What are the Texas State Symbols?

State symbols have been a mainstay of U.S. culture since the very beginning. Official symbols are used to represent the cultural heritage and natural history of each state in the most fun way possible.

Fortunately, Texas is no different from many other U.S. states, with a plethora of symbols that are indicative of the state’s historical roots and geological history.

There are also recognizable icons and emblems for each state, such as state seals and flags, nicknames and mottos, and much more which we have included in our Texas state symbol list.

State of Texas Symbols List

There is numerous state of Texas symbols, and all states for that matter, creating a whole host of interesting facts, both from the past and present.

Below we have summarized 21 Texas state symbols with their links to respective pages, where you will be able to find much more detailed information and history about each individual symbol and how it became associated with Texas.

Texas State Small Mammal

The small mammal that represents Texas is the armadillo, this mammal was officially adopted in June of 1995 via a vote from hundreds of elementary school children.

Texas State Large Mammal

The second Texas state animal is the longhorn and it was adopted officially in 1995. The longhorn became a symbol of the Texas cattle drivers during the 1860s and 1870s.

Texas State Fruit

Since it was designated as the official state fruit in 1993, the Texas red grapefruit has become one of the most well-known symbols to represent the state.

This citrus fruit is surprisingly new when compared to other fruits in the same tropical group. Many believe that the red grapefruit is a cross between a pummelo and an orange.

Texas State Bird

The Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) was set as Texas’ official state bird in 1927 in the “Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8, 40th Legislature”.

These beautiful and fascinating birds can sing up to 200 songs, including the songs of other birds, insects, and amphibians!

Texas State Flower

The bluebonnet has been Texas’ official state flower since 1901 – these beautiful flowers can be found throughout the state and were named this due to their blue color and sunbonnet-shaped petals.

However, not all bluebonnets are blue! You can find them in red and purple as well as some other, more uncommon colors. The Texas state bird and flower represent a beautiful flower with striking colors and a bird that can outsing just about any other bird on the planet!

Texas State Seal

The Texas state seal was officially adopted in 1836 when the state was still considered the “Republic of Texas”. However, in 1845, Texas became an independent “State”, meaning that the “Republic of Texas” quote that featured on the seal became “State of Texas”.

So, what does the Texas State Seal symbolize? The branches that appear on either side of the star were added to the original seal back in 1839. The Texas State Seal is simplistic, especially when compared with other states. However, the meaning is still powerful, with the Lone Star having much significance within the state, still to this day.

Texas State Insect

The absolutely stunning monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) became the official state insect in 1995.

Their coloration is gorgeous to look at, black, orange, and white colors with amazing patterns, however, the reason for their vivid colors is to warn predators off them.

Texas State Tree

The Pecan tree (Carya illineonsis) was officially adopted as the Texas state tree in 1919, this was due to the pecan nut from the tree being also the state health nut and also pecan pie the official state pie of Texas!

Texas State Soil

Houston Black soil became the official soil for the state of Texas in 1902.

Texas State Bread

Another Texas symbol that was adopted in 2005 was the official state bread – pan de campo. This famous bread is known in the English language as cowboy bread and was created in South Texas.

Texas State Fish

Guadalupe bass (Micropterus treculii) is the official state fish of Texas, which can be found across the state residing within streams and rivers. The adoption of this symbol came in the year 1989.

Texas State Gem

The official state gem for Texas was adopted in 1969 and is the Texas blue topaz.

Texas State Grass

Sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) is the official Texas state grass since it was adopted in 1971. The long and dry grass can be found across the state, typically in large grassland areas.

Texas State Nut

The native pecan has been the official Texas state nut since it was adopted in 1919.

Texas State Pepper

Jalapeños have been the official state pepper of the state since 1995 and the adoption pays homage to Texas’ Spanish routes and close proximity to the Mexican border.

Texas State Plant

The Texas state plant perfectly matches the state’s desert terrane and landscape – the prickly pear cactus which was adopted in 1995.

Texas State Reptile

The Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) became the official Texas state reptile in 1993. This reptile goes by a couple of different names that are rather amusing, commonly called the horny toad or horned frog.

Texas State Shell

State shells are not an incredibly popular symbol amongst other states, however, they are in Texas, and the Texas state shell is the Lightning whelk (Sinistrofulgur perversum pulleyi) and has been since 1987.

Texas State Snack

Tortilla chips with salsa are the Texas state snack and have been since 1995. Yet again, another symbol paying homage to the state’s Hispanic routes.

Texas State Sport

Rodeo is an extremely popular sport in the southern U.S. states, and it is so prevalent in Texas that it became the official state symbol in 1997.

Texas State Vegetable

The famous Texas sweet onion is a vegetable enjoyed by most in the United States but holds a special significance within the Lone Star State as it is a famous variation of the sweet onion enjoyed worldwide.

This sweet onion variant became the Texas state vegetable in 1997.

All Texas State Symbols (Table)

Now that we have taken a look at some of the more popular and notable state symbols that are associated with the great state of Texas, it makes sense to showcase all the Texas state symbols that are best used to represent the state’s history and present achievements and moments. Here is the complete list of symbols: