State Symbols of Nevada State Seal Nevada's state seal was approved on November 29, 1861. State Flag Nevada's state flag consists of a cobalt-blue background representative of Nevada's lakes. A single five-pointed white star, representing the only state born during the Civil War, sits in the upper-left hand corner encircled by two branches of Nevada's state flower, the Great Basin Sagebrush. Across the top of the star is a golden scroll with the letters "Battle Born" in black lettering. This design is a modified version of the original design approved on March 21, 1929. State Flower Great Basin Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) Sagebrush covers over 40% of the Great Basin. In Nevada, sagebrush accounts for about 50%! As told in his fine book, The Sagebrush Ocean, Stephen Trimble lovingly describes this hardy plant ... "Sagebrush indeed forms an ocean from which all other Great Basin places depart. If you picked the right line you could move through the entire length and breadth of the desert from north to south, from west to east, always walking through aromatic gray-green sagebrush." About the Sagebrush: In many aspects, the sagebrush may not be as aesthetically pleasing as most other state flowers. Sagebrush is a coarse, silvery-grey bush with yellow flowers. Most notable about the sagebrush is its resiliency. The wedge-shaped leaves that dominate the sagebrush are covered with fine silvery hairs which are thought to keep the leaves cool and minimize water loss during the Great Basin's dry summer months. Most of the leaves are carried year-round, as sagebrush tends to grow in areas where winter precipitation is greater than summer precipitation. This hardy plant grows in arid sections of the western United States and Western Canada and is the primary vegetation across vast areas of the Great Basin. Sagebrush usually grows at elevations from 4,000 up to 10,000 feet. Along rivers or in other relatively wet areas, sagebrush can grow as tall as 10 feet, but is more typically 3 feet. Sagebrush is known for its strong pungent fragrance, especially when wet. This odor, as pleasing as it is to us, is thought to be a survival factor that discourages browsing. As for the flowers, sagebrush usually "blooms" in late summer or early fall. The flowers are yellow and are carried in long, slender clusters. Unfortunately, sagebrush is not fire-tolerant and relies on wind-blown seeds from outside the burned area for re-establishment. Any Nevadan who is avid camper knows that stalks of sagebrush provides perfect fuel for a campfire, creating a fire that is extremely long and hot. Sagebrush was adopted as the state flower on March 17, 1917. Along with its sheer abundance throughout the state, the sagebrush was chosen as our state flower perhaps because of its extreme resiliency. Like its people, sagebrush fights the odds stacked against it, surviving in the harshest environments. State Bird Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) This pretty bird was designated as the state bird on April 4th, 1967. The Mountain Bluebird is a common sight in Nevada's ranchlands and other open areas. The brilliant sky-blue color found in males is a pleasant sight in Nevada's gray-green landscape. Click here to hear its call and learn more about our state bird. State Trees Singleleaf Pinon Pine (Pinus monophylla) Bristlecone Pine (Pinus longeava) Nevada is the only state that has two state trees. On January 29, 1953, assemblymen designated the Singleleaf Pinon as Nevada's state tree. Then in 1987, statesmen added the Bristlecone Pine. I think many would agree that no other trees represent Nevada better. About these trees: After all, the pinyon pine has sustained Nevada's people for centuries with its pine nuts. In a landscape short on trees, Stephen Trimble describes the Pinon-Juniper woodlands as, "the only dependable woods in the Great Basin." He may be right. Pinons cover a quarter of the Great Basin, making them an ubiquitous tree you learn to fall in love with. Pinons grow from about 5,000 feet from the sagebrush vegetation zone up to about 8,000 feet in the montane. Somehow, Nevada would not be Nevada without the pinyon pine. In comparison, the Bristlecone Pine represents Nevada for its hardyness. Bristlecones are thought by many to be the oldest living things on earth with some specimens as old as 4,900 years. The oldest bristlecone ever recorded was mistakingly cut down in Great Basin National Park -- a tree nicknamed "Prometheus" was aged at 5,700 years. Bristlecones dominate the cold-arctic tundra above 11,000 feet in certain Great Basin ranges. The White and Snake Ranges hold the best known bristlecone groves. These trees have been found barely clinging to life via a single strand of bark. Others are grotesquely picturesque with gnarled trucks and naked limbs. Like Nevada, bristlecones never say die and stubbornly hang onto life, proving that beauty can found in the unlikeliest of appearances. State Animal Desert Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) Nevada's state animal was adopted in 1973. The desert bighorn has become well adapted to living in the desert heat and cold; unlike most mammals, their body temperature can safely fluctuate several degrees. During the heat of the day, bighorn often rest in the shade of trees and caves. Here in