color in autumn.
Missouri designated "The Missouri Waltz" as the official state song in 1949; melody by John V. Eppel, arranged by Frederic Knight Logan, lyrics by J.R. Shannon. All State Songs
Missouri designated the flowering dogwood (Cornus Florida L.) as the official state arboreal emblem (state tree) in 1955. Dogwood is a small, deciduous tree with graceful branches that bloom in spring with large showy flowers (usually greenish-white, sometimes pink or yellow). The dogwood develops red berries in autumn, and the leaves also turn a deep red before falling for winter.
Missouri designated mozarkite as the official state rock and lithologic emblem in 1967.