Kansas State Symbols
According to Watchtutorials, the nickname of Kansas is the Sunflower State. This nickname was given to Kansas due to its abundance of sunflowers that grow throughout the state. Sunflowers are not only found in fields, but also along highways and roadsides, as well as in gardens and yards. Kansas has a long history with sunflowers dating back to the 1800s when settlers began cultivating them for their oil-rich seeds. The state adopted the sunflower as its official flower in 1903 and it has been a symbol of the state ever since.
According to Beautyphoon, the sunflower is often used in artwork, photography, and other forms of representation for Kansas. In addition to being the official state flower, it is also featured on many items including license plates, coins, and postcards. It is even used as an emblem on many of Kansas’ sports teams’ uniforms. Many businesses incorporate the sunflower into their logos or incorporate it into their branding designs. The sunflower has become a symbol of unity among Kansans, representing their shared values and history in a beautiful way.
State Bird
The state bird of Kansas is the Western Meadowlark. This distinctive, medium-sized songbird is easily recognized by its bright yellow chest and distinct call. It has a brown back, white belly, and black V-shaped markings on its chest. The wings and tail are also dark brown, but with white barring. A white line divides the yellow from the brown on its head. The Western Meadowlark is found throughout most of the central United States in open grasslands, prairies, and meadows.
In Kansas, this species can be found in areas with tall grasses such as pastures and prairies where it feeds on insects such as grasshoppers, beetles and crickets. It also eats some seeds and grains such as wheat and corn. The Western Meadowlark breeds in late spring to early summer with males performing aerial displays during courtship rituals to attract a mate. They build their nests in tall grasses or shrubs near the ground where they lay 2 to 6 eggs that hatch after about two weeks of incubation by both parents. The young birds are able to fly within three weeks of hatching but typically stay close to their parents until they reach adulthood at around four months old.
State Flower
The state flower of Kansas is the native wildflower, the sunflower. Sunflowers are large and bright yellow, with a dark brown center, and can grow to heights of up to 8 feet. They have long been associated with the state of Kansas and are even featured on the state seal. Sunflowers are an important symbol of Kansas, as they represent joy, hope, and energy. Sunflowers bloom in the summer months from June through August, giving a beautiful field of color to the plains of Kansas. The sunflower is also known for its healing properties, being used in traditional Native American medicine for treating everything from headaches to indigestion. The sunflower’s oil is also used in cooking and baking due to its high levels of Vitamin E. It is no wonder that this cheerful flower has become a beloved symbol of Kansas!
State Tree
The state tree of Kansas is the Cottonwood, scientifically known as Populus deltoides. It is a species of poplar tree belonging to the willow family and is native to North America. The tree can grow up to a height of 40 meters and 4 meters in diameter. Its bark is grayish-brown in color and has a rough texture when young. As it matures, its bark becomes thicker and deeply furrowed with age. Its leaves are triangular shaped, bright green in color, and measure up to 10 cm long. The Cottonwood tree produces fluffy white seed tufts that are dispersed by the wind during late spring and early summer months. The flowers of this species are small yellowish-green catkins which appear before the leaves emerge in early springtime.
Cottonwood trees are found mostly along streams, rivers and lakes where they provide habitat for various species of birds, mammals, amphibians and aquatic life forms. They also help stabilize soil and prevent erosion along river banks due to their deep root systems reaching up to 30 feet into the ground. Additionally, their large canopy provides shade from the hot summer sun which helps keep water temperatures cool for fish and other aquatic life forms living in these areas. Due to its fast growth rate, it is often planted as an ornamental or shade tree in urban settings where it can provide much needed relief from extreme temperatures during hot summer days.
