Delaware’s first state symbol was its State Floral Emblem, the Peach Blossom. It was adopted in 1895,the same year that Delaware shipped its most abundant crop of peaches. It was after this harvest the state became known as “The Peach State”. The Peach Blossom’s adoption March 9, 1895, was followed by its being named the state’s official flower in 1953.
The state’s herb symbol is the Sweet Golden Rod. When the state was choosing its state flower some thought it should be the Golden Rod. It caused such a stir that a great group including children up to farmers and agriculturists stormed the capital to keep the peach blossom. They were victorious. The Sweet Golden Rod was adopted as the state’s herb symbol in 1996.
The state’s bird symbol is a chicken. It is a Blue Hen Chicken. This strange looking chicken has blue feathers. It is not a recognized breed, but rather a local breed of chickens that go back to the pioneers of this state. The University of Delaware keeps a group of these chickens for breeding. Only about half of the chicks raised have the blue feathers, others have black or black and white feathers. The University of Delaware has for its mascot the Fighting Blue Hens.
The Weakfish is the state’s fish. It is a sea trout, Cynoscion regalis, and a part of the drum family. It is dark olive green on the very top, with tints of gold, copper, green, blue or purple. It is called a weakfish due to the mouth of the fish being easily torn when hooked. Two large teeth from the upper jaw make it look ferocious. It is known as the “Queen of the Delaware Bay”, because it breeds and spawns in Delaware Bay during the summer months.
The Horseshoe Crab is the state’s Marine Animal Symbol. The horseshoe crab is found abundantly throughout the state. Many children play with them along the beaches each year. The state’s fossil is an ancestor of the present day Squid. It is known as the Belemnite. It had an internal shell. This was covered by a leathery skin. It also had tentacles and a siphon for pushing the water that made it move.
The states bug symbol and its butterfly are almost kin. The Lady Bug comes in many colors but always with dark black spots. It is the state bug symbol of five states. The Tiger Swallowtail is a common butterfly. It is usually black with blue, but sometimes it is black with orange colors on its rear. This is during its “dark” period. In its light period it is a pale yellow with black tips and blue or red markings. These two periods make the swallowtail look like two distinct different butterflies.
Delaware’s only state food is milk. It was adopted in 1983.
Greenwich Loam is the state’s soil. This soil is great for farming and forestry. The state tree, American Holly, grows well in this soil.
