West Virginia

State News Papers

Capital: Charleston

Population: 1,808,344

Land Area: 24,231 sq.mi

Statehood: June 20, 1863
(35th state)

West Virginia State Seal

The Rhododendron maximum, or "big laurel," is the state flower of West Virginia. It was selected on January 23, 1903, by the Legislature, following a vote by pupils of the public schools. It is a shrub of the heath family and may be recognized by its large dark evergreen leaves and delicate pale pink or white bloom, mottled with either red or yellow flecks.

The Cardinal was made West Virginia’s official bird by concurrent resolution of the 1949 Legislature. The male of the species is a rich scarlet with a mask and shading of black, while the young birds and females are a less brilliant color.

The Sugar Maple was made West Virginia's official tree by a resolution of the 1949 Legislature. It's wood is excellent for furniture and it produces maple syrup. A single tree is 70-120 feet high and produces two to three pounds of sugar when "sugared-off." It has a five-lobed leaf and a small wing-shaped seed pod. In the fall the leaves turn bright yellow.