Connecticut State Symbols: Mountain Laurel & White Oak

Connecticut's official state botanical symbols:

• State Flower: Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) – Designated 1907. Evergreen shrub with pink/white clustered blooms (May–June). Grows wild on rocky ridges; toxic to livestock. Chosen by schoolchildren vote.
• State Tree: White Oak (Quercus alba) – Designated 1947. Majestic deciduous tree; light gray bark, lobed leaves, sweet acorns. Historic "Charter Oak" (fell 1856) hid 1662 royal charter. Symbol of strength, independence.

Other symbols: Bird = American Robin; Insect = European Mantis; Shellfish = Eastern Oyster; Mineral = Garnet; Hero = Nathan Hale; Ship = USS Nautilus.