Pennsylvania’s state tree is the Eastern Hemlock, which is an evergreen conifer found throughout the state. It was chosen for its beauty, prevalence, and historical significance. The tree was heavily used for lumber and tanning in the past, but conservation efforts have helped restore it. Unfortunately, the hemlock woolly adelgid has led to the destruction of many trees. The Eastern Hemlock is important for the ecosystem and provides habitat and food for various animals.
Pennsylvania’s state tree is the eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis, and was decided by the state in 1931. It is an evergreen conifer found throughout the state, but more often in mountainous areas because it tends to prefer cool, climates shady and moist, well-drained soil. The trees are capable of growing over 100 feet tall and living to be approximately 800 years old; they are relatively slow growing trees. Unfortunately, the hemlock woolly adelgid – an insect from Asia – was introduced as an invasive species to the United States in the 1920s and feeds on the hemlock, leading to the destruction of many trees across North America. After being infested, trees typically cannot live for more than a few years.
There were a number of reasons the Eastern Hemlock was selected as Pennsylvania’s state tree, one of which is because the tree is so prolific throughout the state and because it contributes to the beautiful scenic views year round, even after deciduous trees lose their leaves. Hemlock was also called the most “picturesque and beautiful” of all evergreen trees by AJ Downing in the early 1900s as well. Before hemlock became Pennsylvania’s state tree, it was one of the trees most used by early settlers.
The lumber produced from Eastern Hemlock is strong and lasts for several years, making it a good choice for home construction. The bark of the tree was also used as a primary source of tannin, an acidic compound used in leather making. Pennsylvania forests were almost completely stripped of hemlock in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to the practice of tanning; fortunately, subsequent conservation efforts have helped restore the trees in this area. It was in part due to these conservation efforts and improved forest management practices that the eastern hemlock would become Pennsylvania’s state tree. Today, the trees can be used to make some paper products.
It is important to recognize that the Eastern Hemlock is not only Pennsylvania’s state tree, but it is an important component of the ecosystem and also provides habitat and food for a number of different animals. White-tailed deer, rabbits, squirrels, and other rodents all feed on hemlock, especially in the winter when other food sources become more scarce. It also provides habitat for some birds.
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