Pennsylvania State Symbols
According to Watchtutorials, Pennsylvania is often referred to as the “Keystone State,” a nickname derived from the important role it played in the early history of America. As one of the original 13 colonies, Pennsylvania was a keystone in the formation of the United States of America. The state provided a meeting place for the Founding Fathers to debate and ultimately sign the Declaration of Independence. Later, it served as a home for several pivotal battles during the Revolutionary War.
According to Beautyphoon, the term “Keystone” has become synonymous with Pennsylvania and can be found on many official symbols within the state. For instance, it is prominently featured on both sides of Pennsylvania’s state flag, with a keystone shape appearing in its center. The official seal of Pennsylvania also features an image of a keystone with two horses flanking either side. Additionally, many organizations within Pennsylvania proudly incorporate “Keystone” into their names such as Keystone College, Keystone State Park and Keystone Automotive Industries. It is clear that this nickname has become deeply embedded into Pennsylvania’s culture and identity over time.
State Bird
The state bird of Pennsylvania is the Ruffed Grouse. It is a medium-sized bird that measures between 16 and 20 inches in length, with a wingspan of 24-26 inches. The Ruffed Grouse has grayish-brown upper parts and white underparts, with distinctive black ruffed feathers around its neck. It has short legs and feet, and a short tail that is usually held upright while walking. Its beak is short and thick, perfect for eating seeds, buds, fruits, insects, and other small creatures. In the summer months it tends to have a reddish hue on its breast feathers.
The Ruffed Grouse prefers to live in dense brushy areas near forests or woodlands. They use their long claws to scratch away at the ground for food such as seeds, nuts and other vegetation. During the winter months they will roost in tree cavities or piles of dead leaves to stay warm from the cold temperatures. They are also known to fly up into trees when startled by predators or humans who get too close for comfort. The males are known for their “drumming” display during mating season which consists of them beating their wings rapidly against their chest while making a low rumble sound that can be heard up to half a mile away!
State Flower
The state flower of Pennsylvania is the Mountain Laurel, or Kalmia Latifolia. This beautiful evergreen shrub is native to the region and can be found in abundance in the Appalachian Mountains and other areas of Eastern North America. The Mountain Laurel produces clusters of delicate pink and white flowers from May through June. The leaves are a glossy green color with a leathery texture, and when crushed, they give off a distinctive fragrance. The Mountain Laurel is a hardy plant that can survive in drought-like conditions, as well as humid climates. It is also resistant to many insect pests and diseases that may otherwise harm other plants. In addition to being the state flower of Pennsylvania, the Mountain Laurel is also an important food source for wildlife such as deer, rabbits, squirrels and birds. Its nectar provides sustenance for bees and butterflies throughout the summer months. The Mountain Laurel has long been admired by people who enjoy its beauty in landscapes all over Pennsylvania. It’s often used as an ornamental shrub or planted in gardens alongside other flowering plants to create a stunning display of color throughout spring and summertime.
State Tree
The state tree of Pennsylvania is the Eastern Hemlock. It is an evergreen coniferous tree that is native to much of the eastern United States. The Eastern Hemlock can reach heights of up to 100 feet with a trunk diameter of up to 3 feet. It has a pyramidal shape with a conical crown that spreads outwards, creating an umbrella-like canopy. The needles are dark green and flat, and the bark is grayish-brown in color, with deep furrows that look like ridges running vertically along its length. The cones are small and pointed at the tip, and usually hang down from the branches.
The Eastern Hemlock is an important part of Pennsylvania’s ecology as it provides habitat for many species of animals such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks, mice, deer, black bears and even bobcats! Its shade helps protect fish in streams from too much sun exposure during hot summer days and its roots help stabilize stream banks which prevents erosion. The Eastern Hemlock also helps maintain water quality by filtering out pollutants from runoff before they reach streams or groundwater sources. In addition to providing habitat for wildlife and helping maintain water quality, the Eastern Hemlock also provides a valuable source of timber for lumber production in Pennsylvania.
