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State Flower- Rhododendron
The rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) was designated the official state flower of West Virginia in 1903 (with the recommendation of the Governor and a vote by the public and school pupils). -
State Tree- Sugar Maple
West Virginia designated the sugar maple (Acer saccharum) as the official state tree in 1949, after a vote by public school students and civic organizations. -
State bird- Cardinal
West Virginia designated the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) as official state bird in 1949. One of America's favorite backyard birds, cardinals are distinctive in appearance and song - known for their "cheer cheer cheer," "whit-chew whit-chew" and "purty purty purty" whistles. -
WV State Animal
The state Division of Natural Resources conducted a poll to elect a state animal as a symbol for West Virginia in 1954-55. The students, teachers, and sportsmen of West Virginia chose the black bear as the animal symbol for their state by a large margin. -
State Colors- Old Gold & Blue
West Virginia designated old gold and blue as the official state colors in 1963. Old gold and blue are also the official colors of West Virginia University in Morgantown WV. -
State Fruit- Apple
West Virginia designated the apple as the official state fruit in 1972 and then amended the resolution in 1995 to specify the golden delicious apple. -
State Animal is official
The Legislature officially adopted the black bear as the State Animal of West Virginia on March 23, 1973. -
State fish- Brook trout
West Virginia designated brook trout as the official state fish in 1973. Brook trout live under water conditions that are cool, clean and pure. -
State Fruit Amended- Golden Delicious apple specified
West Virginia designated the apple as the official state fruit in 1972 and then amended the resolution in 1995 to specify the golden delicious apple. -
State Butterfly- Monarch
West Virginia designated the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) the official state butterfly in 1995. Both caterpillar and butterfly are brilliant in color as a warning - the Monarch ingests toxins from the milkweed plant which are poisonous to predators. -
State insect- Honeybee
West Virginia designated the honeybee as official state insect in 2002. Bee pollination is critical to plant and human survival - beeswax and honey are just surplus gifts from this tiny wonder of nature.