State Tree Of North Carolina
Pine Tree Is The Official State Tree Of North Carolina. The pine tree (no specific type) was designated as the official State tree In 1963. Despite Popular Belief, no single species of pine is designated as the official North Carolina State Tree. Many people believe that the longleaf pine is the state tree; indeed, many websites still list this species as one of North Carolina’s official symbols. This is probably due to the State Toast, which begins “Here’s to the land of the longleaf pine….” However, with eight species native to North Carolina (eastern white, loblolly, longleaf, pitch, pond, shortleaf, table mountain, and Virginia), the 1963 legislature decided not to favor one at the expense of the other seven.
The Pine tree is the most common trees found in North Carolina, as well as the most important one in the history of our State. During the Colonial and early Statehood periods, the pine was a vital part of the economy of North Carolina. From it came many of the “naval stores” – resin, turpentine, and timber – needed by merchants and the navy for their ships. The State Tree Of North Carolina pine has continued to supply North Carolina with many important wood products, particularly in the building industry.
Identification of the Longleaf Pine
North Carolina State Tree Longleaf pine is an evergreen conifer that got its common name for having the longest leaves of the eastern pine species. The needlelike leaves, which come in bundles of three, can grow up to 18 inches long! Mature trees stand 80 to 100 feet tall. The single trunk, which is covered in thick, scaly bark, reaches up to 3 feet in diameter.
Leaf: State Tree Of North Carolina Fine Leaf is Evergreen, very long and feathery (8 to 18 inches long), with three dark green needles per fascicle.
Flower: The Flowers Of North Carolina State Tree Is Monoecious; males yellow-red, long, in clusters; females oval, purple.
Fruit: Very large (largest cone in the Eastern U. S. –6 to 10 inches long), ovoid to conical in shape, sessile. Scales are red-brown in color. The umbo is armed with a curved prickle. Maturing September to October.
Bark: Tree Bark Is Quite scaly, orange-brown to gray, will eventually develop plates.
Form: A medium-sized tree with a straight trunk, coarse branches and tufted needles at ends of branches.
