South Carolina State Flower

Submitted by Desire'e on Tue, 10/19/2021 - 08:38

The indigenous fragrant Yellow Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) was adopted by the General Assembly as the official State Flower on February 1, 1924. It is a climbing woody vine with evergreen leaves and blooms small, fragrant yellow flowers. 

South Carolina State Spider

Submitted by Desire'e on Tue, 10/19/2021 - 08:27

The skittish Carolina Wolf Spider (Hogna carolinensis) was designated as the official State Spider by Act Number 389 of 2000. The Carolina Wolf Spider is the largest species of wolf spider in North America. While skittish and large, the wolf spider is generally not aggressive. 

South Carolina State Reptile

Submitted by Desire'e on Mon, 10/18/2021 - 16:30

The Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) was designated as the official State Reptile by Act Number 588 of 1988 as a result of a request by a fifth-grade class from the town, Ninety-six in Greenwood County. South Carolina's coast is one of the Loggerhead nesting areas, and nest protection projects have been established along the South Carolina coast to increase hatchling productivity. 

South Carolina State Insect

Submitted by Desire'e on Mon, 10/18/2021 - 16:21

The native Carolina Mantid (Stagmomantis Carolina) was designated as the official State Insect by Act Number 591 of 1988. As a beneficial insect, the Carolina Mantid consumes pest insects that could otherwise damage or destroy flowers and produce.