Maryland State Bird, Insect, and Flower  

Our great state of Maryland has chosen a trio of important native species as its state bird, insect, and flower: the Baltimore oriole, the Baltimore checkerspot, and the black-eyed Susan. Senate Bill 74 would designate the American persimmon as our state fruit, turning that trio into a beautiful quartet. The American persimmon is a host plant for more than 45 butterfly and moth species and attracts many species of native bees. Those butterflies and moths provide caterpillars for baby birds, and without those native bees, flowering plants cannot mature to provide nectar and seeds for adult birds. An earlier version of the bill did not specify our native American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), leaving the door open for numerous Asian varieties, which would provide little benefit. The amended bill has passed the Senate; we urge you to send an email to your House delegate, encouraging them to vote yes to make the American persimmon our state fruit.