Michigan’s state tree is the eastern white pine, chosen in 1955 to commemorate the state’s contribution to the lumber industry. It is the largest evergreen in the Eastern US and found throughout Michigan, especially in the Upper Peninsula. The tree’s bark turns grayish brown as it matures and its needles are typically blue. The tree can withstand harsh winters, but young seedlings may need protection.
Michigan’s state tree is the eastern white pine, a tall evergreen variety characterized by blue needles, yellow flowers in spring, and medium-sized cones. This specimen was chosen as the official state tree in 1955, in large part to commemorate Michigan’s contribution to the lumber industry during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Like Michigan’s state tree, the pine eastern white is found throughout the area. It is abundant in the Upper Peninsula, which is the northern part of the state, which borders Canada.; this is mainly due to limited development in that region of the Great Lakes State. It is often logged to supply lumber, firewood or paper products.
Eastern White Pine is the largest evergreen tree in the Eastern United States. Many specimens grow to between 80 and 100 feet (24.4 to 30.5 m) tall when fully mature. This state tree normally grows very tall and straight, but its branches near the top can extend anywhere from 20 to 40 feet (6.1 to 12.2 m). Like the Michigan State Tree, there are many specimens that are between 200 and 400 years old found here.
When the tree is very young, its bark is normally light gray, but turns grayish brown as the plant matures. This bark is thinner on a young tree than on a mature one, but is slightly smooth to the touch, regardless of the tree’s age. The Michigan state tree gets its name from the wood it produces, as it is normally pale white in color.
While the needles of this tree typically appear blue, they can sometimes be blue-green or even silver. They normally come in groups of five to seven strands and are clustered on either side of a long, woody stem. Most needles are between 5 and 7 inches (12.7 to 17.78 cm) in length. All the needles in a group can have the same length or each one can have a different length from the others.
Eastern white pine is normally able to withstand the harsh winters of this region. An exception is young seedlings, which may need protection from the elements during their first growing season. This is especially true when planted along the shores of the Great Lakes, as high winds from these waters are often followed by periods of heavy snow and ice that can damage the tree’s branches.
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