List of Oklahoma state symbols Facts for Kids

Location of the state of Oklahoma in the United States of America

Every state in the United States has special symbols that represent its history, nature, and culture. These symbols are chosen to show what makes the state unique and what its people value. Oklahoma, known as the "Sooner State," has many official symbols, like its state bird, flower, and even a state meal! Some symbols are made official by state laws, while others are chosen through special resolutions by the Oklahoma Senate or House of Representatives. Let's explore some of Oklahoma's cool state symbols!

Oklahoma's Natural Symbols: Plants and Animals
Oklahoma's Cultural and Artistic Symbols
- Music and Dance of Oklahoma
- Other Unique Oklahoma Symbols
See also

Oklahoma's Natural Symbols: Plants and Animals

Oklahoma is home to many beautiful plants and interesting animals. The state has chosen several of these as official symbols to celebrate its natural beauty.

Amazing Plants of Oklahoma

Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella) is Oklahoma's official state wildflower.

State Wildflower: The Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella) became Oklahoma's official state wildflower in 1986. These bright, colorful flowers look like a cozy blanket spread across the fields.
State Floral Emblem: The Mistletoe was chosen as the state's floral emblem way back in 1893. You often see mistletoe around the holidays!
State Flower: The Oklahoma rose became the official state flower in 2004. It's a beautiful rose that represents the state.
State Tree: The Redbud (Cercis canadensis) has been Oklahoma's state tree since 1937. In spring, its branches burst with lovely pink and purple flowers.
State Grass: Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) was named the state grass in 1972. This tall, golden grass is common in Oklahoma's prairies.
State Fruit: The Strawberry became Oklahoma's official fruit in 2005. Who doesn't love a sweet strawberry?
State Vegetable: In 2007, the Watermelon was chosen as Oklahoma's state vegetable. Yes, it's botanically a fruit, but legally it's a vegetable in Oklahoma!

Oklahoma's Wonderful Animals

The buffalo (Bison bison) is Oklahoma's state mammal.

State Bird: The Scissor-tailed flycatcher (Muscivora forficata) became the state bird in 1951. It's known for its long, scissor-like tail feathers.
State Reptile: The Collared lizard, also called the mountain boomer (Crotaphytus collaris), was chosen in 1969. These lizards are quick and colorful.
State Mammal: The mighty buffalo (Bison bison) was named Oklahoma's state mammal in 1972. These large animals once roamed freely across the plains.
State Fish: The White bass (sand bass Morone chrysops) became the state fish in 1974. It's a popular fish for anglers in Oklahoma's lakes and rivers.
State Furbearer Animal: The Common raccoon (Procyon lotor) was chosen in 1989. Raccoons are clever animals often seen at night.
State Insect: The European honey bee (Apis mellifera) became the state insect in 1992. These bees are important for pollinating plants and making honey.
State Game Animal: The White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginians) was named the state game animal in 1990. These deer are common throughout Oklahoma.
State Game Bird: The Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) became the state game bird in 1990. Wild turkeys are large, impressive birds.
State Butterfly: The Black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) was chosen as the state butterfly in 1996. It's a beautiful butterfly with dark wings.
State Amphibian: The Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) became the state amphibian in 1997. Bullfrogs are the largest frogs in North America.
State Flying Mammal: The Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) was named the state flying mammal in 2006. These bats fly fast and far.
State Raptor: The Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) became the state raptor in 2018. These powerful birds of prey are often seen soaring high above.

Prehistoric Life: Oklahoma's Fossils and Dinosaurs

Oklahoma has a rich history, even going back to the time of dinosaurs!

State Fossil: The Saurophaganax maximus was chosen as the state fossil in 2000. This was a very large meat-eating dinosaur that lived in Oklahoma.
State Dinosaur: The Acrocanthosaurus atokensis became the state dinosaur in 2006. This dinosaur was another huge predator, with tall spines along its back.

Oklahoma's Cultural and Artistic Symbols

Oklahoma has a vibrant culture, celebrated through its music, dance, and other unique symbols.

Music and Dance of Oklahoma

State Anthem: The song "Oklahoma!" is the official state anthem, chosen in 1953. It's from the famous musical of the same name.
State Folk Song: "Oklahoma Hills" by Woody Guthrie and Jack Guthrie became the state folk song in 2001. It tells a story about the beauty of Oklahoma.
State Waltz: "Oklahoma Wind" was named the state waltz in 1982.
State Musical Instrument: The Fiddle was chosen as the state musical instrument in 1984. The fiddle is very important in country and folk music.
State Country and Western Song: "Faded Love" by John Willis and Bob Wills became the state country and western song in 1988.
State Folk Dance: Square dance was named the state folk dance in 1988. It's a fun, traditional dance often done in groups.
State Percussive Musical Instrument: The Drum became the state percussive instrument in 1993. Drums are used in many types of music.
State Children's Song: "Oklahoma, My Native Land" by Martha Kemm Barrett was chosen in 1996.
State Western Band: The Sounds of the Southwest was named the state western band in 1997.
State Inspirational Song: "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe became the state inspirational song in 2018.

Other Unique Oklahoma Symbols

The 76-foot-tall (23 m) Golden Driller is Oklahoma's state monument.

State Language: English is the official language of Oklahoma.
State Astronomical Object: The Rosette Nebula, NGC 2237, was chosen in 2019. This is a beautiful cloud of gas and dust in space where new stars are forming.
State Cartoon Character: GUSTY became the state cartoon character in 2005. Gusty is a friendly character that helps teach about weather.
State Colors: Green and white have been Oklahoma's official colors since 1915.
State Rock: The Rose rock (Barite rose) was named the state rock in 1968. These unique rocks look like roses and are found in Oklahoma.
State Monument: The Golden Driller was chosen as the state monument in 1979. This huge statue in Tulsa celebrates Oklahoma's oil industry.
State Theatre: The Lynn Riggs Players of Oklahoma, Inc. is the state theatre.
State Poem: "Howdy Folks" by David Randolph Milsten became the state poem in 1941.
State Pin: The "OK" pin was chosen as the state pin in 1982.
State Beverage: Milk became the official state beverage in 1985.
State Soil: Port Silt Loam (Cumulic haplustolls) was named the state soil in 1987. This type of soil is very important for farming in Oklahoma.
State Meal: The Oklahoma state meal was chosen in 1988. It includes many delicious foods like fried okra, squash, cornbread, barbecued pork, biscuits, sausage and gravy, grits, corn, strawberries, chicken fried steak, pecan pie, and black-eyed peas. That's a lot of food!
State Steak: The Ribeye was named the state steak in 2019.
State Poet Laureate: Oklahoma appoints a state Poet Laureate every two years.
State Tartan: The Oklahoma Tartan was chosen in 1999. A tartan is a patterned cloth, often associated with Scottish clans.
State Postage Stamp: The Oklahoma Statehood Stamp celebrates Oklahoma becoming a state in 1907. It was issued by the United States Postal Service.

List of Oklahoma state symbols facts for kids

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