Louisiana State Symbols

State Flower:  Magnolia

State Wildflower:  The Louisiana Iris

State Tree:  Bald Cypress

State Insect:  Honeybee

State Freshwater fish:  White Perch

State Mammal:  Black Bear

State Dog:  Catahoula Leopard Dog  

State Fossil:  Petrified Palmwood  

State Crustacean:  Crawfish

State Amphibian:  Green Tree Frog

State Reptile:  Alligator

State Musical Instrument:  Diatonic Accordion or "Cajun" Accordion

State Songs:  "Give me Louisiana" by Doralice Fontane and "You are my sunshine" by Jimmie H. Davis and Charles Mitchell

Motto:  Union, Justice and Confidence

Origin of State Name:  Louisiane was the name given by the 17th century French explorer René-Robert Cavelier. The Spanish version of the name was Luisiana and the present name evolved from a combination of these.

Nickname for State:  The Pelican State
The nickname is after the native coastal bird, the pelican.

Nickname for residents:  Louisianians