AZ Seal

The state's key enterprises are symbolized on the Arizona state seal. In the background is a mountain range with the sun rising behind the peaks. At the right side of the mountain range is a storage reservoir and a dam. Irrigated fields and orchards reach into the foreground, and at the right cattle are grazing. To the left, on a mountainside, is a quartz mill. A miner with a pick and shovel complete the symbols on the seal. The motto "Ditat Deus" meaning "God Enriches" is on the banner. Encircling the seal are the words "Great Seal of the State of Arizona" and the year of admission to the Union, 1912.

 State Flag

A copper star rises from a blue field of honor in the face of a setting sun symbolizing the state's copper industry and continued growth. Blue and gold are the state colors. The flag was designed by Col. Charles W. Harris and the first flag was sewn by Nan Hayden. (A.R.S.§ 41-851)

 State Flower

The state flower is the pure white waxy blossom of the saguaro, the largest cactus in the United States. The saguaro blossoms appear on the tips of the long arms of the cactus during May and June. The saguaro blossom was adopted as the floral emblem of the Arizona Territory on March 8, 1901, and was confirmed as the state flower on March 16, 1931.

  State Tree

The palo verde, meaning "green stick", one of the beautiful trees of the desert, is the state tree. The palo verde is found in the desert and foothill regions of Arizona. When the trees bloom, in either April or May, the tree shimmers in a blaze of yellow-gold. The palo verde was adopted as the state tree in 1954.

  State Bird

Arizona's state bird, the cactus wren, is woody-brown with a speckled breast. A distinctive white line can be found over each eye. It is the largest wren in Arizona, measuring 7-8 inches in length. Its song is a raucous and unmusical cha-cha-cha that sounds like a car engine trying to turn over. The cactus wren was designated the state bird on March 16, 1931.

  State Gem

Turquoise, the state gem, is a blue-green, waxy-surfaced stone used for centuries in Native American jewelry. It is found throughout the Southwest. It is composed of hydrous oxide of aluminum and copper. Turquoise was approved as the state gemstone in 1974.

 The Official Neckwear

The bola tie, which originated in Arizona, is the official state neckwear, adopted on August 13, 1971. The bola tie, considered "a new symbol of the west," is usually crafted by silversmiths and leather makers in many shapes, sizes, and types. The silver bola tie adorned with turquoise is generally considered the official style.

 State Fish

The Apache trout is the state fish. It has a yellowish background color and pink lateral banding. Its spots are pronounced and usually uniformly spaced over the body. The Apache trout has been historicaly found in the headwaters of the Salt, San Francisco, and Little Colorado Rivers. It is a federally threatened species.

 The State Fossil

Petrified wood is the state fossil. Most of the petrified wood in Arizona can be found in the Petrified Forest in the northern part of the state. Petrified wood was adopted as the state fossil in 1988.

 State Amphibian

The Arizona treefrog is the state amphibian. It is small, usually 3/4 to 2 inches long. The treefrog is commonly green but can also be gold or bronze-colored. It sports a dark stripe that starts at the snout and runs through the eye and along its body. The stripe ends just before the rear legs. The treefrog was designated the state amphibian in 1986.

 State Mammal

The ringtail is the state mammal. It is not really a cat but is related to the raccoon and coatimundi. The ringtail is also known as the ringtail cat, miner's cat, and cacomistle. It was designated the state mammal in 1986.

 State Reptile

The Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake was the last rattlesnake to be named by herpetologists. This snake is small, rarely weighing more than 3-4 ounces as an adult or growing longer than 24 inches. The ridge-nosed rattlesnake inhabits only the Huachuca, Patagonia, and Santa Rita Mountains in the south central part of Arizona,