Topline:
California now has an official state snake and state shrub, adding to its long list of state symbols. How’s that for alliteration?
New state shrub and snake: The big berry manzanita (Arctostaphylos glauca) and the giant gartersnake (Thamnophis gigas) are now official representatives of the state of California. “Our state symbols celebrate California’s uniqueness, especially our distinctive ecosystems,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a cheeky statement announcing the news on Thursday.
More about manzanitas: The big berry manzanita is a poignant reminder of resilience amid California’s extreme weather cycles. The native shrub is highly adapted to wildfire, spreading seeds and rapidly regenerating after burning. Its complex root system helps combat erosion — especially during mudslides after a fire — and allows the shrub to thrive in dry soils.
Reptile reporting: Though snakes may make you recoil, they’re essential parts of our ecosystems. The giant gartersnake is unique to California, found only in the Central Valley. It is the largest of all garter snakes — some have been documented at more than 5 feet long!
But don’t worry, the aquatic snake only eats prey like small fish, tadpoles and frogs. Sadly, agriculture, water diversion and pesticides have shrunk its habitat and led to a more than 90% decline in its population in the last century.
"If no one knows it exists, no one will work to save it," said Michael Starkey, founder of nonprofit Save the Snakes, which led the campaign to get the giant gartersnake designated as a state symbol.
Other state symbols: The new state snake and shrub join a long list of other state symbols. Those include run-of-the-mill types of symbols such as the state animal — the grizzly bear, which is now extinct in the state despite its presence on our flag — and the state flower, the California poppy. Then there are the less-usual symbols, such as denim, the state fabric, and Augustynolophus morrisi, the duck-billed state dinosaur.