Seal of the State of Ohio
Ohio’s State Plants
STATE TREE: The Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) was designated by the Ohio legislature as the state tree in 1953. The name “buckeye” comes from the nut’s resemblance to a deer’s eye. The Ohio State University uses Brutus Buckeye as it’s mascot, and residents of Ohio are often referred to as Buckeyes.
Ohio Buckeye Flowers and Leaves
Ohio Buckeye Seeds
STATE FLOWER: The Red Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) was selected as the Ohio State Flower in 1904 to honor President William McKinley, who was assassinated in office in 1901. He often wore a red carnation in the lapel of his jacket.
STATE WILDFLOWER: Used in our logo, the State Wildflower is the Great White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum). Found in all counties of Ohio, this woodland wildflower became the state flower in 1986.
Photo taken by Richard Rings in Highland County, Ohio
STATE FRUIT: Since the late 1800’s, the tomato has gained in popularity in Ohio, and today Ohio is one of the largest tomato producing states in the country. The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is Ohio’s state fruit.
STATE NATIVE FRUIT: Since the tomato, a non-native plant, was already the state fruit, it was decided that Ohio needed a state native fruit. In 2009 the Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) was designated as Ohio’s native fruit. Growing throughout most of the Eastern United States, pawpaw fruits have been enjoyed since before the 1500’s.