Fun Facts About Tennessee’s State Plants and Animals

0 Comments By 

iris, flowers, Ellington Agricultural Center, Nashville, TN

True Tennessee trivia buffs know that the state flower is the purple iris – but did you know it’s held that honor since 1933?

Advertisement

The state Legislature made the designation official, and, while there are several colors associated with the species, the purple iris is commonly accepted as Tennessee’s floral favorite.

As for the state tree, the tulip poplar earned that distinction from the Legislature in 1947 because poplar wood was used extensively by 18th- and 19th-century Tennessee pioneers to construct their houses and barns.

By the way, the Tennessee state wild animal is the raccoon, the state reptile is the box turtle, and the state amphibian is the Tennessee cave salamander. Tennessee also has not one but two state insects: the ladybug and the firefly.

Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Stay Connected

Made in Tennessee giveaways, exciting events, delicious recipes and more delivered straight to your inbox.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.