Trees generally thrive in specific environments. In the US, for instance, certain trees are indigenous to certain states, and therefore, are designated state trees. A state tree is usually linked to the history of the named state, its uses, or how important the timber industry is to the state’s economy, as reported by the U.S. National Arboretum. For instance, the state of Delaware designated the American Holly its state tree in 1939 because at that time, Delaware was the leading exporter of holly Christmas wreaths in the US. The rapid agricultural and industrial expansion in the 1800s and early 1900s also compelled most states to adopt state trees to promote environmental conservation. States also choose their emblems depending on factors such as their natural treasures, cultural heritage, landmarks, as well as the attributes of the symbol.
Here are 50 interesting facts about state trees across the US.
1. Longleaf pine — Alabama
Of all the eastern pine tree species, the longleaf pine has the longest needle-like leaves that grow up to 18 inches long.
This tree finds its name from the fact that its seeds are surrounded by cotton-like hairs.
Giant cottonwood tree with fall foliage. Image via shutterstock/marekuliasz
7. Southern Live Oak — Georgia
Its branches grow upward before changing the direction to grow downward, touching the ground in some instances. The branches eventually change the direction to grow upward again.
Row of live oak trees with blooming azaleas in the background. Image via shutterstock/Jessob
8. Pecan — Texas
The pecan tree has softwood that is mostly used in making floors and furniture.
Texas rural view of grass field with pecan tree on background. image via shutterstock/GSPhotography
9. Pine — North Carolina
There are 100 species of pine trees, growing up to anywhere from 4 feet to 150 feet.
Pine forest grove trail view. Image via shutterstock/Kostya Zatulin
10. White Oak — Connecticut
This tree produces acorns, which were used as food by native Americans.
Closeup of Oak seedling sprouting from acorn in greenhouse tray. Image via shutterstock/Dan4Earth
11. Northern Red Oak — New Jersey
Its leaves produce a beautiful russet-red to bright red colors in the fall, and its acorns are great treats for pets.
Branches of red oak with red leaves hanging from the top. Image via shutterstock/anmbph
12. Piñon Pine — New Mexico
This tree produces yellow-green needles that can remain on it for up to 8 or 9 years.
Pinyon pine tree on the rim of a desert canyon. Image via shutterstock/Andrew Orlemann
13. Sabal Palm — South Carolina
The trunk of this tree was used to construct the walls of the South Carolina fort in 1776.
Three Sabal palm trees. Image via shutterstock/LVV
14. Sugar Maple — New York
This tree is highly adaptable, and therefore, it can grow in most parts of the U.S., except the southern Pacific Coast and the Gulf Coast.
Sugar maple leaves in autumn. Image via shutterstock/Zamada
15. Western Hemlock — Washington
Due to its high tannin content, Native Americans used the bark of this tree as a cleansing solution and tanning agent.
Western Hemlock trees line the road into the Hoh Rainforest, part of Olympic National Park on the peninsula of western Washington state, United States. Image via shutterstock/Abbie Warnock-Matthews
16. Sitka Spruce — Alaska
This is the third tallest conifer species in the world, and can grow up to 300 feet tall.
Sitka Spruce on Coast. Image via shutterstock/C S Perry Jr
17. Colorado Blue Spruce — Colorado
This tree was discovered in 1862 on top of Pike Peak in Colorado, and was named by C.C. Parry, a botanist, due to its silver-blue color.
Beautiful young Colorado blue spruce growing on plantation. Image via shutterstock/barmalini
18. Bur Oak — Iowa
Of all the oaks, this tree is the most resistant to fire and drought, and cold. It also grows faster and lives longer than other oak species.
View of rural road with large bur oak tree on nice spring day. Image via shutterstock/LanaG
19. Ohio Buckeye — Ohio
This tree produces nuts that resemble the color and shape of deer’s eyes, and that’s why it’s called Buckeye.
Ohio tree with Buckeyes on it. Image via shutterstock/Denise Ann
20. White Oak — Illinois
This is the tallest among the oak species, and it grows up to 150 feet.
A field on which grows one beautiful tall oak tree. Image via shutterstock/Soloveva Kseniia
21. Tulip Tree — Indiana
The flowers of this tree resemble tulips, and that’s where its name originates.
Low-Key Tulip Poplar Flower and Leaves. Image via shutterstock/Lee Reese
22. Eastern Cottonwood — Kansas
While the bark of this tree is usually used as food for horses, humans can also include its sweet sprouts and inner bark in their diets.
Early summer eastern cottonwood tree or leaves and seed capsules against blue sky. Image via shutterstock/Merrimon Crawford
23. Tulip Tree — Kentucky
One of the unique characteristics of the Tulip tree is that it has a straight bark.
American Tulip Tree. Image via shutterstock/COULANGES
24. White Oak — Maryland
Although many pests attack the White Oak, wood borers cause the most economic damage since they invade the lumber and cause defects when the tree is still standing.
Garry Oak, also know as Oregon White Oak tree in Central Oregon near Dufur. Image via shutterstock/Dee Browning
25. Southern Magnolia — Mississippi
The scent produced by one Southern Magnolia is strong enough to perfume a whole garden.
Magnolia grandiflora (Southern magnolia). Image via shutterstock/Vahan Abrahamyan
