What is Pennsylvanias state tree?

Answer 1

The Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), the state tree of Pennsylvania, is one of the dominant trees of the Commonwealth's forests. The tree can grow to a height greater than one hundred feet and is found in every Pennsylvania county, but most commonly in the mountainous regions. This slow-growing long-lived tree thrives in the shade and may take 250 to 300 years to fully mature and may live for 800 years or more. The hemlock, identified as an evergreen tree, has flat needles 1/3-2/3-inch long and 1/2-3/4-inch cones that mature from September to October. Hemlocks were major assets in the lives' of the State's first settlers because they were used to build log homes and protect settlers' families from weather and other dangers. Soon, the eastern hemlock was a major contributor to Pennsylvania's industry. By the end of the 19th century, hemlock bark was the major source of tannin for the leather industry. In 1896 in the Commonwealth alone, over 1.3 billion board feet of hemlock was harvested. The bark was sent to tanneries and the logs to sawmills. In 1896 the "Father of Pennsylvania Forestry" Dr. Joseph T. Rothrock stated, "If Pennsylvania were to select one tree as characteristic of our State, nothing would be better than the Hemlock". A.J. Downing, the father of landscape gardening in America, called the hemlock the most picturesque and beautiful of the world's evergreens. In 1927, the Pennsylvania legislature debated the merits of several nominations for the State tree, but no decision was reached. In 1931 lawmakers were again asked to make a ruling, and after considerable debate, the eastern hemlock was adopted June 22, 1931.

Answer 2

The Pennsylvania State tree is the Hemlock.