State symbols grow in Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A state senator believes Missouri residents have "grape" taste and that they feel strongly that the grass is greener on the Missouri side of the fence.

Sen. Sarah Steelman has filed bills to add the Norton/Cynthiana grape and "Big Bluestem" grass to the list of official state symbols. She said the Norton grape and Big Bluestem grass are both durable species -- just like Missourians.

"We are a hardy group of people," the second-term Rolla Republican said Thursday.

Last year, lawmakers passed and the governor signed legislation with some legs -- the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse became the official state horse. But a bill designating "Menfro soil" as the official state soil didn't get off the ground.

Steelman, whose district includes many wineries and grape growers, is optimistic about the chances for her legislation.

Missouri has more acres of Norton grapes than of the more familiar Chardonel and Concord grapes, according to the Missouri Wine and Grape Advisory Board.

"It has a bit of a woody taste but with blackberry mixed in, and it has a wonderful bouquet," Steelman said of wine made from Norton grapes. "It definitely has contributed to the well-being of my district."

Steelman said the Big Bluestem grass bill is supported by a group of fourth-grade students who are to discuss the legislation before a Senate committee next week.

"It is a very durable grass and you find it predominantly in Missouri," Steelman said. "They think it serves the purpose of preventing erosion."

Missouri now has 16 official state symbols, including the mule as state animal, the catfish as state fish, the bluebird as state bird, the honeybee as state insect and the paddlefish as state aquatic animal.