Missouri State Symbols
According to Watchtutorials, Missouri is known as the Show Me State, a nickname that dates back to 1899. The phrase was first uttered by Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver during a speech he made in Philadelphia. He declared that “I come from a state that raises corn and cotton and cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I’m from Missouri, and you have got to show me.” This phrase quickly gained popularity throughout the state, becoming its official nickname in 1915 when Missouri’s legislature adopted it.
Since then, the phrase has been used in many different contexts to refer to people who are skeptical or demand proof before believing something. This is an attitude that many Missourians take pride in; it’s seen as a sign of their independent spirit and refusal to take things at face value without examining them closely first. It’s also an important reminder of the importance of facts over conjecture or speculation when making decisions or forming opinions. In this way, the phrase serves as a source of pride for Missourians and is often used with affection by those who call the Show Me State home.
State Bird
The state bird of Missouri is the Eastern Bluebird. This colorful little songbird is a member of the thrush family and can be found in open areas with scattered trees, such as fields, meadows, orchards, and even suburban neighborhoods. The Eastern Bluebird has bright blue wings and tail with a reddish-brown chest, white belly, and a grayish-white throat. Its bill is short and slightly curved downward. Males are brighter in color than females. The Eastern Bluebird typically measures around 6 to 7 inches in length with an 11-inch wingspan. It has a relatively long tail that it often cocks upward when perched on branches or other surfaces. The Eastern Bluebird’s diet consists mainly of insects such as beetles and grasshoppers along with fruits like berries and cherries. It can also be seen eating mealworms from bird feeders in more urban settings. During the breeding season, which takes place from April to July, males will often build several nests before finding a mate; they also use these nests to court potential mates by singing their distinctive warbling song that sounds like “chur-lee” or “tru-lee” with occasional trills thrown in for good measure.
State Flower
According to Beautyphoon, the state flower of Missouri is the Hawthorn. It is a species of flowering shrub or small tree that is native to North America and Europe. The Hawthorn has clusters of white flowers that bloom in the spring, and its leaves are lobed and toothed. Its fruit is a bright red, berry-like pome that ripens in the fall. The Hawthorn can reach heights of up to 30 feet tall and has a dense canopy of leaves and branches. Its bark is grayish-brown, with deep furrows that give it a ridged look. The wood of the Hawthorn is hard and durable, making it ideal for use as fence posts or as firewood. In addition to being the state flower of Missouri, the Hawthorn also has many medicinal uses including treating heart ailments, reducing inflammation, and even improving digestion. It can also be used as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its attractive foliage and flowers.
State Tree
The state tree of Missouri is the Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida). It is a beautiful, deciduous tree that is native to Missouri and can be found growing wild in many parts of the state. The Flowering Dogwood has an upright, oval shape with dark green foliage that turns to shades of yellow and purple in the fall. The bark is gray and smooth. The flowers are white and bloom in early spring, followed by bright red berries that attract birds and other wildlife. During the summer months, it produces greenish-white fruits that ripen to a deep red color by late summer or early fall. The Fruit is edible for humans but should be eaten in moderation due to its high sugar content. The Flowering Dogwood can reach heights of up to 30 feet with a spread of 25 feet at maturity, making it an excellent shade tree for parks and yards. It prefers moist, well-drained soils but will tolerate dry conditions as long as it is watered regularly during drought periods. This makes it ideal for landscaping projects as it can be planted near sidewalks or driveways without fear of root damage from heavy foot traffic or vehicle traffic.
