Tennessee is particularly rich in official state symbols. What is Tennessee's state flower and state bird? Not surprisingly, the Iris’s new title did not sit well with passion flower … As of 1998 the list includes the flag, capitol and seal, two birds, two flowers, two fish, two rocks, two trees, eight songs, a poem, four insects, a reptile, an amphibian, a gem, a wild animal, and a folk dance–thirty-one in all. The iris is Tennessee's official state flower. In addition to the iris, the state also signified the passion flower as its state wildflower. The state also has the Bobwhite Quail as the official State game bird. Arienn Macias My Secret Garden. The state bird of Tennessee is generally gray, with a more whitish breast, and distinctive white stripes on its black wings. The official State Bird in Tennessee is the Mockingbird. According to the Nashville Banner of April 16, 1933, the mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos, was selected on April 11, 1933 as the state bird of Tennessee in an election conducted by the Tennessee Ornithological Society. The iris, (genus Iris L.,) was designated as Tennessee state cultivated flower by the Legislature in 1933. The commoncry or call of this bird is a very mournful note, resembling that utteredon similar occasions by its first cousin the Orpheus rufus, or, as it iscommonly called, the "French Mocking-bird." The iris (Genus Iridaceae) was designated as the state cultivated flower by the Legislature in 1933. Tennessee State Wildflower: Tennessee echinacea . This U.S. native plant, commonly known as Tennessee coneflower, is only known to exist naturally on certain glades near Nashville, Tennessee, and is on the Federal Endangered Species List. Tennessee, one of five states that have adopted the mockingbird as their state bird, also has an official game bird, the bobwhite quail. State Birds. “Dogfights” involving six or more Mockingbirds bombing on each other are not uncommon. Tennessee: Entered the Union: June 1, 1796 (16) Capital: Nashville Origin of Name: from the old Yuchi Indian word, "Tana-see," meaning "The Meeting Place." Tennessee is particularly rich in official state symbols. While there are several different colors among the iris, the purple iris is commonly accepted as the state flower. The passion flower was adopted as the state flower in 1919 by local school children. The choice was confirmed by Senate Joint Resolution 51, adopted by the 68th General Assembly in 1933. Iris Iridaceae . Mockingbird ~ Mimus polyglottos Intensely territorial, the Mockingbird stands ready to attack any creature that invades his domain, especially fellow Mockingbirds. The passion flower was adopted as the state flower in 1919 by local school children. Asked in Tennessee, Slogans and Mottos What is … The tulip and mocking bird. The northern mockingbird is the official state bird of Tennessee. Accordingly, a vote was taken, and the passion flower, Passiflora incarnata, was chosen. The trouble was, Tennessee already had a state flower! State Nickname: Volunteer State State Bird: Mockingbird State Slogan: America at its Best State Flower: Iris State Motto: Volunteer State State Tree: Tulip Poplar State Horse: Tennessee Walking Horse As of 1998 the list includes the flag, capitol and seal, two birds, two flowers, two fish, two rocks, two trees, eight songs, a poem, four insects, a reptile, an amphibian, a gem, a wild animal, and a folk dance–thirty-one in all.