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North Carolina’s state tree is the pine, with no specific species designated due to the presence of eight native species. Pine played a vital role in the state’s history and continues to provide lumber for construction. The state also has an official Christmas tree and designated state flower, wildflower, vegetable, and carnivorous plant. North Carolina was one of the original 13 colonies and is nicknamed “The Tar Heel State” and “The Old North State.”
North Carolina’s state tree is the pine, according to the 1963 General Assembly official designation. No single species was designated due to the fact that there are eight species of pine native to the state. Pine trees grow rapidly and can adapt to changing soil conditions in this state, which features areas of sandy soil, rich earth, and red clay. Pines were an important state resource in colonial times, and in modern times, pines provide lumber for construction.
Some sources refer to a specific species, the longleaf pine, as the state tree of North Carolina. This confusion appears to stem from the longleaf pine reference in the official state toast. In fact, due to the ubiquity of pines of various species throughout the state, the official state tree of North Carolina does not refer to a specific species. Pine types native to North Carolina include Virginia pine, longleaf pine, pitch pine, loblolly pine, and eastern white pine.
The pine was chosen as the state tree of North Carolina for its role in the state’s nickname “The Tar Heel State.” Until the mid-1800s, pine trees were vital in this area for producing most of the tar, turpentine, rosin, and pitch for use throughout the United States. As of 2011, pine wood still plays an important role as the source of nearly half of the lumber used in the construction industry.
In addition to being the state tree of North Carolina, the pine or a specific variety of pine has been designated an official state tree in nine other U.S. states. These states are Idaho, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Alabama, Maine, Arkansas, Michigan and Montana. North Carolina has also designated an official state Christmas tree: the Fraser Fir.
The state flower is the American dogwood, while the official wildflower is the Carolina lily. The state vegetable is the sweet potato. North Carolina has also named the Venus flytrap as the state’s official carnivorous plant.
North Carolina was one of 13 original colonies developed along the Atlantic coast of what is now the United States. The state takes its name from King Charles I, who granted charter for the colonization of this area. In addition to being called the Tar Heel State, North Carolina is also nicknamed “The Old North State,” as referred to in the title of the state song.
