Minnesota symbols

Explore the phenology of Minnesota's official state symbols.

Common loon

Minnesota's state bird since 1961

For some, the call of the common loon is a thing of beauty; for others, it sounds a bit comical, and for fans of Minnesota's professional soccer team, it is a rally cry. While the loon's call is still a feature of many lakes in northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, their call has disappeared from many former breeding sites in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Ohio. Loons are sensitive to environmental change. For example, in order to hunt underwater by sight, they require clear, unpolluted lakes with healthy fish populations. Lakes like these have become increasingly threatened by invasive species, pollution, and climate change. Hearing a loon call is an opportunity to consider how this bird has come to symbolize Minnesota and what actions can keep loon populations thriving.

Profile for common loon (Gavia immer)

Showy lady's slipper

Minnesota's state flower since 1902

The showy lady’s slipper is notoriously difficult to cultivate. Charles Darwin himself could not manage to grow one. One of the results of this is that populations of lady’s slippers have trouble replenishing their numbers once they are disturbed. The showy lady’s slipper is threatened or endangered in many areas of the western United States and Canada. It is illegal to pick these flowers, which gives them some protection, but their numbers can still be depleted by destruction of their habitats.

Profile for showy lady's slipper (Cypripedium reginae)

Monarch

Minnesota's state butterfly since 2000

Most of us have seen it; an insect with orange and black veined wings, fluttering from flower to flower, or floating on a gentle breeze. Adult monarch butterflies feed on flowering plants, and their larvae (yellow, black and white ringed caterpillars) hatch on and eat only milkweed. Due to the highly specialized life cycles of these migrating butterflies and ravenous caterpillars, there are ongoing efforts to conserve populations. One of those efforts is creating pollinater habitats and planting milkweed. If that activity interests you (or your classroom, family, or other type of community), check out the Monarch Joint Venture for details on how you can make a difference in the future of Minnesota's state butterfly.

Profile for monarch (Danaus plexxipus)

Red pine

Minnesota's state tree since 1953

The red pine is a key species in the old-growth conifer forests that covered large swaths of Minnesota before European settlement. In the 1800s, Minnesota's timber industry was one of the largest in the country, and today, only two percent of Minnesota's old-growth forests remain. However, a surveying error left an untouched area of forest that today is named the Lost 40 Scientific and Natural Area. Located within the Chippewa National Forest, the Lost 40 contains towering red and white pines, some of them over 250 years old. Minnesota’s “champion” red pine also grows in the Chippewa National Forest. A champion specimen is considered to be the overall largest of its species, as calculated by taking into account its height, circumference, and canopy spread.

Profile for red pine (Pinus resinosa)

Rusty-patched bumble bee

Minnesota's state bee since 2019

The rusty-patched bumble bee was once found throughout the eastern half of the United States. However, since 2000 their populations have been rapidly declining due to a combination of pesticides, disease, and climate change. These bees were officially listed as an endangered species in the United States in 2017. The following year, nearly a third of worldwide, documented sightings of rusty-patched bumble bee occurred in Minnesota. In 2019 Minnesota named them the state bee in an effort to spread awareness and advance conservation measures such as habitat management, integrated pest management, and population monitoring.

Profile for bumblebees (Bombus species)

Morel

Minnesota's state mushroom since 1984

Many mushrooms have medicinal properties, and the morel is no exception. In addition to fighting inflammation, they are also so tantalizingly delicious that many Minnesotans forage for them in late spring to early summer. Morels are often found near a handful of key "partner" tree species. Furthermore, they have finely-tuned environmental requirements, needing rain and warmth, but not too much of either. As a consequence of these specific needs, their size and the length of their growing season are impacted by climate change, which tends to create unusual spring temperatures and precipitation. Compounding their sensitivity to change, if a morel population loses its growing partner trees, there could be fewer to gather, in fewer places.

Profile for morels (Morchella species)

Walleye

Minnesota's state fish since 1965

Any Minnesota angler knows the thrill of catching a walleye. In the summer or winter, Minnesota is a destination for walleye fishing. Not only are they fighters and fun to catch, but they are also delicious to eat and have long been a food source for humans and animals alike. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources stocks over 900 lakes in order to strike a balance between a healthy walleye population and supporting recreation and tourism.

Profile for walleye (Sander vitreus)