Pennsylvania Statutes: State Symbols

University of Phoenix

Earn your degree, advance your career, secure your future all online. University of Phoenix is a true innovator in distance education. Their Business, Technology, Criminal Justice, Nursing, and Education degree programs are designed specifically for busy professionals. Imagine earning the degree you've always wanted from home, at work, or while traveling.
Click here to learn more.

Pennsylvania Statutes

State Government (Title 71)

Part I. The Administrative Codes and Related Provisions

Chapter 6. Provisions similar or Closely Related to Provisions of the Administrative Codes

State Emblems

§ 1004. State tree; hemlock.
§ 1005. State game bird.
§ 1006. State flower.
§ 1007. State animal.
§ 1008. State dog.
§ 1009. State fish.
§ 1010. State insect.
§ 1010.1. State beverage.
§ 1010.2. State beautification and conservation plant.
§ 1010.3. Official state fossil.
§ 1010.4. Official State song.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

§ 1004. State tree; hemlock.
The hemlock tree (Tsuga Canadensis Linnaeus) be adopted as the State tree of Pennsylvania.

§ 1005. State game bird.
The ruffed grouse (bonasa umbellus) is hereby selected, designated and adopted as the State game bird of Pennsylvania.

§ 1006. State flower.
The mountain laurel (Kalmia Latifolia) is hereby adopted as the State flower of Pennsylvania.

§ 1007. State animal.
The whitetail deer is an animal that is found in abundance in the wooded areas of our Commonwealth and has played an integral part in solving the problem of survival of our early settlers and Indian population. The "whitetail," as it is affectionately referred to, is a proud and noble animal possessing intelligence, endurance and character. Therefore, the "whitetail deer" is selected, designated and adopted as the official State animal of this Commonwealth.

§ 1008. State dog.
The Great Dane is hereby selected, designated and adopted as the official dog of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

§ 1009. State fish.
The Brook Trout is the only trout a native of Pennsylvania waters. A choice of most epicures, it is the most beautiful and [widely] distributed member of the salmon family in the State and is found in the small, cold mountain streams and lakes and in the spring-fed limestone streams of the valleys. The Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) is hereby selected, designated and adopted as the official State fish of Pennsylvania.

§ 1010. State insect.
The firefly (Lampyridae Coleoptera) of the species Photuris pensylvanica De Geer is hereby selected, designated and adopted as the official insect of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

§ 1010.1. State beverage.
Milk is hereby selected, designated and adopted as the official beverage of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

§ 1010.2. State beautification and conservation plant.
Penngift Crownvetch (Coronilla varia L. Penngift) is hereby selected, designated and adopted as the official State Beautification and Conservation Plant of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

§ 1010.3. Official state fossil.
Phacops rana is a specific type of trilobite, a small sea creature. Trilobites were rulers of the sea during the Cambrian Period, 515 to 600 million years ago. Trilobites are so named because their bodies are divided lengthwise into three parts or "lobes." Phacops rana means "frog eyes" because of the large holes for eyes on the fossil. Fossils of Phacops rana are found in many parts of Pennsylvania, and, therefore, the Phacops rana is selected, designated and adopted as the official State fossil of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

§ 1010.4. Official State song.
The song "Pennsylvania," lyrics and music by Eddie Khoury and Ronnie Bonner, is hereby adopted as the State song of Pennsylvania and shall be the official song for all public purposes. The lyrics of the song are as follows:

"PENNSYLVANIA"

Verse 1

Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania,
Mighty is your name,
Steeped in glory and tradition
Object of acclaim.
Where brave men fought the foe of freedom,
Tyranny decried,
'Til the bell of independence
filled the countryside.

Chorus

Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania,
May your future be,
filled with honor everlasting
as your history.

Verse 2

Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania,
Blessed by God's own hand,
Birthplace of a mighty nation,
Keystone of the land.
Where first our country's flag unfolded,
Freedom to proclaim,
May the voices of tomorrow
glorify your name.

Chorus

Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania,
May your future be,
filled with honor everlasting
as your history.