Nevada, seeing your state animal is truly a privilege and a stroke of luck. These animals are extremely shy and widely enigmatic. Usually, people catch glimpse of them from a distance atop a rocky ledge, or even in the backcountry at ground level. Bighorns are apt in avoiding humans and any form of human habitation (roads, trails, ranches etc.). As of 2004, bighorn populations were extremely low due to disease brought on by the introduction of domestic sheep. However, Nevada's bighorns are on a rebound with an estimated 4,000 animals statewide and growing. State Reptile Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) The Desert Tortoise was adopted as Nevada's state reptile in 1989. This hardy reptile is native to the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, making its home here in southern Nevada. The tortoise was listed as an endangered species in 1980 due to collecting, habitat degredation, and human development around the Las Vegas and Los Angeles areas. Tortoises have a remarkable life expectancy of up to 50 to 80 years if they survive past 20 years. Most tortoises attain a length of 10-14 inches and may be up to 15 pounds when fully grown. As remarkable as they are and as tempting as it seems, it is imperative that the Desert Tortoise be left alone if we are to preserve them. If you see one crossing the road, you might pick it up and place it safely out of harm's way. Otherwise, they are much happier without human interference. State Fish Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (Salmo clarki henshawi) The Lahontan Cutthroat is a survivor, an ancient fish that has adapted to desert life since the Pleistocene era 10,000 years ago. Such a beautiful fish is worthy of representing Nevada's enigmatic waters. About this fish: During the Pleistocene epoch, the Great Basin was a land of many lakes notably a vast inland ocean known as Lake Lahontan. The lake encompassed mostly western and central Nevada, southern Oregon and parts of eastern California in the form of many arms and coves. A change in climate occurred around 10,000 years ago and Lahontan's waters began to recede. A fish native to the lake, the Cui-Ui and a form of trout (today's cutthroat) fled any nearby tributaries and ponds of the ancient sea where over time the fish became trapped and isolated. The fish adapted to life in the Great Basin; the ponds and streams in which they were trapped grew more alkaline; many streams dried up, and only the hardiest fish survived in year-round streams despite the landscape's sudden temperature changes and changing water flows. Today, the Lahontan Cutthroat has survived native to the drainages of the Truckee River, Humboldt River, Carson River, Walker River, Quinn River and several smaller rivers in the Great Basin of North America. All of these rivers and tributaries of these rivers were tributaries of ancient Lake Lahontan during the ice age. The only remnants left of ancient Lake Lahontan are Pyramid Lake and Walker Lake from about 700 years ago. Cutthroats too dominate these lakes as well as others scattered throughout the Great Basin. Lahontan cutthroats evolved into a large and moderately long-lived predator. These trout can reach lengths of 3 feet in ideal conditions, although most are around 1 foot and smaller, depending on the waters they are found in. Lahontans primarily feed on tui chub, suckers, and other fish that are native to the Great Basin. The trout was able to remain a predator in the larger remnant lakes where prey fish continued to flourish, but upstream (creek) populations were forced to adapt to eating smaller fish and insects. The record size cutthroat trout of any subspecies was a Lahontan caught in Pyramid Lake weighing 41 pounds. Fish and the desert are usually rare encounters. Lahontans make a nice exception to this rule. State Fossil Ichthyosaur (Ichthyosaurus Shonisaurus popularis) The Ichthyosaur was adopted as Nevada's state fossil in 1977. Ichthyosaurus Shonisaurus popularis is an ancient, extinct marine reptile that ruled the world's oceans during the Mesozoic era some 200 million years ago. "Ichthyosaur" means "fish lizard" and resembled a porpoise with shark-like dorsal and caudal fins, a short snout and paddle-like fins. Ichthyosaur remains have been found on every continent except Africa and paleontogolists estimate that their lengths reached 60 to 70 feet. Scientists conclude that these reptiles ruledg the seas for about 135 million years. The ichthyosaur was declared Nevada's state fossil after a surprise excavation in 1928 in the Shoshone Mountain range of Nye County. The diggings revealed that forty of these reptiles became stranded in mud flats from a receding sea that once covered the state. The longest specimen ever revealed - some 55 feet long - proved to be the only complete skeleton of the species ever found in the United States. State Artifact Tule Duck Decoy The tule duck decoy was proclaimed Nevada's state artifact in 1995. The duck decoys were discovered by archaologists in 1924 during an excavation to Lovelock Cave. The ducks were made out of bundled bullrush (tule) stems to form the shape of a duck, thought to be vital tools in the hunt. A few of the tule duck decoys that were found in the cave are thought to have been created 2,000 years ago. State Metal Silver This should be no surprise. In