Introduction to
Nevada Symbols

Lost in the Great Basin, Nevada’s state symbols show an affinity for both the Southwest and the Rocky Mountains. Most of Nevada’s symbols are unique.Nevada/Introduction is one of the seven states (Arizona, Hawaii, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio and West Virginia) that have adopted none of the four most redundant symbols—the honeybee, square dance, milk and English (usually designated the official insect, dance, beverage or drink and language).

Nevada’s premier symbol is perhaps the dreariest of state flowers, sagebrush, source of the nickname Sagebrush State.

Yet sagebrush, which carpets much of the Great Basin, has its own rugged beauty—the beauty of survival in an arid land. A similar beauty can be seen in the bristlecone pine, one of Nevada’s two official trees.

Names, Flag, Motto & Song

Nevada means “snowy” in Spanish. It was originally named Sierra Nevada, for the snowy mountains Spanish sailors saw rising over California, to the west.

The nicknames Silver State and Mining State testify to the importance of mining. The official slogan Battle Born is a reminder that Nevada gained statehood during the Civil War. But Nevada is best known as the Sagebrush State.

Redesigned in 1991, Nevada“s state flag is among the better designed and more attractive state flags, though not as elegant as other Southwest state flags. It features a white (silver) star and a wreath of sagebrush.

“All for Our Country” and Home Means Nevada are a rather typical state motto and song.

Plants

Sagebrush is Nevada’s state flower and is depicted on the state flag.

Nevada/Introduction is one of three states (California, Nevada and New Jersey) with two official trees. The single-leaf pinyon is Nevada’s original state tree. Its newest state tree is also the oldest; gnarled bristlecones standing sentinel on rugged mountains are among the oldest known living things.

Nevada/Introduction is one of fourteen states and two provinces that have adopted an official grass. Nevada adopted Indian ricegrass.

Animals

Nevada shares its choice of state bird and reptile, the mountain bluebird and desert tortoise, with Idaho and California, respectively. Its official mammal is the desert bighorn sheep, a subspecies of the bighorn that represents Colorado. The Lahontan cutthroat trout is one of several cutthroat subspecies that represent various states in the West, from Montana to New Mexico.

Nevada/Introduction is one of eight states (Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, North Dakota, Rhode Island and Wyoming) with no official insect.

Earth Symbols

Turquoise is a symbol of three Southwest states and two nations (Arizona, Nevada New Mexico, Iran and Tibet). Nevada calls turquoise its official semi-precious gemstone.

Other geological symbols include the Virgin Valley black fire opal (official precious gemstone), sandstone (rock) and silver (the only official state metal).

While several states have designated dinosaurs official state fossils, Nevada is the only state to adopt a marine reptile, the ichthyosaur Shonisaurus.

Miscellaneous Symbols

Nevada’s official colors are silver and blue. Its official march is the Silver State Fanfare.Nevada/Introduction is one of sixteen states with an official tartan.

One of Nevada’s more unique symbols is the Tule duck decoy, designated the official state artifact. The only other state with an official prehistoric artifact is California.

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