U.S. State and Territorial Trees: A Botanical Overview of Official Symbols
Across the United States, from the rugged coastlines of Alaska to the tropical landscapes of Guam, various states, federal districts, and territories have designated official trees to represent their unique natural heritage. These botanical symbols serve as emblems of regional identity, reflecting the diverse ecosystems and climates found throughout the nation.
This article provides a comprehensive look at the official trees of U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and various territories, including their common names and scientific names—the formal, two-part Latin nomenclature used by biologists to identify specific species.
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Key Facts
- Official tree designations vary widely, with some states having multiple trees (such as California) and others having none listed (such as American Samoa).
- The Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is a popular choice, serving as the official tree for New York, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
- The White oak (Quercus alba) is a recurring symbol, officially representing Connecticut, Illinois, and Maryland.
- Some territories, like Puerto Rico, use trees like the Ceiba as popular cultural symbols, even if they lack formal official adoption.
- Designations were established at different times, ranging from the early 20th century to as recently as 2014 in Utah.
Diversity of Species Across the Nation
The botanical diversity of the United States is reflected in the wide variety of tree species chosen as state symbols. In the southern regions, you will find species like the Sabal palm (Sabal palmetto) in Florida and South Carolina, and the Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) in Mississippi.
In contrast, the western and northern states often favor conifers and hardy species. For example, Alaska recognizes the Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), while Nevada honors both the Single-leaf pinyon (Pinus monophylla) and the Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva).
Regional Botanical Trends
Certain families of trees appear frequently across different jurisdictions. The Pinus genus (pines) is highly represented, including the Longleaf pine in Alabama, the Loblolly pine in Arkansas, and the Ponderosa pine in Montana. Similarly, the Quercus genus (oaks) is a staple of American identity, with species like the Red oak and Live oak appearing in multiple state lists.
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Comprehensive List of Official Trees
The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the official trees, their scientific classifications, and the year they were designated for various states and territories.
| State, District, or Territory | Common Name | Scientific Name | Year Designated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Longleaf pine | Pinus palustris | 1949 (clarified 1997) |
| Alaska | Sitka spruce | Picea sitchensis | 1962 |
| Arizona | Blue palo verde | Parkinsonia florida | 1954 |
| Arkansas | Loblolly pine | Pinus taeda | 1939 |
| California | Coast redwood / Giant sequoia | Sequoia sempervirens / Sequoiadendron giganteum | 1937 |
| Colorado | Colorado blue spruce | Picea pungens | 1939 |
| Connecticut | White oak | Quercus alba | 1947 |
| Delaware | American holly | Ilex opaca | 1939 |
| District of Columbia | Scarlet oak | Quercus coccinea | 1960 |
| Florida | Sabal palm | Sabal palmetto | 1953 |
| Georgia | Southern live oak | Quercus virginiana | 1937 |
| Guam | Ifit (Pacific teak) | Intsia bijuga | 1969 |
| Hawaii | Candlenut tree (kukui) | Aleurites moluccanus | 1959 |
| Idaho | Western white pine | Pinus monticola | 1935 |
| Illinois | White oak | Quercus alba | 1973 |
| Indiana | Tulip tree | Liriodendron tulipifera | 1931 |
| Iowa | Oak (variety unspecified) | Quercus spp. | 1961 |
| Kansas | Eastern cottonwood | Populus deltoides | 1937 |
| Kentucky | Tulip poplar | Liriodendron tulipifera | 1994 |
| Louisiana | Bald cypress | Taxodium distichum | 1963 |
| Maine | Eastern white pine | Pinus strobus | 1945 |
| Maryland | White oak | Quercus alba | 1941 |
| Massachusetts | American elm | Ulmus americana | 1941 |
| Michigan | Eastern white pine | Pinus strobus | 1955 |
| Minnesota | Red pine | Pinus resinosa | 1953 |
| Mississippi | Southern magnolia | Magnolia grandiflora | 1952 |
| Missouri | Flowering dogwood | Cornus florida | 1955 |
| Montana | Ponderosa pine | Pinus ponderosa | 1949 |
| Nebraska | Eastern cottonwood | Populus deltoides | 1972 |
| Nevada | Single-leaf pinyon / Bristlecone pine | Pinus monophylla / Pinus longaeva | 1959 / 1987 |
| New Hampshire | American white birch | Betula papyrifera | 1947 |
| New Jersey | Northern red oak | Quercus rubra | 1950 |
| New Mexico | Piñon pine | Pinus edulis | 1949 |
| New York | Sugar maple | Acer saccharum | 1956 |
| North Carolina | Pine | Pinus | 1963 |
| North Dakota | American elm | Ulmus americana | 1947 |
| Northern Mariana Islands | Flame tree | Delonix regia | 1979 |
| Ohio | Ohio buckeye | Aesculus glabra | 1953 |
| Oklahoma | Eastern redbud | Cercis canadensis | 1971 |
| Oregon | Douglas fir | Pseudotsuga menziesii | 1939 |
| Pennsylvania | Eastern hemlock | Tsuga canadensis | 1931 |
| Rhode Island | Red maple | Acer rubrum | 1964 |
| South Carolina | Sabal palm | Sabal palmetto | 1939 |
| South Dakota | Black Hills spruce | Picea glauca var. densata | 1947 |
| Tennessee | Tulip-tree | Liriodendron tulipifera | 1947 |
| Texas | Pecan | Carya illinoinensis | 1919 |
| Utah | Quaking aspen | Populus tremuloides | 2014 |
| Vermont | Sugar maple | Acer saccharum | 1949 |
| Virginia | Flowering dogwood | Cornus florida | 1956 |
| Washington | Western hemlock | Tsuga heterophylla | 1947 |
| West Virginia | Sugar maple | Acer saccharum | 1949 |
| Wisconsin | Sugar maple | Acer saccharum | 1949 |
| Wyoming | Plains cottonwood | Populus deltoides monilifera | 1947 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has the most official trees?
California recognizes two official trees: the Coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and the Giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum).
Does Puerto Rico have an official state tree?
While the Ceiba (Ceiba pentandra) was proposed by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture and remains a popular symbol, it has not been officially adopted as the state tree.
Which tree is the most common state symbol?
The Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is one of the most frequent, serving as the official tree for New York, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Are there any territories without an official tree?
Yes, American Samoa and the United States Virgin Islands do not have an official tree listed in the provided records.
What is the scientific name for the Texas state tree?
The official tree of Texas is the Pecan, which has the scientific name Carya illinoinensis.