a state were mining has been both a staple and lifestyle, Nevada has adopted several state "rocks." Nevada is the only state with an official state metal. The discovery of silver in the Comstock district mostly contributed to Nevada's admittance in the Union. Then after, most mining camps in Nevada were founded on silver rather than gold. Ironically, Nevada has switched roles, leading the world 2nd in gold production (after South Africa) rather than silver. About our state quarter: Nevada was the first state in 2006 to receive its state quarter. Launched in 1999, the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters Program was a 10-year initiative that honored each of the nation's states in the order that they ratified the Constitution or were admitted into the Union. Each quarter was produced for about 10 weeks and will never be produced again. Nevada's quarter is one of the best in the series with an accurate depiction of a state mostly known for its gambling and tourism. - Across the center of the quarter, a band of wild horses runs across a valley shadowed by snow-capped mountains and a sunset. The horses are wreathed by a few stems of Nevada's state flower and a banner titling Nevada's nickname, "The Silver State." It's safe to say that many Nevadans were a little surprised and humbled when no icons of mining or gambling took residence on the quarter. The mint had recognized Nevada for what it is: wild and beautiful. State Rock Sandstone Sandstone is found thoughout Nevada! The characteristic "red" rock of the southwest deserts is sandstone and has been a driving force in creating many of our spectacular canyons and rock formations. Some of the best places to see sandstone intricacy is Valley of Fire State Park and Red Rock Canyon in southern Nevada. Sandstone has also been a dependable building material for many of Nevada's finest buildings. The Nevada State Capitol, for instance, is built of sandstone. State Precious Gemstone Virgin Valley Black Fire Opal The Virgin Valley in northern Humboldt County is the only place in North America where black fire opal can be found in significant quantity. Interestingly, many forms of the opal has been found in petrified wood uncovered in the clay hills of northern Nevada. The opal in this form is known as "Gonk," and retails a very high price to its rarity. One specimen of Virgin Valley Black Fire Opal was uncovered around 1980 and is so valuable, it is now housed behind 1 inch thick glass at the Smithsonian Museum. Its estimated retail price ends at a whopping $156,000. Rockhounds too can mine Nevada's precious gemstone. At $60 a day, the return can be worth it! State Semi-Precious Gemstone Turquoise Nevada turquoise is found in many parts of the state. Currently, the most turquoise has been originating from Lander and Nye Counties notably around Battle Mountain and Round Mountain. While much of Nevada's turquoise is rough and veiny, lacking the smooth luster of Arizona turquoise, Nevada turquoise has a unique teal-blue color rivaled only by a few mines in New Mexico ... hence, furthering its rarity. In fact, gemstone enthusiasts have created a separate category of turquoise - Lander Blue. State Motto "All For Our Country" This motto has always been a part of Nevada. Nevada became a state in 1864 during the height of the Civil War. "All For Our Country" refers to its allegiance to the Union with its great silver wealth leading the Union to victory against the Confederacy. State Nicknames "The Silver State" "The Battle Born State" "The Sagebrush State" While Nevada owns all three of these nicknames, we only know the origin of one. "The Battle Born State" was adopted in 1937. "The Silver State" was said to be a nickname given by a wealthy Virginia City mine owner claiming his "victory" in Nevada. "The Sagebrush State" is self-explanatory and used by native Nevadans even today. State Song "Home Means Nevada" Nevada's state song was written by Mrs. Bertha Raffetto of Reno. The song impressed assemblymen and was quickly adopted on February 6, 1933. Home Means Nevada Way out in the land of the setting sun, Where the wind blows wild and free, There's a lovely spot, just the only one That means home sweet home to me. If you follow the old Kit Carson trail, Until desert meets the hills, Oh you certainly will agree with me, It's the place of a thousand thrills. Home means Nevada Home means the hills, Home means the sage and the pine. Out by the Truckee, silvery rills, Out where the sun always shines, Here is the land which I love the best, Fairer than all I can see. Deep in the heart of the golden west Home means Nevada to me. Whenever the sun at the close of day, Colors all the western sky, Oh my heart returns to the desert grey And the mountains tow'ring high. Where the moon beams play in shadowed glen, With the spotted fawn and doe, All the live long night until morning light, Is the loveliest place I know. Home means Nevada Home means the hills, Home means the sage and the pine. Out by the Truckee, silvery rills, Out where the sun always shines, Here is the land which I love the best, Fairer than all I can see. Deep in the heart of the golden west Home means Nevada to me. - Click here to listen to Nevada's state song (with vocals) - - Click here to listen to Nevada's state song (without vocals) - - Back to Top -