Symbol | Official Item

Maine designated the white pine cone and tassel (Pinus strobus, linnaeus) as the official state floral emblem in 1895. All State Flowers

The Maine coon cat was recognized as the official state cat of Maine in 1985.

Maine designated the black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) as the official state bird in 1927  The black-capped chickadee is also the state bird of Massachusetts. All State Birds

Maine designated wild blueberry as the official state berry in 1991. Maine also recognized blueberry pie (made with wild blueberries) as the official state dessert in 2011. All State Foods

Maine's official nickname is "The Pine Tree State." All State Nicknames

The name Maine is probably a practical nautical term which refers to the region being a mainland (separate from the many surrounding islands). Reference to the area as "Maine" in writing first appeared in 1622. All State Name Origins

The state motto of Maine is "Dirigo" (Latin for "I Direct" or "I Lead"). The Latin motto appears on Maine's coat of arms, which is featured on both the state seal and state flag. All State Mottos

Maine designated the moose as official state animal in 1979 (the moose is also a state symbol of Alaska). All State Mammals

Maine designated wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) as the official state herb in 1999. All State Plants - All Food Symbols

Also called eastern teaberry, wintergreen grows in wooded areas and some clearings from Canada to Georgia. Wintergreen has attractive glossy leaves and produces white bell-shaped flowers in summer which in turn produce red berries in the fall.

Maine designated blueberry pie, made with wild Maine blueberries, as the official state dessert in 2011. Over 98% of the nation's low-bush blueberries are harvested in Maine. All State Foods