Introduction to
Montana Symbols

Montana boasts some very unique and spectacular symbols. Of course, it has an unfair advantage: Montana itself is an enormous, diverse and very spectacular state.

Montana’s state flower, tree and fish primarily represent mountainous western Montana. The official grass and bird are more symbolic of Great Plains grasslands. The grizzly bear (the state animal) is popularly associated with mountains but originally wandered the Great Plains as well.

The biggest stinker in Montana’s symbols treasure chest may be its state flag. The flags of Montana and neighboring Idaho have been condemned by flag buffs as among the most garish state flags. But who wants to look at flags when there are bison and spectacular snow-capped mountains to be seen?

Nicknames, Mottoes & Song

Montana’s mineral wealth inspired the nicknames Bonanza State and Treasure State. But it is best known as the Big Sky Country.

The motto Oro y Plata translates “Gold and Silver.”

The official song is Montana.

Plants

Only Montana calls bitterroot and ponderosa pines state flower and tree. Bitterroot is also a popular place name in Montana.

Montana/Introduction is one of fourteen states and two provinces that have adopted an official grass. Montana shares bluebunch wheatgrass with Washington.

Animals

Montana/Introduction is one of six states (Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon and Wyoming) that make the western meadowlark the premier symbol of the Great Plains.

California and Montana both call the grizzly bear their official animal, but no grizzlies survive in California. Lewis and Clark encountered numerous “white bears” as they followed the Missouri River across North Dakota and Montana.

Clark’s name is commemorated in the scientific name of the cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki), Montana’s state fish.

The mourning cloak was named Montana’s official butterfly. It’s one of the few unique official butterfly designations.

Earth Symbols

Montana/Introduction is one of ten states and provinces (Arizona, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee and Nova Scotia) that have adopted agates as official symbols. The Montana agate and sapphire were both adopted as Montana’s official gemstones in 1969.

The official fossil is the duck-billed dinosaur Maiasaura peeblesorum. Maia, as it is affectionately called, leaped to fame with the discovery of an enormous nesting ground, where scientists collected eggs and bones of both young and adults.

Miscellaneous Symbols

Montana’s miscellaneous symbols include an official ballad (Montana Melody), garden, arboretum and cowboy hall of fame (Wolfe Point). It is also one of several states that designated English the official language. Fortunately, the Big Sky Country’s spectacular vistas are equally beautiful in all languages.

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