Book excerpt: From the white pine of Maine's' northeastern forests, westward to the yellow hibiscus of Hawaii's Polynesian islands, our states's official botanical symbols are as uniquely diverse as the terrain and character of the 50 states themselves. In this reference book over 200 state botanical symbols are presented with informative text that highlights their adoptive legislation, botanical and social history. Color photo montages add visual interest to the pages. Alan McPherson is a naturalist who resides in northern Indiana and enjoys traveling and learning about the botanical resources our our vast country.