Maryland State Symbols
According to Watchtutorials, Maryland is known by many nicknames, but the most popular and widely used is the Old Line State. This nickname dates back to the Revolutionary War when Maryland soldiers were praised for their bravery and resilience in battle. The phrase “Old Line” was used to refer to these brave soldiers, and soon became a term of endearment for all of Maryland. This nickname is still commonly used today, with many people using it proudly as a way to honor Maryland’s history and its connection with the Revolutionary War. Along with this nickname, Maryland is also known as “America in Miniature” due to its diverse topography and climates that range from coastal plains to mountain ranges. This nickname highlights the variety of landscapes within a relatively small area that make up the state of Maryland. Lastly, another popular nickname for Maryland is “The Free State” which references its history of being one of the first states in America to abolish slavery in 1864 before slavery was abolished nationally. This nickname serves as a reminder of how far Maryland has come in terms of social justice and equality.
State Bird
The state bird of Maryland is the Baltimore Oriole. The Baltimore Oriole, or Icterus galbula, is a member of the blackbird family and is native to North America. It has a vibrant orange and black plumage that makes it easily recognizable. The male bird has an orange chest, back and head with a black bib and eye line, while the female has duller orange-brown feathers with white wing bars. The Baltimore Oriole is a migratory species that winters in Central America and northern South America from October through March before returning to its breeding range in the eastern United States from April through August. During this time, they can be seen foraging for food in open woods, parks and suburban gardens. Their diet consists primarily of insects such as caterpillars, beetles and grasshoppers as well as some fruits and nectar from flowers. Orioles build their nests high up in trees such as oaks and elms using strips of bark that are woven together to form an enclosed cup-like structure. In addition to being Maryland’s state bird, the Baltimore oriole also serves as mascot for several professional sports teams including Major League Baseball’s Baltimore Orioles.
State Flower
According to Beautyphoon, the state flower of Maryland is the Black-eyed Susan. It is a member of the daisy family, and its scientific name is Rudbeckia hirta. The Black-eyed Susan has yellow petals with a dark brown center, and it typically blooms during the summer months. The flower can be found throughout Maryland in fields, along roadsides, and in gardens. It is a hardy plant that can survive in a variety of conditions and soil types. The Black-eyed Susan grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It prefers soils that are slightly acidic to neutral but can tolerate slightly alkaline soils as well. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to add color to their landscape without having to worry about complicated maintenance requirements. In addition to its attractive flowers, the plant also produces edible seed heads which can be used in salads or as a garnish for other dishes.
State Tree
The state tree of Maryland is the White Oak (Quercus alba). This majestic tree has been an important part of the state’s history since colonial times. It is a deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 100 feet and live for centuries. The bark of the White Oak is light gray in color and deeply furrowed. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and have a leathery texture with a rounded lobed margin. The foliage is dark green on top and pale green underneath. The White Oak produces acorns which are an important food source for many animals such as squirrels, birds, deer, and bears. In addition to providing food for wildlife, the White Oak also provides shade in summer months and shelter from harsh winter winds. It has even been known to provide shelter from thunderstorms! The wood from this tree is very strong and has many uses such as furniture making, flooring, cabinetry, shipbuilding, barrels, etc. In Maryland it has been used to make houses since colonial times. This stately tree also provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species including insects, birds, mammals and reptiles. It’s no wonder why the White Oak was chosen as the official state tree of Maryland!
